Writing a CV especially one that immediately speaks to employers, compelling them to call you or reach out via email to learn more, isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes time and effort, sometimes, a lot of waiting for feedback.
When you consider the fact that potentially hundreds or even thousands of other candidates are applying for the same single job as you, it’s easy to see why writing a CV that really entices employers at first glance is so important.
So how do you write a CV that reflects your true value to employers when you’re contending for their attention, or when there’s a good chance your resume is going through an applicant tracking system instead of landing on an actual person’s desk?
How to Write a CV that Reflects Your True Value
- Identify your core values
Before you start writing your CV, take some time to think about what matters most to you in your work and life. What are the principles, beliefs, and standards that guide your decisions and actions? What are the causes, issues, or missions that you care about? Write down a list of your core values and rank them in order of importance. This will help you clarify your purpose and direction, as well as align your CV with your ideal job and employer.
Start by pinpointing what values are most important to you in your career. Are you driven by innovation, commitment to sustainability, or dedication to teamwork and collaboration? Then, incorporate these values into your CV by aligning your achievements, experiences, and skills with them. For example, if teamwork is a key value, highlight projects of teamwork or collaboration, or even leadership roles that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with others. This approach ensures that your CV resonates with organizations that share your values, increasing the likelihood of a meaningful and fulfilling career match. By adding your values to your CV, you are presenting an authentic version of yourself to potential employers.
- Highlight your value proposition
This is where you link your values to what you bring to the table. Your value proposition is the unique blend of skills and experiences that you offer. It’s what sets you apart from other candidates and shows how you can add value to the organization. To write a strong value proposition, you need to understand the needs, goals, and challenges of your target employer and industry. Then, you need to align your qualifications and accomplishments to those needs, using specific examples and quantifiable results. Use your value proposition as the basis of your CV summary or objective, as well as your bullet points and keywords. You should think about what employers are looking for when it comes to the specific role you are going after. Think about the problems you usually solve in this role and make yourself look like you’re a pro at providing the solutions. You don’t need to understand all of the needs, goals, and challenges of the employer or the industry. You need a roundabout idea of what it takes to do the job efficiently and effectively. The job descriptions should tell you everything you need to know and that’s what you align your CV to. For example: each role in your CV, highlight achievements and responsibilities that align with your values. If sustainability is a core value, detail projects where you implemented green initiatives or practices. Articulating your unique value proposition on your CV sets you apart. It’s not just about the roles you’ve held, but how you’ve made a difference.
- Showcase your values in action
Your CV should not only state your values, but also demonstrate how you live by them. One way to do this is to include relevant examples of your values in action in your work history, education, and volunteer sections. For instance, if one of your values is social responsibility, you can mention how you participated in a community service project, initiated a sustainability initiative, or donated to a charity. If one of your values is creativity, you can highlight how you solved a problem, developed a new product, or improved a process. Use action verbs and metrics to illustrate the impact of your actions. Showcasing your values in action on your CV makes your application more authentic and memorable. By demonstrating how you live your values through your work, you not only present yourself as a candidate with integrity but also as someone who will bring a strong ethical foundation and passion to the role.
- Review and edit your resume for consistency
Once you have written your CV, you need to review and edit it for consistency and accuracy. Make sure that your CV reflects your values throughout, and that there are no contradictions or gaps in your message. Check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors that might undermine your credibility and professionalism. Ask for feedback from someone who knows you well and can spot any inconsistencies or errors. You can also use online tools and services to help you proofread and polish your CV. One approach that is effective is to step back and review the CV as if you were the hiring manager. This perspective helps ensure that the language, examples, and even the layout consistently mirror my values and how they translate into my work. Regular updates and edits, keeping this alignment in focus, make the CV a dynamic reflection of who you are as a professional and what you bring to the table.
Your CV is more than just a summary of your skills and experience. It’s also a reflection of your values, your personality, and your goals. So, be intentional about it. Showcase your true self, passion, and what you bring to the table.