How to Boost Your Job Search with Infographic CVs

In my two decades as an IT contractor, I've gathered countless job search strategies. However, it was the infographic CV that made a striking difference.

After a standard resume fell short for a perfect-match role, I crafted an infographic CV, echoing my original qualifications. This visual twist caught the recruiter's eye, leading to an instant interview request from the client!

In this post you will discover the benefits of infographic CVs, how to create your own and how to leverage infographic CVs in conjunction with your regular CV, when applying for your next role.

What are Infographic CVs?

Infographic CVs can transform your professional experience, skills and achievements into a compelling visual narrative. Unlike a conventional CV, which unfolds through detailed text, your infographic CV employs charts, icons, images and colour blocks to make an instant impression.

This format can distil your work history into an engaging visual array, spotlighting pivotal points with images that capture a hiring manager's attention swiftly. The design can facilitate a quick review, enabling potential employers to spot essential qualifications and experiences without sifting through dense paragraphs.

An infographic CV, should strike a fine balance: the design should enhance rather than obscure your professional details. Each visual must clarify aspects of your background.

Your infographic CV is more than a visually striking document; it's a deliberate strategy that can pave the way to exciting career paths. By visualising your capabilities and experiences, these CVs provide a unique lens through which potential employers can view your professional value in the job market.

Different Types of Infographic CV

Search the web for “Infographic CV” and you will be presented with thousands of examples. Some can be more graphical and others more textual.

Subject to the extent of your experience and the type of industry you are working in, there’s is no clear right or wrong.

After considerable experimentation I opted for two types of infographic cv, each having its own purpose:

Career Overview Infographic

A career overview infographic CV, can be a summary of your main written CV. It quickly communicates your overall work experience with the following sections:

• Your name and current job title.

• 13 Key skills / achievements.

• QR Code to your LinkedIn profile or Online portfolio.

• “Core Skills” section for smaller bulleted text.

• “Role Experience” section for smaller bulleted text.

Sample Career Overview Infographic CV

Role Specific Infographic

A role specific infographic CV, can be a summary of your key skills / experience specific to the job you are applying for. It quickly communicates in an impactful way your suitability to a specific job via the following sections:

• Your name and current job title.

• Key Testimonial.

• 7 Role specific key skills / achievements.

• QR Code to your LinkedIn profile or Online portfolio.

• “Key Skills” section relative to the role, for smaller bulleted text.

• “Key Experience” section relative to the role, for smaller bulleted text.

Sample Job Specific Infographic CV

Infographic CVs can be of any design, layout or colour. The above examples use “safe colours” which are relevant to my particular industry / profession.

How to Design Your Own Infographic CV

Designing your own infographic CV need not be as daunting as it sounds, I am no graphic designer myself!

There are two options to creating a CV infographic:

• Enlist an experienced graphic designer (e.g. Fiverr.com)

• Design it yourself!

Which ever option you choose below are some tips to help you prepare:

• Search the web for infographic images that suit your industry / profession. Once you have chosen one you feel is suitable, download a copy your chosen image (subject to licensing).

• Review your chosen image and identify what skills, achievements etc. you would like to display within the image. What colours or other images would you like to use? The design of your chosen image needn’t be fixed. You or your graphic designer may choose to amend the original layout.

Using a Graphic Designer?

Send the above brief to your graphic designer, for review / feedback.

Designing it yourself?

Creating your own infographic CV is not as complex as it may seem. It’s considerably less expensive than using a graphic designer, allowing you to make as many changes as you want!

All you need is a graphic design package such as Canva or any graphics package, that supports image layers:

1. Import the image of your chosen sample infographic as a new graphic layer.

2. Reduce the opacity of this layer to between 30%-50%.

3. Add a new graphic layer on top.

4. Add shapes to the top layer so they match shapes contained in the background layer.

5. Delete the background layer once all the shapes have been added, then add your colour scheme, additional images and text!

