At the recent Manchester Digital Talent Day, I had the pleasure of running some CV workshops for people wanting to get into tech. The sessions were just 15 minutes each but packed with insights, questions, and lively discussions about what makes a CV stand out in the tech industry. I thought I’d collate all the tips I shared and put them here for everyone’s benefit.
Use ChatGPT, but use it wisely.
One of the most frequently asked questions was about using AI tools like ChatGPT to tailor your CV. Here’s what I recommend:
- Use it wisely. Try feeding in your CV along with the job description and ask for suggestions on how to tailor your content.
- Don’t copy verbatim. Let ChatGPT serve as a starting point. Rewrite the suggestions in your own voice to keep your personality and authenticity intact.
- Mind the details. Always proofread your work. Check for spelling errors and avoid Americanised terms that might reveal you’ve relied too heavily on AI – for example, I noticed several instances of “OPTIMIZED” during the session.
Bolding your key skills
When it comes to the audience for your CV, remember that there are two types of readers:
- Automated systems and initial screeners: These tools and recruiters are looking for keywords to quickly whittle down the pile of applications. They may only skim your CV.
- The in-depth reader: Someone who will delve deeper into your background and may quiz you on your experiences in later rounds.
To capture the attention of both, bold the key skills that match the job description. This strategy not only increases readability but also ensures that both automated systems and busy recruiters can easily spot your competencies.
Personal interest – is it time for an update?
During one session, an American attendee asked about the personal interest section commonly seen on UK CVs. In the US, this section is virtually non-existent, and she found it rather odd to include. While many of us add personal touches – “I like walking my dog”, “I enjoy art galleries”, their observation had me thinking, do we really need this section anymore?
We all want to add a bit of colour to our CVs to appear well-rounded, but does it really add value these days? Perhaps it’s time to reconsider whether personal interests deserve a spot on modern CVs.
Photo or no photo?
Another interesting discussion point was about including a photo on your CV. I’ve always believed that we should be valued based on our skills rather than our looks. However, I know of an interesting case – a white person from Yorkshire with an Iranian name wasn’t getting interview calls until he started adding his photo to his CV. It’s also worth knowing that in some countries, like Germany I believe that it is quite normal to add photos to your CV.
Maybe the answer to this is for organisations to convert all applications into blind CV’s?
