Sponsored Editorial

It can be somewhat daunting to stand before the job market and not know what to do or how exactly to start.

Employers receive hundreds of CVs, particularly if the position to be filled is exciting and has many benefits, meaning that candidates need to make sure that their CV stands out from the rest.

Creating a CV from scratch can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process, and a template provides a pre-designed structure and layout, allowing you to focus your time on personalization and filling in the correct information.

However, while your CV does need to be fantastic, it will take more than a sound CV to get into the next application round or even grab the job. In this guide, let's take a deep dive into the working world and explain what may get you further than the rest.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND

The first step is to make a list of things that you do well and also enjoy doing. While the main objective of a job is to bring money home, you should also consider your mental well-being and thrive in your new position. Going to work every day of the week can add structure to your life and give you more of a purpose, ensuring that you can live a more balanced and happy life.

Keen an open mind when it comes to work and possible roles as you could surprise yourself with what you can do. Of course, one can't apply for positions where a specific university degree is needed if one doesn't have it, but the sky really is the limit in the new world we live in. There are positions that offer education leave and even pay a part of that education.

Once you have made your list, which not only serves to specify what you're good at, but also aids in building your self confidence, something that you're going to need when you do get a personal interview, the next step is to get your CV right. It cannot be stressed enough that this is the first impression a potential employer will get of you, meaning that things like spelling mistakes can't be present.

A fantastic idea is to get a CV template that allows you to fill in your personal information and already has the right structure and outline, saving you lots of time. Here are CV templates that you could make use of and that could help you stand out from the crowd.

WHY CV TEMPLATES ARE BENEFICIAL

The job market is pretty competitive, but this shouldn't stop you from trying and ultimately applying. A good start is to create job alerts so that you are one of the first to know about an open position. Then, it's time to polish that CV. Using a CV template is beneficial for many reasons, one of which is that it can help you remember important sections to include.

If you sit down to start drafting your CV from scratch, you may forget certain things that you wanted to let the potential employer know, things that make you special and unique. CV templates are great here as they allow you to fill in sections as well as delete some that perhaps don't apply to you and give you good examples of what a terrific CV looks like.

Another reason that templates are helpful is that they assist in letting your thoughts flow when you get stuck, ensuring that you don't give up before you even get going.

Templates will help to ensure a consistent look and feel throughout the document. This is something that employers subconsciously look for as it shows how your actual work could look in practice. If you put in effort and present a consistent document that makes sense and simultaneously looks appealing, this speaks to you as a person and gives a preview of what working with you will be like in future.

A consistent format and layout will make it easier for employers and recruiters to quickly scan and read your CV, helping them gain access to the right information immediately.

Inspiration is another thing that templates provide, especially if you look for templates that have been designed and drafted by HR and recruitment professionals. People in the HR field know exactly what they're looking for in a CV as they'll be the ones skimming them and deciding on the shortlist for the position.

Drawing on their knowledge is a good idea as you will get expert insight, advice and real information within the template as opposed to generic placeholder text. This attention to detail and additional information may make all the difference when it comes time to fill in your personal details and highlight your most demonstrable achievements.

KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL

Templates often use professional design elements, icons and modern fonts, which will also lay the foundation and guide you in the direction of what language to use and where to use it. This can help you create a highly polished and professional-looking CV.

However, keep in mind that recruiters see and read through hundreds of CVs most days and they won't want to see the same things on every resume. So, the key is to use the template that you've selected, but also incorporate personal details and relay them in a professional manner when you reach out to recruiters.

Templates are intended to be easy to use and then customize, even if you have limited design or writing experience. Don't be afraid to give it a go, especially with the impressive templates on the market which make it possible to create a stunning CV in no time.

BE HONEST

There are some companies, industries or regions that have specific requirements surrounding the format and content of a CV and a template can help ensure you include the right information and meet these standards.

As much as you may want the job, it's essential to always be honest and open about your qualifications and work experience. There is a major difference between embellishing and telling an outright lie. Embellishing in a CV is kind of commonplace because everyone wants to portray themselves in the best light and win over potential employers.

This is perfectly okay if you can then also keep up with what you've said and deliver what you've promised. There's no point in making something up and then not being able to perform if you do get the job. It will save you lots of time and possible embarrassment to be honest about what you've done, experienced and achieved.

A company should want to hire you for you, there's really no reason to be anyone else. Furthermore, there are some CV red flags that employers look out for, so be sure not to raise those.

THINGS TO BE CAUTIOUS AND AWARE OF

Templates are incredibly helpful and assist in saving you time. However, there are a few things to note so that you don't make a mistake when using a template. You run the risk of making your CV look similar to other applicants—something that you are going to want to steer clear of. It's highly unlikely that you'll pick a template used by someone else applying to the same job as you, but it is worth mentioning that a template should be used as an outline and not as the finished product.

It was correctly stated above that consistency is key and can contribute to the professionalism of the finished document. However, while the consistency offered by a CV template is beneficial in one sense, it can also make your CV a tad rigid if you don't personalize it to suit your style and customize it to your specific needs. These points are not necessarily negative in any way, it's just good to be informed and aware, since the goal is to grab the attention of recruiters and have your CV stand out and make a splash.

THE NEXT STEPS

So your CV is fantastic thanks to a CV template and you are confident about your chances. That's great! The next step is that you may receive a call either offering you an in-person interview or an email to confirm a time and place for a chat. Don't be stressed at all because your CV is your guide to what you're going to say. Make sure that you read and reread it, that you write down any questions you may have, and that you know your previous work experience and can answer anything posed to you. There is nothing to be worried about, the person(s) interviewing you is just doing their job and they are not looking to tear you down, they simply want to fill a position and find a suitable person to do that.

When the time comes to ask questions, make sure that you ask some. Make a list beforehand, it shows that you are interested and want to learn. Another good idea is to research the company that you are applying to, they will appreciate your interest and diligence. Try to be as prepared as possible and read the room. It goes without saying that being on time is a must and respect for the interviewer is also a top priority, address them as Mister or Miss and not by their first name, unless they offer the option, then you can of course address them by their preferred salutation.

There are a number of factors that can influence your chances of landing a job, some of which you have little influence over. However, the things that you do have an influence on are how your CV looks and reads, whether you come to an interview on time and prepared, as well as whether you show respect to the person interviewing you and put your best foot forward.

Also, keep in mind that it's not personal, the people involved in the hiring process are making business decisions, meaning that you shouldn't be discouraged if the first job you apply for isn't the one you get. As the saying goes, do not fear failure, but rather fear not trying.