Tips

Colours - Use colours that are pertinent to your industry, profession or your prospective employers brand. It’s also a good idea to search the web for any current in trend colour schemes.

Fonts - Using the correct font can make or break an infographic, check for common fonts used in your industry, profession or use the same fonts used in your prospective employers brand.

Images - Many graphics packages include royalty free images, which can be very effective in enforcing particular skills, experience or achievements. Reduce the opacity of any images where you will be overlaying text.

How to Use Infographic CVs

Infographic CVs can be very effective when used in tandem with your current CV.

Text Based CVs

Text based CVs remain very effective with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which are used by recruitment agencies and job sites. Text based CVs should always be used when communicating with a recruitment agency or potential employer.

Career Overview Infographics

Infographic CVs can help you get instant attention with a recruitment agency or potential employer.

Job Sites - Where permissible, upload your infographic CV alongside your text based CV to job sites you are registered with. Ensure the title of each document is clear. For example:

yourname-yourtitle-CV.doc

yourname-yourtitle-Inforgraphic-Summary.doc

Your CV will help an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) identify you as a suitable candidate during a search, while also giving the searcher access to your infographic CV.

Recruitment Agencies - Similar to Job Sites send both your text based CV and infographic CV.

Job Interviews - Display your infographic CV as part of a small presentation or provide a hard copy to the interviewers along with your text based CV.

Here are some tips to help you further extend your reach:

LinkedIn - If you have a LinkedIn profile, add your infographic CV as an image to the featured section of your profile:

• Makes your LinkedIn profile stand out from others.

• Helps potential employers get an almost instant understanding of your skill / achievements.

Online Career Portal - If you have your own website, create a Personal Career Portal page and upload your infographic CV.

Smartphone - Keep a copy of your infographic CV on your smartphone, for those unexpected opportunities. If your infographic is stored on your LinkedIn profile or your personal career portal, setup a QR Code on your smartphone!

Role Specific Infographics

As the name suggests, role specific infographic CVs can be very effective when applying for a particular role. Here are some tips to help you stand out from other applicants:

Recruitment Agencies - Send both your text based CV and role specific infographic, when applying for a role.

Job Interviews - Display your role specific infographic CV as part of a small presentation or if meeting face to face, provide a hard copy to the interviewers along with your text based CV.

Smartphone - If your role specific infographic is stored on your LinkedIn profile or your personal career portal, setup a QR Code on your smartphone for the interviewers to scan. This will add your profile to the browsing history of their devices!

Implementing infographic CVs can significantly boost your job search, helping you land that dream job!

Do you currently use infogrpahics for your job search? What’s your experience?

Let me know in the comments below.

How to Make Your CV Stand Out with QR Codes

In today's highly competitive job market, making a memorable first impression is more important than ever , when searching for a job. One such approach is incorporating QR codes into your CV.

A CV that stands out with instantly available additional information via a QR code could be the key to grabbing attention and landing that dream job!

In this blog post, we will explore how to make your CV and skills stand out using QR codes and incorporating them effectively.

What is a QR Code and Why Use It on Your CV?

A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that can store data and be easily scanned by a smartphone or QR code reader.

When scanned, it directs the user to a website, app, or other digital content. In the context of a CV, a QR code can link to an online portfolio, social media profile, or video CV, allowing recruiters and potential employers to access additional information about a candidate with ease.

Using a QR code on your CV offers several benefits:

• Showcases your tech-savvy nature and adaptability in the digital age

• Provides a quick, convenient way for recruiters or potential employers to access more information about you

• Helps declutter your CV by directing recruiters to digital platforms where you can present additional content

• Enhances your personal branding by making your CV memorable and visually appealing

Choosing the Right QR Code Generator for Your Needs

To create a QR code for your CV, you'll need to use a QR code generator. There are many generators available online, both free and paid.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting one:

• User-friendliness: Choose a generator that offers an intuitive interface, making it easy to create and customise QR codes

• Customisation options: Look for a generator that allows you to personalise your QR code's design, colours, and logo, as this can help reinforce your personal brand

• File format support: Ensure that the generator can export your QR code in a high-resolution format, such as PNG or SVG, which can be easily inserted into your CV

• Reliability: Opt for a reputable generator with positive reviews to ensure your QR code remains functional and accessible over time

Some popular QR code generators include QRCode Monkey, QRStuff, and Website Planet.

