Why Three is the Magic Number for Your CV and LinkedIn Profile

Have you ever wondered why slogans often have three elements to them? You're probably wondering how this relates to CVs and LinkedIn profiles too. Let me explain...

Think of well-known phrases such as "Blood, Sweat and Tears" and movie titles like "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly".

Then we have the COVID ones we'll never forget - remember "Hands, Face, Space"?

When I was a youngster, we had the Green Cross Code, which advised us to "Stop, Look and Listen" before crossing the road.

The science behind this is that the human brain is naturally inclined to remember things that come in threes. These slogans are balanced and rhythmic, and feed into the way the human brain works.

The concept of three also has its place in religion, spirituality, cosmology and physics. We have the Holy Trinity and the Three-Body Problem (now the title of a show on Netflix but also an astrophysics concept). Gurdjieff's Law of Three states that every action or event requires three forces (active, passive and reconciling) and surmises that this triad is a universal law that governs the creation and maintenance of everything in the universe. And here's one we are all familiar with - the concept of 3D which is how we experience the world.

I could go on, but what is the point of all this?

Well here's my leap into CVs and LinkedIn profiles as the "Power of Three" can be used to more effectively communicate your message to your target audience. That might be employers and recruiters, but your LinkedIn profile might also serve a purpose whilst networking and doing your everyday job.

In your LinkedIn Headline, focus on three points e.g., "C-Level Executive I Board Adviser I Operational Transformation Leader" or describe what you are, what you do, and how this adds value - this might read something like "COO and driver of operational transformation to achieve best in class efficiency and service delivery capability".

The same can be applied to your CV in the Profile section. Describe what you are, what you do and how you add value, and go on to describe your three most prevalent strengths or selling points.

I would also recommend having mini case studies in your CV. Guess how many? Yup, three! Having three mini case studies on page one of your CV that revolve around your biggest achievements will transform your CV into a powerful and effective business case. This also utilises storytelling or narrative marketing techniques that release oxytocin in the reader's body which builds trust.

There are many more examples where the "Power of Three" and storytelling tactics can be used by both job seekers and professionals/executives wanting to improve their profile and personal brand.

This is why we lead the field when it comes to writing CVs and LinkedIn profiles - something we have done for over 30,000 people in 70+ countries. It's also one of the reasons we are 5-star rated on Google. Here's a review that came in this morning:

"Would just like to say how impressed I was with the updated CV/LinkedIn profile from my consultation with John. My old CV barely received any replies, first time used and I have landed an interview and also receiving lots of views/mails through LinkedIn. Many thanks John and CVIA".

In keeping with the theme of threes, we would love to transform your CV or LinkedIn profile (or both), so we are offering an option to pay for our award-winning service in three instalments where you pay just a £69 deposit in August and the remainder in three monthly payments. There are options from £279 + VAT.

If you are interested, email us '69YES' at [email protected].