Many people dread updating their CVs, and often an out-of-date CV might even keep someone from applying for a new job. If you feel intimidated by the process of fitting all of your professional experience onto a sheet or two of paper, you are not alone. With the increased functionality that the tech age has given us, there is even more pressure to put together a CV that wows anyone who lays eyes upon it. If you want to stand out from the crowd in the job application process, but you are not sure how to get creative with your resume, check out our list of practical ways to make your boring, old CV more attractive to recruiters and hiring managers.

Tailor Your CV to a Particular Job

You may see a job description and realize that you have the perfect experience for it. But that does not mean that your CV says that. Many recruiters and human resources departments use databases and computers to do the first phase of selection when hiring from new applicants. It is important that your CV has “key words” that are suited for the job you are seeking. You can make sure that your CV will pass through computer programs that will scan it for the right experience and that human beings will also think you are the perfect candidate for the job. Do this by carefully reading job descriptions and postings and including relevant terms in your CV. If the job posting specifically lists marketing experience, knowledge of Excel, and being a self-starter as requirements, be sure those terms are in your CV.

Add a Picture

Include a picture of yourself on your CV. This will help hiring managers put a face with a name, and it will make your CV stand out among the competition. Make sure that your picture is hi-res enough that it is not a fuzzy, pixilated mass on your CV, but also keep it small enough that it is not difficult to download.

Mix It Up

Do not send off a resume that is simply a chronological listing of your work experience. Think of the qualities in your work history, education, and personality that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. Include these at the top of your CV. This will make your CV more dynamic, and it will help hiring managers see exactly why you are suited for the job. For example, if you have specific IT, customer-centered, or social media experience, someone in dynamics recruitment will want to see that on your resume. They may stop reading the average CV before they get to the most important parts, if you do not make sure they see the important parts first.

Make it Visually Appealing

Think of ways to make your CV stand out from the moment someone sees it. Perhaps put your name in a large banner font on the side of the CV, or divide your CV with a grid. You can and should include info graphics if your field is particularly focused on specific metrics. Avoid distracting fonts that may grab attention for all the wrong reasons or that make reading your CV difficult.