Customising Your QR Code: Design, Colours, and Branding

A personalised QR code not only enhances your CV's visual appeal but also reinforces your personal brand.

Follow these tips to customise your QR code:

• Design: Select a design that complements your CV's layout and style. Some generators offer templates, while others allow you to create a custom design from scratch.

• Colours: Use colours consistent with your personal brand or the colour scheme of your CV. Ensure the contrast between the QR code and its background is high to maintain scannability.

• Logo: Incorporate your initials, a small profile picture, or a relevant icon in the centre of the QR code to make it more distinctive and engaging.

Strategically Placing QR Codes on Your CV

Positioning your QR code on your CV is crucial for visibility and scannability.

Consider these tips:

1. Place the QR code in an easy-to-spot location, such as the top right corner, bottom of the page, or alongside your contact information.

2. Ensure the QR code is large enough to be easily scanned when printed or being viewed on a computer screen, but not so large that it distracts from your CV's content.

3. If your CV spans multiple pages, include the QR code on the first page to maximise visibility.

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CV Page Banner Showing Clickable links to LinkedIn & QR Code to Personal CV Website.

How to Insert QR Codes on Your CV with Microsoft Word

You will want the QR code to be both scannable and clickable. To insert a QR code image as a clickable link onto a CV using Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

1. Insert the QR code image

   • Open your CV in Microsoft Word.

   • Click on the area in your CV where you want to insert the QR code.

   • Go to the Insert tab in the ribbon toolbar.

   • Click on Pictures and select This Device or Stock Images (if you have the image saved on your computer or need to search for it in Microsoft Word's stock images).

   • Locate the QR code image file on your computer or search for it in the stock images, select it, and click on Insert.

2. Resize the QR code image

   • Click on the inserted QR code image to select it.

   • Drag the resizing handles (small squares) at the corners or edges of the image to adjust its size. Make sure the image is large enough to be easily scanned but not so large that it distracts from your CV's content.

3. Create a hyperlink for the QR code image

   • Right-click on the QR code image.

   • Select Link from the context menu (or Hyperlink in older versions of Word).

   • In the Insert Hyperlink dialog box, click on the Existing File or Web Page option in the left panel.

   • In the Address field, type or paste the URL you want to link to the QR code image. This should be the same URL encoded in the QR code itself.

   • Click OK to create the hyperlink.

Now, when someone clicks on the QR code image in your CV, they will be directed to the specified URL and your profile will be added to their browsing history!

Saving your CV as a PDF before sending it out will preserve the formatting, image quality, and clickable link. You can also keep your CV in MS Word format, which will likely help recruiting related software to find your CV.

Linking Your QR Code: Which Digital Assets to Showcase

The digital content you link to your QR code should provide recruiters with valuable insights into your skills, experience, and personality. Here are some options to consider:

Personal CV Website

A personal CV website is an excellent way to showcase your work. Depending on your field, your personal CV website could include design projects, articles, presentations, or code snippets.

Your personal CV website could also include:

Personal Profile / Personal Statement - Not having the space restrictions of a CV, you can provide a more detailed personal profile or personal statement.

Professional Recommendations and Testimonials - Testimonials and recommendations from colleagues, managers, or clients can provide a powerful endorsement of your skills and work ethic. This way, recruiters can get instant access to direct feedback about your performance and potential.

