7 ways you can make the best use of CV Templates

CV Templates are an amazing tool for cv writers from all walks of life. Whether you’re a new job seeker or write cv as a professional, using cv templates is an advantage that you simply can not miss out on.

CV Templates in the simplest verbiage are just empty resumes with a basic resume structure and design lacking any content. Using resume templates users can be certain that no matter what they do, their resumes are structurally sound and eligible for application for all employment opportunities they desire.

Although using resume templates is an easy way to make a CV, however, this doesn’t mean that they can’t be used most efficiently.

In this post, we will be going over 7 ways applicant’s can improve their resumes when using CV templates. Following these tips, job seekers can rest assured that when they send in their resumes, they’ll surely fair better than the competition. So let’s get to it.

1. Multiple Targeted Resumes 

It’s no secret in professional resume writing that the “One Size Fits All” strategy for resume writing just does not work and never yields optimum results. The sole reason for this is that a general resume might seem like it can be used for any job opportunity. Still, users forget that generalized content doesn’t give the exact information match needed which could a difference maker for any employer.

Now you might luck out and your general resume might match up with the job requirement. Still, a general resume with relevant mixed in with irrelevant information will leave a bad taste in the employer’s mouth, driving your chances of being hired further down. Not to mention that you’ll be competing against other resumes that may hold greater value for the employer just because they cater to the employer’s needs.

This is why it is advised that job seekers create specified resumes for each job opportunity that presents itself. Furthermore, job seekers are advised to keep their options open and apply for multiple jobs at the same time, as applying to one job at a time will just eat up your time and is just not feasible to approach job hunting.

In conclusion job, seekers should make resumes that contain information relative to each job they apply for, and they are advised to apply for multiple jobs at a time. This simply means that for the best outcome job seekers should make multiple targeted resumes at a time if they want to land the job they truly want.

Now doing this from scratch each time can be quite the headache, which is why Resume Templates are life savers. They cut your time and effort short of giving you the results that you want and need to land your dream job.

 

2. Improved Visual Representation

Let’s face it we all live in a world where perception and impressions matter. So, it goes without saying that once your resume reaches an employer, the first thing they are going to take note of is, how it looks. Of course, what your resume contains on the inside is what should matter more but improving the appearance of your resume is just bonus points that you shouldn’t forget.

Put yourself in an employer’s shoes. You’ve just been handed a stack of resumes and it’s your job to go through each one and see which ones you like best. How would you react if you just saw some papers with a bunch of letters on them that you’re supposed to read through? Bored is what most people would say. Now imagine that you see a resume that has an appealing design and is well constructed and is pleasant to look at. Obviously, that document will get preference over all others as it simply stands out. That is exactly the kind of reaction you want from your potential employer once they come across your resume.

Resume Templates come in all shapes and sizes and which resume template to use depends on the candidate and the industry/job they want to apply for. For this, the applicant has to think practically. See what kind of industry you want to work in and match your resume template design accordingly.

 

Whether you’re planning on applying for a traditional job like accountant or banking or are looking for a role in a dynamic industry such as marketing and advertising My Resume Lift’s Resume Builder gives you resume templates that are fit for any occupational setting.

3. Resume Formatting and Structure

Resume Formatting is basically how a resume is read, meaning the structure of your resume’s elements and how they are presented in the resume. There are essentially three resume formats that are universally accepted:

i. Reverse-chronological

By far the most known resume format is being used in the world today, with over 90% of resumes being made this way. In this resume format, the applicant prioritizes their “Work History” over all other sections, as this is the part that employers are interested in reading most, which explains its popularity. In this resume format, an applicant must fill in their work history section with the most relevant work experience in relation to the desired job, starting from their latest professional endeavor and going back, thus explaining the name of the resume format.

ii. Functional 

The resume format of choice for recent college graduates and people looking to change their career path. In other words, this resume format is best suited for individuals who lack work experience in a certain field thus they make up for it by highlighting their skills and education sections.

iii. Combination or Hybrid

The last resume format, the Combination or the sometimes called Hybrid resume format, uses the strengths of one element of a candidate’s resume to make up for weaknesses in another.

Now, this may seem like the best of both worlds but the truth is this is the trickiest resume format to pull off as it requires quite a bit of creativity in writing. Therefore it’s advised that if you’re not a wordsmith, it’s better to pick one of the other two formats.

Resume Formatting is necessary as how your resume is read leaves a great deal of impact on the reader and therefore should not be taken lightly. The simple rule of thumb is to put your strongest foot forward, meaning see where your strengths lie within a resume and hone in and prioritize it.

While picking out resume templates, applicants are advised to pick those that are formatted according to the format that best befits them or one that can be customized.

 

 

4. Content 

The most important part of a resume is its content. We’ve already covered why the content of the resume should be job specific and how it should be added to the resume. Now let’s talk a little bit about how to come up with the content for a resume.

When you apply for a job, you’re most likely responding to a job listing online or otherwise. Job listings by design are adverts that let job seekers know that an “XYZ” job is available, and for eligible applicants to apply, they must fulfill “ABC” requirements. These requirements can be found in the job description section of the job listing. Here you’ll find what those in the resume writing business call “keywords”. Keywords are simply the work histories, skills, certifications, etc. that employers are looking for in a resume for it to be taken into consideration. It is advised to mix and match these keywords with your professional portfolio and to add them to your resume accordingly and naturally.

When filling in your resume templates, follow this resume-making trick for the best outcome.