Do you want to impress an employer with limited work experience? Then focusing on the skills you already have might be the right way to go. One way to effectively present your skills is a skills-based CV. Everyone has been in a position of searching for their first job. It's not rare to have a short list of previous job titles or work experience. So, if you're in that situation, just know that you're not alone.
Are you finding it challenging to apply for jobs due to a lack of previous work experience? Don't worry, a skill-based CV can be your solution. It's a powerful tool that can effectively highlight your potential, even if you don't have a lengthy work history. Our recruitment professionals at Barona are here to share some valuable tips on how to build your skill-based CV!
Talk about your experiences
At the start of your career, it's common to have limited work experience that you can list on your CV. However, this doesn't mean that you lack noteworthy experiences that are worth mentioning. Your extensive travel, blogging, volunteering, or team sports involvement can all add unique value to your professional profile, showcasing your diverse skills and potential.
A skill-based CV is an excellent option not only for first-time job seekers but also for career changers who possess strong and diverse skills but lack relevant work experience for the job they are applying for. In this case, it is important to highlight what you have accomplished in your previous career and how your skills can be beneficial to your prospective employer.
Bring out your potential and personality
It's important to remember that when applying for a job, you don't necessarily need to be a top-level professional from the get-go. Working in a professional setting provides ample opportunities for growth and development. A skill-based CV is designed to showcase your potential and the kind of professional you are aspiring to be.
In a skills-based CV, you don't need to allocate space for job information, but it's a good idea to emphasize your educational background. You can also briefly mention your personality traits, interests, and what you can contribute to the work environment. It's essential to showcase your motivation, willingness to succeed at work, and your goals. Employers appreciate a candidate who has a clear understanding of their objectives and is passionate about their work.
Tailor your CV for the job you are applying for
We highly recommend customizing your CV for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. This will increase your chances of getting selected for an interview and ultimately getting the job. To achieve this, carefully review the job advertisement for clues about what the employer is looking for and tailor your CV accordingly.
When highlighting your skills, provide concrete examples and elaborate on the content of your studies rather than just listing the headlines. This will give the employer better understand what you have learned through your studies.
Learn to recognize working life skills
Certain jobs require specific competencies and qualifications, such as a degree, which must be demonstrated. For instance, it is reasonable that not everyone can work as a doctor. However, many jobs provide opportunities for individuals who lack the required education.
We all have knowledge and skills which may not necessarily be acquired from school or work. The term 'working life competence' refers to all the skills applicable in the professional world. Soft skills, such as social and interpersonal skills, are highly valued in today's job market and should not be overlooked. You can easily highlight these skills in a skill-based CV.
Break down your expertise into smaller parts
If you have a skill that you think may not be useful in finding a job, you can think about the skill and its features to understand its importance. For instance, playing football involves not only physical exercise but also helps you develop qualities like awareness of situations, understanding of the bigger picture, motivation, and following rules. These qualities are also important in the workplace, even if you don't play a sport there.
When you create a skill-based CV, list the languages you speak, your digital skills, and any certificates you may have, such as a driver's license. If you have a skill that is especially relevant to the job, it will give you an advantage over other candidates, so be sure to mention it.
Highlight your successes
You can make your CV better by adding your own achievements. These could be your own projects or if someone has said nice things about you. Did you finish your school faster than expected? Are you easy to work with? Do you make great social media posts? It may be hard to talk about your own good qualities, but it's important to show what you're good at when looking for a job.
Reinforce your words with a referrer
If you're looking for a job, you can ask someone you know to recommend you to the employer. This person is called a referrer. They can tell the employer about your skills and why you're interested in the job. The referrer doesn't have to be your boss, it can be someone like a teacher, coach, or friend who thinks highly of you.
It's a good idea to tell the referrer that you've mentioned them in your job application so they won't be surprised if the employer contacts them.