Video CVs or Personal Introductions - A video CV or personal introduction allows you to speak directly to recruiters and showcase your communication skills, creativity, and personality. Keep your video brief (1-2 minutes) and focus on summarising your background, key strengths, and career goals. Linking your QR code to a video CV can help you make a strong, memorable impression.

Extracurricular Activities - Show relevant extracurricular activies with room to explain how they may be relevant to the role you are applying for.

External Links - Include single click links to your LinkedIn profile or direct contact information.

A QR code linked to your personal CV website allows recruiters and potential employers to view your work in a more interactive and engaging format, than a traditional CV.

Professional Social Media Profiles

Linking your QR code to a professional social media profile, such as LinkedIn, can give recruiters access to more information about your background, network, and endorsements. Ensure your profile is up-to-date, well-written, and presents a consistent image of your personal brand.

Ensuring Accessibility: Making Your QR Code Scannable and Mobile-friendly

To make the most of your QR code, ensure it is easily scannable and the linked content is accessible on mobile devices. Here are some tips:

• Maintain a high contrast between the QR code and its background to improve scannability

• Test the QR code on different devices and with various scanning apps to ensure compatibility

• Optimise the linked content for mobile viewing, using responsive web design or mobile-friendly templates

Testing and Troubleshooting Your QR Code Before Sending Out Your CV

Before sending out your CV, test your QR code to ensure it works as intended. Scan it using multiple devices and scanning apps to identify any issues. Additionally, ask a friend or colleague to test the QR code and provide feedback on the linked content's accessibility and relevance. Address any issues before submitting your CV to potential employers.

Do's and Don'ts of Using QR Codes on Your CV

To maximise the benefits of using a QR code on your CV, follow these best practices:

Do:

• Keep your linked content up-to-date and relevant

• Ensure the QR code is easily scannable and compatible with different devices

• Use a design and colour scheme that complements your CV and personal brand

Don't:

• Overwhelm your CV with multiple QR codes. Stick to one that links to the most important content

• Link to content that doesn't add value or support your application, such as personal social media profiles or unrelated hobbies

• Rely solely on the QR code to convey crucial information. Your CV should still be comprehensive and informative even if the recruiter doesn't scan the code

Adapting Your CV and QR Code to Different Job Applications

When applying for different job opportunities, customise your CV and linked content to better align with each position's requirements. Tailor your CV's content, focusing on skills and experiences most relevant to the job at hand.

Additionally, update your linked content to showcase work samples or achievements that directly relate to the position. If you have a personal CV website you can create a landing page, dedicated to the role you are applying for.

Conclusion

Incorporating a QR code into your CV can significantly increase its impact, making it stand out in a crowded job market.

By following the steps and tips outlined in this post, you can create an engaging, memorable CV that showcases your skills, experience, and personality in a creative and innovative way.

By choosing the right QR code generator, customising the design, and linking to relevant digital assets, you can leave a lasting impression on recruiters and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Remember to test and optimise your QR code and linked content for accessibility, ensuring that recruiters can easily access the additional information you provide.

Embrace the digital age and enhance your personal brand by using QR codes to make your CV stand out from the competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where should I place the QR code on my CV?

  Place the QR code in an easy-to-spot location, such as the top right corner, bottom of the page, or alongside your contact information.

  If your CV spans multiple pages, include the QR code on the first page.

• Should I include more than one QR code on my CV?

  It's best to stick to one QR code that links to the most relevant and impactful content.

  Multiple QR codes may confuse or overwhelm recruiters.

• What kind of information can I link to my QR code on my CV?

  You can link any digital content that adds value to your application, such as a personal CV website, professional social media profiles (e.g., LinkedIn), video CVs or personal introductions, and testimonials or recommendations.

• Are QR Codes useful in Other Ways When Looking for Work?

  Yes, QR Codes are the easy to avoid long web page URLs. In addition to being on your CV, You can keep a copy of your QR Code on your smartphone which when scanned can:

  Automatically download your CV,

  Open a job role targeted landing page.

