Is it important to have a Linkedin page?
A LinkedIn profile is a valuable tool for anyone looking to find a new job, build their
professional network, highlight their ‘personal brand’, or simply showcase their skills and
experience. At CV.CO.NZ we say that your CV is your ‘Brochure’ and LinkedIn is your
‘website’.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider having a LinkedIn page:
you're a good fit for potential opportunities / positions. You can also directly apply for
jobs through the platform and set job alerts.
colleagues, classmates, industry leaders, and potential employers.
posts and articles, and receive endorsements from colleagues, all of which build your
professional reputation.
informed and up-to-date.
professional network, highlight their ‘personal brand’, or simply showcase their skills and
experience. At CV.CO.NZ we say that your CV is your ‘Brochure’ and LinkedIn is your
‘website’.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider having a LinkedIn page:
- Job searching: Many recruiters use LinkedIn to find and screen candidates. Having
you're a good fit for potential opportunities / positions. You can also directly apply for
jobs through the platform and set job alerts.
- Networking and connections: LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network,
colleagues, classmates, industry leaders, and potential employers.
- Personal branding: A LinkedIn page allows you to control your professional
posts and articles, and receive endorsements from colleagues, all of which build your
professional reputation.
- Industry insights: The platform is a great source for industry news, trends, and
informed and up-to-date.
How many pages / how long should my CV be?
In New Zealand, the general rule of thumb for a CV is to keep it between two to three pages,
unless you are a senior executive, then up to four pages. This is important because:
your CV for each application to highlight the skills and experience the employer is
looking for. Make sure you ‘mirror’ the keywords from the job description or job
advertisement, making you a ‘solution to the employer’s problem’.
CV can be off-putting and may not get read in its entirety.
5 years of professional experience.
2. Two to three pages: For professionals, trades people and those with more
than 5 years’ work experience, 2-3 pages is enough space to highlight your
career history and achievements, without being too brief.
3. Three to four pages: Executives or highly specialised professionals may
require further space to adequately detail their work history, achievements,
and skills. This allows you to go into more detail on your most recent and
most relevant roles.
be comprehensive records of your entire academic and professional history, including
publications, presentations, and research projects.
unless you are a senior executive, then up to four pages. This is important because:
- Page one of your CV is the ‘sell’ page: The Personal / Professional Summary at
your CV for each application to highlight the skills and experience the employer is
looking for. Make sure you ‘mirror’ the keywords from the job description or job
advertisement, making you a ‘solution to the employer’s problem’.
- Concise is key: Employers and recruiters are often short on time. They want to be
CV can be off-putting and may not get read in its entirety.
- Tailor for the job:
- For different career stages:
5 years of professional experience.
2. Two to three pages: For professionals, trades people and those with more
than 5 years’ work experience, 2-3 pages is enough space to highlight your
career history and achievements, without being too brief.
3. Three to four pages: Executives or highly specialised professionals may
require further space to adequately detail their work history, achievements,
and skills. This allows you to go into more detail on your most recent and
most relevant roles.
- Academic and research CVs: If you are in academia, research, or a similar field, a
be comprehensive records of your entire academic and professional history, including
publications, presentations, and research projects.
Should I do a different cover letter for different jobs?
Yes, absolutely. You should always tailor both your CV and cover letter for each job
application. While it can be time-consuming, it is a critical step that significantly increases
your chances of getting an interview.
Here's why a generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter is a bad idea and why a custom one is so
important:
done your research and are genuinely interested in that specific company and role.
This effort immediately sets you apart from the competition. Briefly explain why you
want to work for that specific company, referencing something you admire about their
work, culture, or mission.
qualifications mentioned in the job description and provide concrete examples of how
your skills and experience meet those needs. Use the same keywords and phrases
from the job ad to make it clear you're a ‘solution to the employer’s problem’.
hiring manager's attention and make them want to read your CV in more detail.
a chance to show that you understand the company's mission and values and that
you would be a good cultural fit for the team.
achievements. Then, for each application, you can quickly customise it.
application. While it can be time-consuming, it is a critical step that significantly increases
your chances of getting an interview.
