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Does Your CV Pass The One Minute Rule?

What can you get done in one minute?

Very few tasks can be fully accomplished in less than a minute. Fewer even, that would have a significant impact on your life.

Reading a page of your favourite book may take more than a minute. Preparing a quick meal also needs more than a minute.

Unfortunately, it only takes a minute for an employer to go through your CV.

Yes, in a single minute, the employer has schemed through your CV and decided whether they will call you for an interview or not.

It almost seems unfair; having spent so much time crafting the perfect CV, only for the employer to spend seconds looking at it.

The reality is, if you want the employer to notice your CV, there are a few things you must consider.

I spoke with Rebecca who is a professional CV writer on effective ways to make your CV stand out while the employer is reviewing it.

Here are a few factors to help your CV pass the one minute rule;

1. Review your professional journey in the profile summary

“I am a hardworking, dedicated, and goal-oriented professional with 3 years experience in…”

Does your CV read include this line or something similar? This could be ruining your chances of getting called in for an interview.

When an employer sees this as the start of your profile summary, they’ll likely not read on as it just looks generic and impersonal.

What then, should your profile summary include?

Before you buy a book, you first read the review or synopsis. Before you watch a movie, you first watch the trailer. Think of your profile summary as your professional synopsis.

In this section, you want to highlight who you are professionally, the experience you have, the skills you possess, and the competencies that qualify you for the role.

While this sounds like a lot, the rule is to keep it brief and impactful.

“Ideally,” says the CV writing expert, “this section should be about six sentences long.”

Balance between giving relevant information and keeping it brief for a powerful career summary.

Here is an example of a customer service manager career profile. 

‘A dedicated customer service manager with over 2 years experience in the customer service industry. I have a proven track record in resolving and reducing customer complaints and meeting customer service level expectations. I am seeking a position in Customer Service where my extensive experience will be further developed and utilized in accomplishing the ultimate marketing goals of the Organisation.”

2. Let your strong points stand out

If the employer spends less than a minute scanning through your CV, you need to ensure they see your unique selling points.

What makes you the best candidate for this role? Is it your experience, or perhaps your achievements?

Instead of having a long paragraph, you can break this information down to short sentences, or use bullet points.

With bullet points, the employer can easily pick up your achievements as compared to them reading every line of the paragraph.

Ultimately, it’s difficult to include everything about you in a minute or less. However, since this is the standard, you should adjust to it to increase the chances of your CV being noticed.

ALSO WATCH

Sample Profile Summary

‘A dedicated Accounting Professional with a Bachelors degree in accounting option from XYZ University. I have gained knowledge in preparing financial reports, accounting and financial management standards, preparing accurate and timely reports and general ledger operations. I am committed to developing my career path as an Accountant and to expand on my work experience.’

At Corporate Staffing, We are committed to empowering you in your career. Every day, we assist professionals to get a better CV that will help them apply for jobs.  Talk to our professional CV writers who will help you draft an impactful and professional CV that will stand out to employers. Don’t miss out, Click here for  Professional CV Writing Service.

45 Comments

  1. i used your approach.
    The bullet points are a definite plus.
    Thank you for the good work

  2. Hey Fatiya,
    There are a few other factors that can hinder your job search process.
    These include;
    1. The time you apply for jobs – we advise you to apply to a job as early as you can since we shortlist chronologically.
    2. Your CV – the CV should clearly outline your skills, experience, and qualifications to a specific role.
    3. Job qualification – to increase your chances of being shortlisted, apply to jobs whose qualifications you match by at least 80%
    Feel free to reach out for further guidance or clarification.

  3. I have registered my CV with you guys applied for jobs that you have advertised but not even one call its been more than two years.
    Kindly look into it

  4. Hello Sam,
    You’re right, the piece is not exhaustive on what should be on a CV.
    However, it is almost impossible to include everything you should or should not do in a single piece.
    We have shared more advice on the website on how to write an impactful CV. Moreover, we offer customized advice that helps you create the best CV.
    For more information, you can reach our CV Writing Experts on 0798 56 86 38.

  5. Hey Urbanus,
    There are various factors that could hinder your job search success.
    Two major factors are the time you apply for jobs and how qualified you are for the job.

  6. You’re right Everest, having a lot of information doesn’t make the CV stronger.
    Feel free to reach out for further assistance on your CV.

  7. This has been very helpful. I will use these insights to make adjustments to my CV

  8. Great read indeed. Many of us are not in a position to draft an impacting CV, we think a lot of information goes a long way. Looking forward to mine being refined professionally. Thanks.

  9. I have reviewed my cv as per the guides/recomedations highlighted by css but still I have not received any calling for and interview, where could be the problem?
    Kindly advise.
    Thanks.

  10. Great, thank you for pointing out those key elements when it comes to professional Cvs.

  11. Thank you a lot CSS for my new professional CV. I’ve already received 3 interview calls in two weeks. I’m so grateful.

  12. This article isn’t helpful as such…you are telling us what should not be included and not not giving a solution,,,,what then should be included. ? Yes a six-sentence paragraph,but what then should be written?????

  13. Hello Peter,
    You can send your CV to the CV writing experts and they will advise further.
    Learn more here

    You can also reach us on 0798 56 86 38

Comments are closed.