Writing a strong CV is a difficult and exhausting process but it might be worth it. Your CV is your golden ticket to landing as many job interviews as possible. Job hunting is becoming increasingly competitive, with hundreds of applications coming in from all around the world. Your goal is to leave a lasting impression on employers by showcasing your individuality. Think of everything that sets you apart from other contenders and pen it down. Be sure to bring your A-game.
It is disheartening to know that recruiters do not spend more than 7-10 seconds skimming through CVs, as many studies have shown. But, if you do it right, 7 seconds should be more than enough to stand out from the sea of applicants. This is where more than your experience, it’s your creativity that counts. You must be smart about what you choose to include and omit in your CV. Don’t forget that this is your only chance to attract the employer’s attention. It’s either gone hard or go home.
Everyone knows the basics of CV writing so let’s move beyond that and focus on what can make or break your chances of securing a job. When it comes to incorporating skills in your CV, the key is to emphasize your technical skills. This is because such skills exhibit increased knowledge of the discipline and are greatly valued by the hirers. You must take on a strategic technique, meticulously review the skills that employers outlined in the job description, and then customize your CV accordingly. For recruiters, how you communicate your skills is possibly one of the most critical elements of your CV.
Now more than ever, the demand for digital skills is on a rise. Almost everything we do involves some extent of digital skills. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of such skills in employees. Many businesses operate online, and even those that don’t may sometimes be forced to. As the world continues to progress, the use of advanced technology is becoming even more prevalent. Businesses must adapt to the times and make sure their team has the requisite skills.
Here are 5 technical skills that you can add to your CV to meet most job requirements.
1. Programming
This is one technical skill that you will most frequently see listed on job posts and it is without a doubt- very essential. This is because there are numerous jobs today that require programming knowledge. If you are familiar with the fundamentals of programming, it will help you be innovative at work. It will allow you to develop the ability to automate, collect, manage, and analyze the data and information correctly. Even if you are thinking of applying for a writing job you may be required to have some basic knowledge of HTML
Some highly demanded programming languages comprise:
- C/C++
- Java
- Perl
- Python
2. Marketing Skills
All firms rely on effective and attention-grabbing marketing to help sell their products or services. Without marketing, many organizations would not be able to survive because marketing is what drives sales. Firms are therefore always looking for new and creative marketing strategists.
Here are a few required skills in this field:
- SEO
- Google analytics
- Web scraping
- Social media marketing
- Project management
3. Software proficiency
Whether or not you can design software can determine your future in the employment world. Most firms use both common and specialized software. Software development is a vast field, and not to mention that it can be highly rewarding. The aim is to be able to create software that can fasten up the pace of work and do so in an efficient manner normally, this includes word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
Other popular productivity software needed is:
- Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms)
- Trello
- Zoom
- JIRA
4. Data analysis
Regardless of what field you are applying to, data analysis is an important component in all employment sectors. Individuals must have a variety of hard skills that they can apply to data analysis procedures. People who are experienced in some sort of data analysis software are highly appreciated. These skills are commonly acquired through proper training programs, online or physical courses, and certifications.
Desired data analysis skills may include:
Data engineering
Database management
Web analytics
Research
5. Designing
Design is considered one of the most salient elements when building a brand. Designers must put in a lot of time and effort to create designs that make the organization stand out from its competition. Designers help to attract the right people to your brand and convey the values of your firm efficiently.
Employers may be looking for a designer who is proficient at:
- Photo editing
- Colour theory
- Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Wireframing
Research has shown that more than a third of applicants admit to lying on their resumes and CVs. A piece of friendly advice- doesn’t add in a skill you don’t possess even if it is listed in the job description. Remember that honesty is the best policy.
