Sent hundreds of applications but wondering why you’re not hearing back from recruiters? The most likely reason is your CV. On average, recruiters spend just 6-8 seconds on a CV before deciding whether you’re a good fit for the role. One small mistake and your application could be rejected.
Creating a CV to impress recruiters is not the easiest of tasks. Using a professional CV template can help you make a good first impression and set you up for success.
1. Start With an Eye-Catching Personal Statement
You only have one chance to make a first impression. With some jobs receiving hundreds of applications, a good personal statement can be the thing that sets you apart from the crowd. Summarise your skills and experience in 4-5 lines, highlighting achievements to catch the attention of recruiters.
2. Tailor Your CV to Each Job
It may be tempting to fire off the same CV to each vacancy, but this is a sure-fire way to put yourself out of the running. If you aren’t taking the time to tailor your CV and mirror the language in the job description, you won’t make it past the ATS (Automated Tracking System).
Give yourself a fighting chance by picking out key skills and responsibilities from the job description and providing evidence of how you have performed similar task
3. Include Keywords
One way ATS filter and rank job applicants is by scanning CVs for keywords, the skills and competencies listed in a job description. These keywords help recruiters and hiring managers to quickly identify suitable candidates without reading CVs line by line.
To find the best keywords and or phrases to include in your CV, take a look at the company’s website and analyse similar job posts as well as the job you’re applying for.
4. Quantify Your Achievements
A common mistake is to write about achievements in a general way, without providing examples. Without using precise numbers to back up claims, statements such as ‘I’m an excellent salesperson’ can sound like an empty boast.
By quantifying your achievements, you show that you are results-oriented and that you care about the impact of your work. For example, you could mention the monetary value of the sales you made, the number of customers you served, the time frames in which you completed projects or tasks, the percentages by which you improved efficiency and much more.
5. Check for Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation Mistakes
Always check for spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes when reading through your CV. These are easy to overlook, so ask a friend, family member or someone you trust to look over your CV.
While some employers may forgive minor mistakes, they can lead recruiters or hiring managers to believe that you lack attention to detail or that you do not care enough about the position to proofread it.
6. Consider Using a CV Template
For a professional, polished CV without spending hours on aligning margins or paragraphs, consider using a CV template. Simply enter fill your information in the relevant fields, select a template and you’re good to go. If you want to update information at a later point, all you’ll need to do is update the relevant section without needing to start all over again.
A very helpful guide can be found at: https://www.s1jobs.com/blog/write-cv-tips-advice-help-land-job/
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