CV Profiles – Sore thumb or one of the herd?

Let’s talk CV profiles….

“I am motivated, hard working, driven, ambitious, and have a can-do attitude”

You may well be all of those things, I have seen it all before though and so have many hiring authorities. Frankly we are all sick of seeing the same old thing!

Sounds Harsh?

I have been helping people find jobs in Bristol for years. I can’t say how many, however I have read lots of CV’s.

The UK is experiencing high levels of Unemployment.  There are jobs in Bristol, jobs in the South West, there is just more competition applying for those jobs.

Your CV is landing in the inbox or on the desk with multiple applications, one of the first things visible is the CV profile.

“A CV profile is the chance to encourage the reader to learn more about you, not deter them by making yourself look like  one of the herd”

The reality is..

The majority of CV profiles I read, It makes me wonder if  the writers aren’t all sat in one room, looking over the shoulder of the person in front, frantically scribbling down word for word what they are writing, like some last dash exam deadline panic.

“As long as it’s for the right reasons sticking out like a sore thumb is an excellent thing!”

4 Random CV’s from my Database.

I am a hard working person, motivated &  who finds it easy to learn new tasks…

Enthusiastic and highly motivated, a quick learner…

I am motivated, conscientious and hardworking in whatever I do.

I am an adaptable, conscientious, enthusiastic and self-motivated.

I am a dynamic person with great levels of achievement.  I excel at networking, negotiating the best outcome at director level and at closing down a sale within a set time frame.

Imagine you are the HR manager of a company, reading through thousands of CV’s. You want someone that stands out, which one would you choose to read on?

Evidence, Evidence, Evidence.

Here’s some pointers for you to write more compelling CV profiles..

Carry out a psychometric test, use the summary results (if accurate) as your CV profile.

Get imaginative, talk about your achievements and break the sheep mentality.

Make your profile relevant to the key attributes of the role. It’s unlikely hungry and wanting to build an empire would be appropriate for the volunteers job in the local charity shop.

Remember school essays?   Make a point, then give evidence, CV profiles are no different.

And to end here’s an example of what I mean. Let’s say I am applying for a sales job.

Compelling CV profiles

“I have worked in sales since I was 16.  My commitment and drive was demonstrated by my rapid promotion through a leading UK banking group. I make things happen,  this was demonstrated by organising a charity event, which raised thousands for great causes and pulled together some of the UK’s leading business minds, the efforts featured on BBC TV, Radio and various magazines”.

How much more compelling is this compared with I am motivated, hard working, driven, and have a can-do attitude?

Remember recruitment consultants can be very lazy, and often just want to earn a fee. Some, not all want a synopsis handed on a plate, so if you are working with an agent, make yourself saleable and do their job for them almost! It’s about you getting a career, so make it happen!