  Open your work experience or employee testimonial pages.

How to Get Hired Faster with AI

Text-based AI (Artificial Intelligence) in job hunting has increased dramatically in recent times. With advancements in natural language processing, machine learning, and data analysis, AI has become a powerful tool which can be easily utilised to help you get hired faster!

In this post, I will show you how to quickly setup text based AI, to help you make more relevant job applications, write more targeted CVs and job application cover letters in a fraction of the time they would normally take. Enabling you to respond faster to new opportunities, with more targeted information.

What is Text Based AI?

Text-based AI (ChatGPT by Open AI) is a type of artificial intelligence that has the ability to analyse, understand and interpret human language. Using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms, text-based AI (ChatGPT) can process vast amounts of text data and extract meaning from it.

One key application of text-based AI is in document analysis and classification. Text-based AI algorithms can analyse documents and extract key information.

How to Setup AI for Getting Hired

Create an Account

The first thing you need to do is setup a ChatGPT account with Open AI. You will find a link to try ChatGPT for free, there is also a low cost pay monthly account called “ChatGPT Plus”. The free version of ChatGPT gives you access to ChatGPT V3.5.

“ChatGPT Plus” is currently appx. $20 USD per month, where you get:

• Access to ChatGPT V4.0

• Faster response times.

• Priority access during peak times.

• Access to new features as and when they are launched.

Once your account has been setup, you will be able to access your account from any device that has access to the internet.

ChatGPT Interface

The ChatGPT interface is distraction free and easy to use.

There are two key areas: Left hand column lists each of the “Chats”, with the right side comprising of the main interface where you interact with ChatGPT and receive responses. You simply type your instructions in the “Send a Message” box at the bottom to submit any request.

What are “Chats”?

Each chat is a topic specific conversation, which can remain open for as long as you have an Open AI account. All information given or discussed in each chat can be used by ChatGPT to provide an informed response (subject to word limits). You can continue feeding ChatGPT with more information as time goes on.

Training

You may have heard the phrase “Garbage in, garbage out”, which is extremely relevant to text based AI. The more you can teach AI about your work experience and skills, the better the quality of the outputs.

Based on the “Chats” concept above, it is advisable to have one single “Chat” covering your whole job search activity. This is where you will provide ChatGPT with your skills, work experience etc., which ChatGPT will use, to give you informed responses.

Start a “New Chat” and introduce yourself to ChatGPT stating what it is you intend to do within that chat and what you would like to have ChatGPT do. This is called an “AI Prompt”.

Here’s an example:

“Hi my name is YOURNAME and I am looking for a new job. I will be giving you relevant information so you can learn as much as possible about my work experience. Once you have this information I will be asking for your assistance in generating documentation relating to searching for a new job. Ok?”

Once you have an acknowledgement, you are ready to start uploading information!

Uploading Your Work Experience

Training ChatGPT about your work experience and skills is surprisingly straight forward. Being a text based AI, ChatGPT will understand any text you give it. It can even learn text from web pages (provided they are publicly available).

Good starting point will be to upload your CV or Resume into ChatGPT. To do this, open your CV or Resume, select all the text and copy it.

Once copied type the following prompt:

“Here is my CV / Resume: PASTE CV/RESUME TEXT HERE”

Once acknowledged, you may also want to provide ChatGPT with information from your LinkedIn or other job site profile. Go to your profile page and copy the URL.

Type the following prompt:

“Here is profile information from ENTER SITE NAME: PASTE PROFILE URL”

Uploading Job Vacancy Information

Another powerful part of using AI to get hired faster, would be to upload details of the job vacancy you are interested in applying for.

ChatGPT can then draw upon both what a potential employer is looking for and your previously uploaded work experience, skills and qualifications, to help you provide an even more targeted application.

ChatGPT Word Limiits

OpenAI states that there is a limit of 3000 words for the freely available version of ChatGPT (Version 3.5), while Version 4.0 which is available to ChatGPT Plus subscribers, has a limit of up to 25,000 words.

