Five ways to improve your CV

There's no need to sit around and wait for a call-back for an interview or a job offer. Improving your chances in landing a job is an ongoing process. There are several things you can do to make your CV stand out.

1. Volunteer. Even if you can't find a position related to your career, common volunteer jobs provide training in skills needed for every job. For example, teaching jobs and childcare jobs builds supervisory skills. Volunteer experience on a CV shows that you are hard working and not motivated by personal gain. Employers want to see that in a candidate.

2. Take a class. Courses online or at a technical school shine on a CV just as much as ones at a four year university. Proving that you are willing to continue your education also speaks volumes to an employer. It says you will not hesitate to learn new things.

3. Research other CVs. What employers look for in hiring is constantly changing. Look up recent trends in CV preparation and keyword usage. Is it still acceptable to write "References Available Upon Request" at the bottom or should you attach a reference page? Sometimes knowing the right wording of the CV is the only thing that makes it worth a look to employers.

4. Interview employers. Call companies similar to ones you are applying for and ask the hiring manager if you can ask a few questions. They may be willing to answer them on the phone or want you to come in. Ask them the same questions a candidate would ask at the end of an interview such as to describe exactly what they look for in hiring for a position.

5. Do some friendly networking. Knowing someone in the field or at the same company that you want to work for is a great asset to have. Befriend others who have connections to get you the interview or even hired.

Culled from Careers24