Landing your dream dental job is a process that takes time, effort and planning. A stand-out CV is a big key to success when applying for your perfect role, but what makes a CV stand out from the crowd? In this blog post, we will provide our 10 top tips to help make your CV shine above the rest and increase your chances of securing an interview.
Tip #01: Start with your contact information at the top of the page
Make it easy for potential employers to get in touch with you. Dental practices are often busy and have a lot of applications to sift through, so make sure they can easily find your contact information - at the top of the page in bold is ideal!
Make sure it includes: Your first name and surname, address, phone number (landline or mobile), email address.
Tip #02: Use a professional email address
If you don’t already have a professional email address, set one up before applying for any jobs. It looks more professional and shows that you are serious about your career search.
Ideally, your email address should include your first name and surname and avoid nicknames, numbers or odd spellings.
Tip #03: Use a professional-looking font
When it comes to fonts, it’s best to stick with the basics - Times New Roman or Arial are good choices. Avoid using unusual fonts, as they may not be viewable on all devices and could make your CV look unprofessional.
Tip #04: Use a modern CV template
When it comes to creating your CV, using a professional and modern looking template will help you stand out from the crowd. There are many free templates online that you can use, or if you want something more personalised, you can hire a professional designer.
Tip #05: Tailor your CV to each job application
One of the most important tips for creating a stand-out CV is to tailor it specifically to each role you are applying for. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the requirements of the position, rather than including everything you have ever done. You can include both dental skills and specialties, as well as more general abilities as long as they are tailored to the job description. This will show employers that you have the specific knowledge, experience and skills to do the job well.
Tip #06: Keep it concise - no more than two pages
Employers typically only spend a few minutes reading each CV, so make sure you highlight the most important information and keep it to no more than two pages. If you have a lot of experience or qualifications, think about summarising them into key points rather than listing everything in detail. Remember, it’s easier for hiring managers to scan through CVs that are written in short paragraphs with clear headings and bullet points.
Tip #07: Use positive language and active verbs
When describing your experience and skills, use positive language that emphasises your achievements rather than simply listing your tasks and responsibilities. For example, instead of “I have experience in xxxxxxx”, say “I successfully xxxxxxxx”. This will make you appear more confident and capable.
Tip #08: Only include relevant information
It may be tempting to include all of your qualifications or experience in order to make yourself look good; however, it can often have the opposite effect. Dental practices will only be interested in information relevant to the role and are more likely to dismiss your CV if it’s full of irrelevant details or too long.
Tip #09: Check for spelling and grammar mistakes
One of the easiest ways to ruin your CV is by making careless mistakes with spelling and grammar. Take the time to proofread your CV thoroughly and, if possible, ask a friend or colleague to read over it for you.
Tip #10: Use relevant keywords
Many dental practices use Applicant Tracking Software to sort through applications, so it’s important to include relevant keywords throughout your CV. Look at the job description and, where possible, try to incorporate words and phrases that are used in the ad. This will help your application get seen by dental practice recruiters.
Bonus Tip: Ditch the buzzwords
Steer clear of using clichés and phrases such as ‘excellent communication skills, ‘hardworking’ or ‘team player’. These are used so frequently that they have become meaningless and won’t help you stand out in a crowd.
For more tips and advice to help you get the job you want and be successful in your interviews, feel free to visit our website or contact one of our dental recruitment experts. We’d love to discuss how we can help you find your dream dental job!