If you have a CV / resume, take a look at it right now. What is it about? (If you don’t, you’re in the right place.)

Most people I speak to say it’s about them, their career, their skills, etc. Well, it’s not.

A resume, in the real world, is merely about your suitability for a job.

Think of it this way, when the recruiter/recruitment manager is looking at your CV, they’re not seeking to know you. They’re only examining your CV to determine if you can do the job they have vacant in their company.

So, the purpose of a CV is not to tell everything about you — your every single project, school awards, hobbies etc. Its real purpose is to convince the recruiter/recruiting manager that you are good enough to invite for an interview.

To do that, it needs to begin not with yourself but with the job you want.

• Go through LinkedIn / Naukri / Monster / company websites to identify a job that feels right for you.

• Read the job description carefully and identify skills / experience sought that you have. Write them down.

• Write your CV with the goal of demonstrating that you have those skills / experience.

Remember that it’s okay if you don’t have all skills. Or exactly as much experience. Say, if you know Python, but not R, mention that and apply anyway. If you have three years of experience, while the JD asks for five, say that clearly, but apply.

Remember
Every sentence in your CV / resume must answer a singular question: Why are you the best person for the job?