If the information you want to feed ChatGPT exceeds the above, you can either manually breakdown your text into chunks or use a ChatGPT Text Splitter website which will automatically break down large amounts of text.

You can give ChatGPT more detailed information about yourself or the role you are applying for, at anytime within the same “chat”, which ChatGPT will factor in for future conversations.

AI Work Experience Outputs

Once you have trained ChatGPT, the information in the “chat” stays there as long as you have your Open AI account. You are free to run prompts anytime you choose, where you will get responses in seconds.

No AI prompt will get the exact same results and the more specific you are, will result in better responses.

Here are some examples:

“Rewrite my CV / resume to make it more applicable for a job application within the INDUSTRY NAME industry.”

“Write me a cover letter for a job application for INSERT ROLE”.

“Write no more than 250 characters describing why I would be suitable for INSERT ROLE”.

“Please complete the following job application form fields: INSERT FIELD NAME 1, INSERT FIELD NAME 2, etc.

“Create an introductory presentation providing an overview of my experience specific to INDUSTRY NAME or ROLE NAME”

The more prompts you write, the better you will be at being more specific. You can even ask ChatGPT to write your responses adopting a certain character or style.

IMPORTANT: Outputs from AI are not 100% accurate. Outputs should be used as an initial starting point or guide, from which you review and edit with your own writing style.

Data Privacy

ChatGPT does store your conversation history. According to ChatGPT, this information is used to help provide better user experiences by having context for further conversations and allowing users to review previous discussion topics. For job search purposes your work experience data may already be accessible to unknown recruiters etc. so this may not be a problem for you. It’s not recommended to share your personal details such as age, address, date of birth etc.

Conclusion

Text based AI for job searches (contract or permanent) has transformed the speed and accuracy at which you can respond to new opportunities. You can even use it to respond to adhoc email questions from recruiters and potential employers, from any device!

Do you currently use AI when looking for new work opportunities? Let me know in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can ChatGPT help me analyse my CV?

  ChatGPT can review your CV by:

  Identifying potential typos and grammatical errors

  Providing suggestions for better phrasing or wording

  Recommending ways to highlight your skills and experiences

  Identifying sections that may need more detail or clarification

• Can I customise the level of detail provided by ChatGPT?

  Yes, you can customise the level of detail by providing specific instructions to the model. For example, you can request a general overview, tips for improvement, or a detailed analysis of specific sections.

• How can ChatGPT help me create an original cover letter?

  ChatGPT can assist you in creating a cover letter by:

  Generating a personalised, industry-specific introduction

  Helping you highlight relevant skills and experiences

  Suggesting ways to connect your qualifications to the job posting

  Offering tips for creating a strong closing statement

• Can ChatGPT analyse data in languages other than English?

  While ChatGPT is primarily trained on English text, it has some understanding of other languages. However, its proficiency in languages other than English may not be as high, which could impact the quality of analysis and suggestions.

How to make Your CV Stand Out with Employee Testimonials

Employee testimonials are often underused in the early stages of looking for a new job, yet they have the potential to make your CV stand out from the crowd, when looking for work.

This post will show you how to effectively use employee testimonials to help you get noticed, at any stage of the job search process.

Effectiveness of Employee Testimonials

I recently wrote a post “How to Make Your CV Stand Out with a Personal CV Website”, which shows you how to stand out over other candidates when looking for a new job, by setting up your own CV website.

Visitor statistics from my own CV website, showed that employee testimonials appear of more interest to recruiters / potential employers than detailed work experience, in the early stages of job hunting:

Career Summary Landing Page - 100%*

Employee Testimonials Page - 40%*

Detailed Work Experience Page - 17%*

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Career Summary Page.

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Customer Testimonials.

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Project / Work Experience.

(*other factors can also affect page statistics.)

You are Your Own Brand!

