In this post today, we share a few tips on how to write a CV that makes an impact and guarantees you the interview.
1. Let job related information be the first thing a recruiter sees
Every single opening is unique to the qualifications and requirements needed. Some jobs will emphasize on the education bit, others will emphasize on years of experience, while others will prioritize on finding candidates with a particular skillset. For you to ensure that your application goes through to the interview stage, make sure your CV leads with the information recruiters are looking for.
For instance, let’s say you are a programming candidate applying to a job that has emphasized on expertise in Oracle, C++ and the like. To write a CV that makes impact, you have to make sure these are the first details a recruiter spots as they scan your CV. You can include it in the career objective section and then again under competencies, where they will be the leading bullet points.
2. Use the right keywords as you write your CV
What are keywords you ask? These are particular words and phrases that recruiters will expect to find in your CV when deciding on your potential as the best candidate. To establish the expected keywords that recruiters will use when shortlisting for a job you apply for, use the advert posted. In the job description you can make out the repeating phrases and words where emphasis lies. Then using this information, write a CV that makes an impact by putting a focus on those particular keywords.
For instance, if you are in Accounting and the job you are applying for is for an Accounts Assistant with experience in FMCG, let this be clear in your CV. You could have an earlier job title that reads Accounts Assistant or a responsibility that shows you worked or doubled as an Accounts Assistant. See how I have used the keyword Accounts Assistant? You do the same for your application. Then if the companies you worked for had anything to do with FMCG, makes sure those 4 letters can be spotted on the CV. If they are not, you probably are not the best candidate in a recruiter’s eyes.
3. Ensure your CV features a presentable format
This is sales and marketing 101. When you go to a supermarket for your shopping and are picking items off the shelf, do you go for the nicely packaged ones or the ones you can’t even tell the expiration date? I would like to think you go for the nicely packaged ones. The same is the case when it comes to the recruiting process.
If a recruiter opens your CV and what they see is a disorganized document with all kinds of fonts, different font sizes and bullet points that are not in line, that application gets a loud No. And just like that your chances for getting the interview are crashed. To write a CV that makes an impact, you must be careful of how you present your CV. A good CV is simple, brief and well outlined.
4. Highlight your achievements to stand out
When there is a pool of candidates with the same qualifications applying to the same job, recruiters use achievements as a distinguishing factor. So if you left out your achievements or mixed them up in between your responsibilities and a recruiter cannot spot them, someone else gets selected and you don’t.
Making your achievements an important factor for your CV is another way to write a CV that makes an impact. So, always ensure that your achievements are clear on the CV and that recruiters can easily spot them. And everyone has an achievement they are proud of. If you are not sure about it, here is more on how to highlight your achievements on your CV.
5. Let a professional write the CV for you
Anyone can write a good CV, but only a few can write a CV that makes an impact in every single job application. What does this mean? Writing a CV that gets you the job is a skill that needs to be learned, either through practise or by hand holding. So for anyone experiencing difficulties in crafting a CV that guarantees them an interview, there are professionals whose work is to make that process easier.
You don’t have to stress day in day out wondering what is wrong with your CV. By consulting CV writing professionals, you get to understand where your CV is putting you at a disadvantage and even get to improve your chances for the interview. Corporate Staffing Services is one such option where you can have your CV done professionally at a small fee. You can also ask for a CV review and job search advice at no cost.
