Promoting your value proposition: 5 CV writing tips.

In today's competitive job market, having a standout CV is imperative.  Your CV is not just a document that lists your past accomplishments; it's a strategic tool for promoting your future value.  Hiring managers and recruiters are not only looking for candidates who can fulfil the current needs of a programme or organisation but also those who can drive the company's success and growth in the long run.

Here are five things to consider (there are many more!) that will help define and showcase your value proposition.

🔷 Know your audience: who are you applying to and what are they looking for?  If you’re seriously considering applying for a job, then why not pick up the phone to the recruiter to find out more.  It’s a great opportunity to test your background (are they interested?) and gives you a great platform to write your cover letter.

🔷 The top of your CV is prime real estate.  Your Profile is essentially your elevator pitch, an opportunity to briefly but persuasively introduce yourself.  Instead of a generic career objective, consider a forward-looking summary statement - what sets you apart, what makes you a strong candidate and how is this directly relevant to the vacancy or type of role and organisation you’re targeting.

🔷 Most CVs are a laundry list of job responsibilities.  Instead, emphasise your achievements and how they added value to your current and previous employers.  Quantify your successes wherever possible – this not only affirms your past contributions but also hints at your future potential.

🔷 In today's interconnected world, leaders are expected to drive innovation and change within and across their organisations. Candidates who bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and the ability to lead others through change are highly sought after. Try to evidence where you’ve done this within your achievements - e.g. Led a major change/transformation initiative aimed at (briefly describe the goal of the change), resulting in (quantify the positive impact, such as increased efficiency/cost savings, improved service delivery, etc).

🔷 Investing in your professional learning is also highly valued, especially in industries and jobs where keeping up with new trends and technologies is critical.  Additionally, we've noticed a growing interest in learning te reo. Developing more experience, knowledge, skills and capabilities to engage in the world of te ao Māori is a top priority for teams and organisations. For a competitive edge, you could highlight in your Profile a qualification or accomplishment that demonstrates your cultural competency.

By implementing these tactics, you can effectively promote your value proposition in your CV.

If you’re considering changing jobs or shifting careers or if you would like to discuss how StellarCVs can support your job search, get in touch for a confidential and obligation-free chat.