Here's why a generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter is a bad idea and why a custom one is so
important:
- It shows genuine interest: A generic cover letter tells a hiring manager you're just
done your research and are genuinely interested in that specific company and role.
This effort immediately sets you apart from the competition. Briefly explain why you
want to work for that specific company, referencing something you admire about their
work, culture, or mission.
- It aligns your skills with the job: A cover letter is your opportunity to go beyond
qualifications mentioned in the job description and provide concrete examples of how
your skills and experience meet those needs. Use the same keywords and phrases
from the job ad to make it clear you're a ‘solution to the employer’s problem’.
- It makes your application stand out: Many employers receive hundreds of
hiring manager's attention and make them want to read your CV in more detail.
- It showcases your personality and cultural fit: A cover letter allows you to
a chance to show that you understand the company's mission and values and that
you would be a good cultural fit for the team.
- Have a good base: You don't have to start from scratch every time. You can create a
achievements. Then, for each application, you can quickly customise it.
Do I tailor my CV to each job?
Yes, you should always tailor your CV for each job application. A customised CV shows
employers you have the specific skills and experience they're looking for, and makes it clear
you're a ‘solution to the employer’s problem’.
manager to see you as a good fit.
keywords, which helps ensure your application makes it to a human reviewer.
understand their needs.
How to Tailor Your CV
Read the Job Description Carefully: This is your most important step. Identify the key
responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications. Take note of the language they use.
Use Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description into your CV. If they use a
phrase like "project management software," use that phrase on your CV rather than a more
general term like "tools."
Edit the Summary/Objective: Your professional summary at the top of the CV should be a
concise pitch that explains why you are the ideal candidate for that specific role. Again
make it clear you're a ‘solution to the employer’s problem’.
Remove Irrelevant Information: If a job from your past has no relevance to the one you're
applying for, consider shortening its description or even removing it if it's not a significant
part of your career history.
Remember, a tailored CV is a powerful tool that transforms your job application from a
generic document into a targeted and compelling one.
employers you have the specific skills and experience they're looking for, and makes it clear
you're a ‘solution to the employer’s problem’.
- Relevance: Tailoring your CV allows you to highlight the most relevant skills, experiences,
manager to see you as a good fit.
- Keywords: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs based on
keywords, which helps ensure your application makes it to a human reviewer.
- Interest: A tailored CV demonstrates genuine interest in the specific company and role,
understand their needs.
How to Tailor Your CV
Read the Job Description Carefully: This is your most important step. Identify the key
responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications. Take note of the language they use.
Use Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description into your CV. If they use a
phrase like "project management software," use that phrase on your CV rather than a more
general term like "tools."
Edit the Summary/Objective: Your professional summary at the top of the CV should be a
concise pitch that explains why you are the ideal candidate for that specific role. Again
make it clear you're a ‘solution to the employer’s problem’.
Remove Irrelevant Information: If a job from your past has no relevance to the one you're
applying for, consider shortening its description or even removing it if it's not a significant
part of your career history.
Remember, a tailored CV is a powerful tool that transforms your job application from a
generic document into a targeted and compelling one.
Should I use AI to build my CV?
Using AI is good to get ideas and inspiration for your CV, but it is not a complete
replacement for your own effort. AI can streamline parts of the CV creation process, but
relying on it exclusively can lead to a generic, uninspired document that might even contain
inaccuracies.
AI is very good at highlighting key responsibilities in a role, but cannot help you go to the
next stage of assisting you define and detail your career achievements. That’s why using a
professional CV development company like CV.CO.NZ is very good value as they are
professionals in the field and are specialists in helping you understand your achievements,
and how best to sell these to potential employers.
replacement for your own effort. AI can streamline parts of the CV creation process, but
relying on it exclusively can lead to a generic, uninspired document that might even contain
inaccuracies.
AI is very good at highlighting key responsibilities in a role, but cannot help you go to the
next stage of assisting you define and detail your career achievements. That’s why using a
professional CV development company like CV.CO.NZ is very good value as they are
professionals in the field and are specialists in helping you understand your achievements,
and how best to sell these to potential employers.
