Cutting Through the Complexities of Work

Talent Advice for Career Growth & Job Strategy

How to write a CV

A strong CV should grab attention, showcase your value, and get you interviews. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

Keep It Clear and Concise

Aim for 1–2 pages—Page count can be higher for those with extensive experience
Use clear headings and a clean layout for easy reading
Stick to bullet points—avoid long paragraphs

Start with a Strong Summary

Open with a brief professional profile (3-4 lines)
Highlight your key skills, experience, and career goals
Example: Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in brand strategy, digital campaigns, and content creation. Passionate about driving engagement and customer growth

Highlight Key Skills and Certifications

Create a Skills Section with relevant hard and soft skills
Example: Project Management | Data Analysis | Leadership | CRM Systems | Digital Marketing
List certifications that enhance your credibility (PMP, CPA, Google Analytics, etc.)

Proofread and Get Feedback

Spelling and grammar errors can ruin a great CV—use tools like Grammarly.
Ask a trusted friend, mentor, or HR professional for honest feedback
Keep it updated—review and refresh it regularly

Tailor It to the Role

Customize your CV for each job application—highlight relevant skills and experience
Use keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — ATS helps recruiters by quickly identifying qualified candidates by scanning resumes and applications for keywords and skills
Show how your experience aligns with the company’s needs

Showcase Achievements, Not Just Duties

Focus on results and impact—not just what you did, but how you made a difference
Use metrics where possible:
- Increased sales by 30% through targeted marketing campaigns
- Managed a team of 10, improving efficiency by 20%
Use action verbs: Led, Developed, Implemented, Achieved, Optimized, Designed

Keep Formatting Professional and Simple

Use a clean, modern font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, size 10-12)
Keep margins at 1 inch and spacing consistent
Save as a PDF to ensure formatting stays intact

Your CV should be a powerful snapshot of your career—clear, compelling, and tailored to the role. Show impact, keep it polished, and let your skills shine.

Preparing for an Interview

A great interview starts with confidence, preparation, and strategy. Here’s how to make a strong impression and stand out:

Research the Company and Role

Understand the company’s mission, values, and recent news—check their website, social media, and LinkedIn.
Study the job description carefully—know what they’re looking for and how you fit.
Learn about the company culture and work environment.

Know Your Resume & Experience Inside Out

Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your skills and achievements.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
Be honest about gaps or job changes—have a clear, positive explanation.

Practice Common Interview Questions

“Tell me about yourself and why you're looking for a new role.” (Craft a short, engaging pitch)
“What value do you think you can bring to the role?” (Emphasize your unique value)
“Describe a challenge you faced and how you handled it.”

Prepare Smart Questions to Ask

What does success look like in this role?
How does the team collaborate?
What are the biggest challenges the company/team is facing?

Dress Professionally and Arrive Prepared

Dress appropriately for the company culture (when in doubt, go business casual or formal)
Bring extra copies of your resume and a notebook
Arrive 10–15 minutes early (or log in early for virtual interviews)

Stay Confident and Engaged

Maintain good eye contact and positive body language.
Smile and deliver a firm handshake. Practice on a friend!
Speak clearly and confidently—avoid filler words like “um” and “uh.”
Show enthusiasm—let them see why you’re excited about this role!

Follow Up After the Interview

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours—express gratitude and reaffirm your interest.
Mention something specific from the conversation to make it personal.
If you don’t hear back, follow up politely within a week.

Preparation = confidence. Research, practice, and engage with authenticity and enthusiasm—that’s how you leave a lasting impression!

“Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.”

– Maya Angelou, American poet, memoirist and civil rights activist

Navigating a Career Change

Switching careers can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can transition smoothly and confidently into a new field. Here’s how to make the leap successfully:

A career change is an exciting opportunity to reinvent yourself, grow professionally, and pursue work that truly aligns with your passions and strengths. With research, networking, and strategic action, you’ll set yourself up for success in your new field!

Canadian Jobs report

Earnings and payroll employment in brief: Interactive app

Refer a Candidate

At Spearmint HR, we know that great people recognize great talent—that’s why we reward you for referring top candidates to us! Our Referral Program is designed to connect outstanding professionals with the right opportunities while thanking you for your recommendation. Not only does this help build stronger teams and support businesses in finding the right fit, but it also allows you to play a role in shaping workplaces that thrive.

Know someone who would be a perfect match? Send them our way and get rewarded for helping talent and businesses grow together!