Whether you are a full time employee, part time employee or contractor, you are providing a valuable service to your employers / customers.

Your CV tells a recruitment agency or prospective employer who you worked for & your skills. It makes sense to back up your skills with positive feedback from work colleagues in the form of employee testimonials. Similar to businesses using customer testimonials for their marketing.

Employee Testimonials vs Formal References

Formal references are between your future employer and past employer, which typically occur in the latter stages of the recruitment process, usually in a single letter or form.

Employee testimonials however are direct from people you have worked with, which are much easier to obtain via either email or online.

Such testimonials from your work colleagues will provide a more detailed / accurate picture of your abilities, as you have likely been interacting with them on a daily basis.

How to Use your Employee Testimonials

Employee testimonials are not only for use on CVs. They can also be used on Email Signatures and Social Media interactions to great effect, when looking for a new job.

The first step is to obtain employee testimonials. The two most common methods are as follows:

Direct Contact

Make a list of people you would like testimonies from and request a testimonial via email or social media.

Professional Websites

You may already have testimonials from colleagues on professional websites such as LinkedIn.

In both cases ask if they are ok for you to use their recommendation on your CV, email signature or professional social media (I’ve never had a refusal).

Employee Testimonials vs Customer Testimonials

What’s the best description to use? Both contain the same information from colleagues, however their description will typically depend on your employment type:

• “Employee Testimonials” - If you are looking for a permanent role.

• “Customer Testimonials” - For contractors, being an external resource.

Other words can also be used as descriptions, such as “References”, “Feedback” or “Assessments”.

Where to Use Your Employee Testimonials?

CV

This is the most important place to add work recommendations, making your CV standout from others. Placing employee testimonials in the final section of your CV, should result in the reader remembering more of what people thought of you.

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How should testimonials be formatted on. CV?

A4 / Letter paper width allows for three work recommendations, using three lines of each testimonial. A fourth line in a smaller font should show the company name or persons name / title usually in bold using a smaller font.

You are not limited to just three. You can place your employee testimonials anywhere on your CV, but too many may have the opposite effect.

Email Signature

Placing employee testimonials in your email signature, will give recruitment agents and potential employers an idea of what people think of you, before they have even opened your CV!

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You can use different email signatures according to each job type or industry you are targeting. Simply change the “Work Specialties”, “Industry Experience” and “Employee Testimonial” to match the role you are applying for.

I use a text expansion tool, which can save considerable time. My preferred tool is “textexpander” by Smile, which supports hyperlinking.

Personal CV Website

A Personal CV Website can get you to the top of search engine results, as well as giving you complete control over how you want your content laid out! I chose to integrate industry relevant graphic backgrounds for employee testimonials, on the main career summary landing page.

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Few people take advantage of employee testimonials when looking for a work, which helps you to stand out!

Feel free to like, comment and share with anyone who is looking for a new job!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are employee testimonials?

  Employee testimonials are positive statements or endorsements from your current or former colleagues, supervisors, or managers.

  They can highlight your skills, work ethic, character, and accomplishments, adding credibility and personal touch to your CV.

  They can also be used to great effect in email and social media signatures.

• Why should I include employee testimonials in my CV?

  Including employee testimonials in your CV can help you stand out from other candidates, as they provide an unbiased perspective on your work performance and can help showcase your strengths and achievements in a more convincing manner.

• How many testimonials should I include in my CV?

  There is no fixed number of testimonials you should include in your CV, but generally, 2-3 strong testimonials are sufficient to make a positive impact.

  Aim to provide a balanced representation of your work experience that’s relevant to the role you are applying for, with testimonials from different positions or projects.

• How do I ask for employee testimonials?

  To request employee testimonials, approach your colleagues, managers, or supervisors who you have worked closely with and ask if they would be willing to provide a testimonial for your CV.

  Make sure to give them enough time to craft a well-thought-out statement and offer guidance on what aspects of your work you'd like them to highlight.