What format should my CV be in when I send it to recruiters
and employers?
and employers?
You want a document that is easy to read, scannable by automated systems (ATS), and
looks professional. Unless asked in the advertisement to provide your CV in a different
format (e.g. Word), always save and send your CV as a PDF file.
system. A Word document (.docx) can shift and look completely different depending
on the version of Word or other word processor the recipient uses.
looks professional. Unless asked in the advertisement to provide your CV in a different
format (e.g. Word), always save and send your CV as a PDF file.
- Preserves Formatting: A PDF locks your formatting in place. It will look exactly the
system. A Word document (.docx) can shift and look completely different depending
on the version of Word or other word processor the recipient uses.
- Professionalism: A PDF is the industry standard and looks more polished and
- Security: PDFs are more secure and can't be easily edited by the recipient.
How do I make my CV ATS compliant?
Making your CV "ATS compliant" is crucial in today's job market, as most large and even
mid-sized companies in New Zealand use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen and
filter applications. These systems are essentially software that scans and ranks CVs based
on keywords and formatting, before they even reach a human recruiter.
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to make your CV ATS compliant.
1. Master the Keywords
This is the most critical element of ATS compliance. The system looks for specific words and
phrases from the job description to determine if you're a match.
Analyse the Job Description: Read the job ad carefully and highlight the key skills,
qualifications, and responsibilities. Pay close attention to the exact phrasing they use.
Mirror the Language: Use those exact keywords and phrases in your CV. If the job
description asks for "project management" experience, use that phrase instead of
"managed projects"
Include Both Acronyms and Full Names: For technical terms or certifications,
include both the full name and the acronym. For example, "Customer Relationship
Management (CRM)" or "Project Management Professional (PMP)"
Be Strategic, Not Spammy: Don't just stuff your CV with keywords. Weave them
naturally into your professional summary, skills section, and bullet points under your
work experience. Keyword stuffing can be flagged by the ATS or, if it makes it to a
human, will look unprofessional.
2. Simplify Your Formatting
ATS systems are designed to parse and assess text, not graphics. Complex or
unconventional designs can confuse the system and cause your information to be read
incorrectly or missed entirely.
Use a Standard, One-Column Layout: The safest and most ATS-friendly format is a
single-column, reverse-chronological layout. Avoid multi-column layouts, as they can
cause the ATS to read the text out of order.
Stick to Common Fonts: Use standard, clear fonts like Century Gothic, Calibri,
Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative or custom fonts that the
system may not recognise.
Use Standard Headings: Use clear, conventional section headings like "Career
History", "Qualifications & Professional Development" and “Professional Summary”
Avoid creative or unique titles like "My Journey" or "My Achievements"
No Graphics, Tables, or Images: Steer clear of photos, graphics, tables, charts, or
other visual elements. The ATS cannot read these and may discard your CV. This
also includes skills represented by icons or bars.
3. Ensure a Clean and Consistent Structure
Consistency and a logical flow make it easier for the ATS to parse your information correctly.
Consistent Date Formats: Use a consistent date format (e.g., "MM/YYYY" or
"Month, YYYY") for your work history.
Avoid Headers and Footers: Do not put important information, like your name or
contact details, in the header or footer. Some older ATS systems cannot read text in
these areas, which could lead to your application being rejected. Put all essential
information in the main body of the document.
Standard Bullet Points: Stick to simple bullet points like solid circles or squares.
Fancy symbols can sometimes cause assessment / parsing errors.
4. Choose the Right File Format
The file format you use can be the difference between your CV being read or rejected.
PDF is the Standard: Most modern ATS can read a well-formatted PDF without
issue, and it's the best way to ensure your design doesn't shift.
Word is also good: If a job advertisement specifically asks for a Word document
(.docx), or if you are unsure, submitting a .docx file is a safe alternative.
Check the Job Ad: Always follow the instructions in the job advertisement regarding
the preferred file type.
