How to spring clean your CV in 6 easy steps

Spring is just around the corner — longer days, blooming flowers, warmer weather... and the perfect time for a little spring cleaning! But why stop at your home or garden? Your CV deserves the same refresh. Even if you’re not actively job hunting, having an up-to-date and well-polished CV can come in handy when an unexpected opportunity arises. So, dust off your CV and give it a fresh makeover with these 6 steps from Swiss recruitment specialist Robert Walters.

1. Clear out the clutter

A good spring clean starts with letting go of what’s outdated. Go through your CV with a critical eye and remove anything that’s no longer relevant. Still have that summer job from 15 years ago on there? Time to let it go. Focus on the last 10 to 15 years of your career, highlighting only the experience and skills that truly matter.

2. Refresh your personal profile

Think of the introduction at the top of your CV as the front door to your home — it’s your first impression. Make it inviting by adding a short, engaging personal statement or career mission. Focus on your most recent achievements and make sure your passion for your field comes through.

A fresh, up-to-date profile will immediately grab a recruiter’s attention.

3. Let your achievements shine

You’ve likely achieved a lot since you last updated your CV — don’t let those accomplishments go unnoticed! Add concrete results and figures wherever possible. For example, instead of writing, ‘Responsible for increasing sales,’ try ‘Increased sales by 20% in six months.’ Clear, measurable results make a far stronger impression.

4. Polish up your skills

Industries evolve fast, and new technologies and methods emerge all the time. Make sure your skills section is current and relevant. Add any recent courses, certifications, or training you’ve completed. Don’t forget your soft skills: teamwork, adaptability, and communication are just as important as technical abilities.

5. Give your layout a modern twist

Just like home décor, CV design trends change over time. What looked professional ten years ago might now seem outdated. Go for a clean, clear, and structured layout. Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs and consider adding subtle visual elements like icons or simple graphics to draw attention to key points and make your CV more appealing.

6. Ask for a second opinion

Having a second set of eyes can make all the difference. Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to review your CV — they might catch typos or suggest improvements you hadn’t thought of. Good feedback is invaluable, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget your LinkedIn profile

Your CV and LinkedIn profile should go hand in hand. Recruiters and employers often look at your LinkedIn after reading your CV. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile boosts your visibility and could lead to unexpected opportunities. Update your profile with your latest experience, skills, and a professional photo. And don’t forget to write a catchy summary that complements your CV.

A fresh and updated CV will boost your confidence and open doors to new career possibilities. So, shake off that winter sluggishness and give your CV the refresh it deserves today!

More information

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