Have you ever thought about what recruiters and hiring managers seek when they go through job applicants’ CVs? Knowing this can help you make your application stand out among the many they receive. As someone looking for a job, your main goal should be to make your CV stand out, and there are seven effective ways to achieve that:
1. Grab their attention
Ensure that, upon initial inspection, a recruiter can swiftly grasp the most crucial aspects of your profile. Begin by presenting a concise list of your most notable skills, making certain they align with the requirements of the position you’re seeking. This approach is designed to capture their attention and prompt further exploration of your professional journey.
Organize your work experience in chronological order, allowing recruiters to delve into the details of your career trajectory after being captivated by your skill set. By strategically structuring this information, you create a compelling narrative that encourages a thorough review of your qualifications.
2.Be careful of the language you use
Recruiters seek candidates who are genuine and stand out from the crowd. Avoid using overused and clichéd qualities like being hard-working or responsible. While these attributes may accurately describe your work ethic, it is more advantageous to demonstrate these qualities through specific examples.
Instead of simply stating that you are hard-working, consider highlighting your accountability, ethical mindset, and conscientious approach to your work. By using more specific and unique language, you can paint a clearer and more compelling picture of your qualities for the recruiters.
3. Be honest
According to the National Qualifications Framework Amendment Act, it is unlawful to provide false information about your qualifications on your CV. Although you might be tempted to enhance your accomplishments to appear more impressive, it is advisable to be authentic and transparent. Recruiters frequently verify the information provided in CVs, so honesty is crucial. Demonstrating honesty not only showcases your integrity but also establishes you as a reliable potential employee.
4.Be accurate
The correctness of grammar, spelling, and punctuation within your document holds significant weight, potentially determining whether your CV ends up discarded or results in a call for an interview. It is crucial to meticulously attend to every detail. Employing tools like Grammarly, a free grammar checking application, can assist in ensuring the elimination of errors in your CV.
Before finalizing the submission of your CV, it is advisable to have a second set of eyes review it. Another person may spot potential mistakes or areas of improvement that you might have overlooked, contributing to the overall quality of your application.
5. Be concise
As per information from the employment platform Indeed, hiring managers typically spend just six to seven seconds perusing CVs. Consequently, it becomes essential to compactly present the most crucial information within your CV. Additionally, Indeed suggests that the optimal length for a CV is approximately two to three pages, although some recruiters argue for a one-page format.
Striking the right balance in content length is vital to capture the attention of hiring managers and ensure that your qualifications and achievements are effectively communicated within the limited time frame of their initial review.
6.Show that you know the industry
It is imperative to exhibit a solid understanding of the industry, even if you are a newcomer to the job market. This showcases your commitment to staying informed about the latest trends and advancements within your field.
Such knowledge not only positions you as a well-informed candidate but also underscores your potential as a valuable asset to the organization you are applying to. By illustrating your awareness of industry shifts and developments, you convey a proactive approach and a readiness to contribute effectively to the goals and objectives of the prospective employer.