Personality

Recruiters often comment that one of the key things that makes a CV stand out from the others is that the writer has managed to convey personality. This is not an easy thing to do. In the first instance, it’s technically a challenge. Secondly, you need to be very careful about emphasising the personality traits employers are looking for. Sometimes this can be different from what you intended. This is not about changing our personality; it’s about bringing out those personality traits that employers look for.

The aim is to net that dream job. Never forget that.

So you need to be very careful about emphasising the personality traits employers look for.

Personality types

Identify good and bad personality ‘types’ for a CV from the following list. Remember that this isn’t a Facebook profile, where the type of personality you wish to communicate might be very different. Discuss which are helpful and which are not in the comments area and also say why you think this. Answers are provided in the download section at the bottom of the page.

• Complaining
• Quirky
• Professional
• Know-it-all
• Confident
• High-energy
• Follower
• Self-monitors: self-motivated/able to work unsupervised
• Curious
• Hard working
• Dependable
• Positive
• Easily distracted
• Team worker
• Pressure
• Arrogant
• Flexible
• Communicator
• Cautious
• Gossip
• Leader

How do you communicate these traits in a CV?

1. Overtly

   By using them in your sentences.

2. Covertly

   By suggestion, for example, through the videos you choose to use, the picture you select, the activities you highlight.

3. By example

   If you know that an employer is looking for key skills, then give examples of when you have demonstrated those skills in practice.

You might also find the advice in this article 8 Signs an Employee is Exceptional helpful.