5. Proofread Thoroughly
Even a single typo can be enough for an ATS to filter you out, as it can be set to reject
applications with spelling or grammatical errors in key sections. Use spell-check and
grammar-check tools, and even read your CV aloud to catch any mistakes before you send
it.
mid-sized companies in New Zealand use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen and
filter applications. These systems are essentially software that scans and ranks CVs based
on keywords and formatting, before they even reach a human recruiter.
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to make your CV ATS compliant.
1. Master the Keywords
This is the most critical element of ATS compliance. The system looks for specific words and
phrases from the job description to determine if you're a match.
Analyse the Job Description: Read the job ad carefully and highlight the key skills,
qualifications, and responsibilities. Pay close attention to the exact phrasing they use.
Mirror the Language: Use those exact keywords and phrases in your CV. If the job
description asks for "project management" experience, use that phrase instead of
"managed projects"
Include Both Acronyms and Full Names: For technical terms or certifications,
include both the full name and the acronym. For example, "Customer Relationship
Management (CRM)" or "Project Management Professional (PMP)"
Be Strategic, Not Spammy: Don't just stuff your CV with keywords. Weave them
naturally into your professional summary, skills section, and bullet points under your
work experience. Keyword stuffing can be flagged by the ATS or, if it makes it to a
human, will look unprofessional.
2. Simplify Your Formatting
ATS systems are designed to parse and assess text, not graphics. Complex or
unconventional designs can confuse the system and cause your information to be read
incorrectly or missed entirely.
Use a Standard, One-Column Layout: The safest and most ATS-friendly format is a
single-column, reverse-chronological layout. Avoid multi-column layouts, as they can
cause the ATS to read the text out of order.
Stick to Common Fonts: Use standard, clear fonts like Century Gothic, Calibri,
Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative or custom fonts that the
system may not recognise.
Use Standard Headings: Use clear, conventional section headings like "Career
History", "Qualifications & Professional Development" and “Professional Summary”
Avoid creative or unique titles like "My Journey" or "My Achievements"
No Graphics, Tables, or Images: Steer clear of photos, graphics, tables, charts, or
other visual elements. The ATS cannot read these and may discard your CV. This
also includes skills represented by icons or bars.
3. Ensure a Clean and Consistent Structure
Consistency and a logical flow make it easier for the ATS to parse your information correctly.
Consistent Date Formats: Use a consistent date format (e.g., "MM/YYYY" or
"Month, YYYY") for your work history.
Avoid Headers and Footers: Do not put important information, like your name or
contact details, in the header or footer. Some older ATS systems cannot read text in
these areas, which could lead to your application being rejected. Put all essential
information in the main body of the document.
Standard Bullet Points: Stick to simple bullet points like solid circles or squares.
Fancy symbols can sometimes cause assessment / parsing errors.
4. Choose the Right File Format
The file format you use can be the difference between your CV being read or rejected.
PDF is the Standard: Most modern ATS can read a well-formatted PDF without
issue, and it's the best way to ensure your design doesn't shift.
Word is also good: If a job advertisement specifically asks for a Word document
(.docx), or if you are unsure, submitting a .docx file is a safe alternative.
Check the Job Ad: Always follow the instructions in the job advertisement regarding
the preferred file type.
5. Proofread Thoroughly
Even a single typo can be enough for an ATS to filter you out, as it can be set to reject
applications with spelling or grammatical errors in key sections. Use spell-check and
grammar-check tools, and even read your CV aloud to catch any mistakes before you send
it.
What font should I use for my CV?
Stick to Common Fonts: Use standard, clear fonts like Century Gothic, Calibri, Arial,
Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative or custom fonts that the system may not
recognise.
Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative or custom fonts that the system may not
recognise.
Should my CV be in colour?
While there are some differing opinions on this, the general consensus is use a very subtle
amount of colour, or if you are not confident with this, black, grey and white is a good option.
However remember your CV is your ’brochure’ to employers so it has to be visually
appealing and make you stand out from the hundreds of other CVs the employer will read as
they screen through.
Just small amounts of colour (such as subject headings in blue) can make a positive
difference in how a CV is perceived by the reader.
amount of colour, or if you are not confident with this, black, grey and white is a good option.
However remember your CV is your ’brochure’ to employers so it has to be visually
appealing and make you stand out from the hundreds of other CVs the employer will read as
they screen through.
Just small amounts of colour (such as subject headings in blue) can make a positive
difference in how a CV is perceived by the reader.
Should I use a photo on a CV?
Nothing will start a more ‘animated’ discussion in the careers space than this question.
While historical wisdom says you shouldn’t use a photo as your ‘will be judged’, people
forget that this is the point of their CV! To be judged and see if they are a correct fit for a
company.
Also important to remember, is while some people will warn against you having a photo in
your CV, these same people have their photo on LinkedIn profile! This makes no sense as
LinkedIn is a public space, while your CV is sent to a private audience.
Overall our rule at CV.CO.NZ is if you are applying for a job where presentation is important
and your role is client facing (e.g. Receptionist, Sales Representative etc.) a photo can be
very good to help demonstrate your high level of presentation and professionalism.
You also don’t need to pay for a professional photographer to take a good photo. Any smart
phone can do a great job. Just make sure the photo is head and shoulders, you are smiling,
the background is blank and the lighting is good. Think ‘happy professional passport photo’.
While historical wisdom says you shouldn’t use a photo as your ‘will be judged’, people
forget that this is the point of their CV! To be judged and see if they are a correct fit for a
company.
Also important to remember, is while some people will warn against you having a photo in
your CV, these same people have their photo on LinkedIn profile! This makes no sense as
LinkedIn is a public space, while your CV is sent to a private audience.
Overall our rule at CV.CO.NZ is if you are applying for a job where presentation is important
and your role is client facing (e.g. Receptionist, Sales Representative etc.) a photo can be
very good to help demonstrate your high level of presentation and professionalism.
You also don’t need to pay for a professional photographer to take a good photo. Any smart
phone can do a great job. Just make sure the photo is head and shoulders, you are smiling,
the background is blank and the lighting is good. Think ‘happy professional passport photo’.
How can I define / understand / quantify my achievements?
The team at CV.CO.NZ have designed the O’Neil Major Achievements Questionnaire to
assist you determine your career, personal and academic achievements. The use of this
tool is free when you have a professional CV or LinkedIn profile created through CV.CO.NZ.
The difference between a CV and a resume is a common point of confusion, and the answer
largely depends on your geographical location and industry.
assist you determine your career, personal and academic achievements. The use of this
tool is free when you have a professional CV or LinkedIn profile created through CV.CO.NZ.
The difference between a CV and a resume is a common point of confusion, and the answer
largely depends on your geographical location and industry.
What's the difference between a CV and a resume?
In New Zealand, the terms "CV" and "resume" almost always mean the same. Most of the
time in New Zealand, employers will ask for a CV (Curriculum Vitae).
time in New Zealand, employers will ask for a CV (Curriculum Vitae).
Should I include hobbies, volunteering or personal interests in
my CV?
my CV?
Highlighting hobbies, volunteering and interests can help position you as a more rounded,
community minded and emotionally balanced person. However this section is to be
relatively short in the CV. An employer is not paying you for your free time! Tips include:
Keep it Brief: Add a short section at the very end of your CV, with a heading like "Interests"
Normally detailing 3-6 hobbies / interests is enough. However don’t include things like
‘watching TV’, ‘partying/clubbing’ or any political affiliations.
Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of just listing a hobby, briefly explain what it shows about
you. For example, instead of just writing "Running" you could write "Running: Completed
two half-marathons, demonstrating perseverance and goal-setting"
community minded and emotionally balanced person. However this section is to be
relatively short in the CV. An employer is not paying you for your free time! Tips include:
Keep it Brief: Add a short section at the very end of your CV, with a heading like "Interests"
Normally detailing 3-6 hobbies / interests is enough. However don’t include things like
‘watching TV’, ‘partying/clubbing’ or any political affiliations.
Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of just listing a hobby, briefly explain what it shows about
you. For example, instead of just writing "Running" you could write "Running: Completed
two half-marathons, demonstrating perseverance and goal-setting"