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How to create a
really effective CV
Every day, countless job seekers miss out on fantastic opportunities due to substandard
CVs. If you're wondering why you 'never hear back', it's crucial to recognise that
a CV is fundamentally a marketing tool. In the highly competitive UK job market,
ensuring your CV is finely tuned for each application is key to standing out.
Optimising Your CV for ATS
It's sadly a fact that up to 70% of CVs are screened out before a human gets to read them. All we need to do to make sure our CV stands out from the rest is go back to marketing basics.
Tips for Crafting an Effective CV
For those merely tweaking cover letters and sending out generic CVs, the reason they are never hearing back may be simple.
Your CV is a marketing document
Marketing is about showcasing benefits to those who seek them. However, many CVs remain generic or are written from the applicant's viewpoint. In times past, this might not have been a significant issue when humans first screened applications. Nowadays, however, it's the AI systems that first sift through applications, determining which ones reach human eyes. This shift underscores the importance of tailoring your CV not just to stand out to potential employers, but also to navigate the initial automated screening successfully.
We all possess unique qualities, including skills, knowledge, experience, and achievements — our attributes. However, not every attribute is of value to employers. By treating all attributes equally in our presentation, we fail to emphasise the crucial ones that could secure us an interview.
Highlighting the attributes that match the employer's requirements is crucial for positioning yourself as the ideal candidate. This not only showcases your suitability but also helps navigate the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which filters applications based on relevance to the job's selection criteria.
Ensure Your Application is Flawless
Even minor errors, like a typo in the file name or a dodgy email address [[email protected]], can unfortunately speak volumes about your professionalism. Good writing skills matter, but minor oversights can suggest to potential employers that you might not be fully invested in the job, indicating a lack of attention to detail.
The Layout of Your CV
It's crucial that your CV layout is intuitive, placing all vital information where it's expected and using a format that's easily digestible. Throughout your CV, employ bullet points to distinguish key pieces of information.
The Format of Your CV
Consistency is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter share the same format, including font, font size, and line spacing, to present a cohesive application.
Descriptive headers should clearly delineate each section of your CV, and if in doubt, LinkedIn can offer a guide to effective headings. Additionally, ensure your CV's margins are balanced to enhance readability and printability.
Impeccable Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation
Your application must be free from spelling and grammatical errors. Such mistakes not only detract from your professionalism but also can imply a lack of meticulousness. If editing isn't your strength, seeking external help is a wise choice.
Detailing Your Employment History
Dedicate a distinct section of your CV to your employment history, listing each role in reverse chronological order and including the duration of each position. For long-term roles exceeding ten years, a concise format is advisable. Recent roles should detail key responsibilities and achievements.
Highlight Key Achievements
Emphasise how you've made a difference in your roles. Pairing your accomplishments with your employment history adds depth to your responsibilities. Quantify these achievements wherever possible to make your CV stand out in the competitive UK job market.
Optimal CV Length
The myth of the two-page CV is just that — a myth. Tailor the length of your CV to the specific requirements of the application, focusing on conciseness and relevance.
Addressing the Organisation's Needs
Attention to detail in aligning your CV and cover letter with the job's selection criteria is crucial. Failure to adhere to the employer's instructions can a end your application process.
Begin your application by thoroughly analysing the job advertisement to understand precisely what the employer is seeking. Ensuring your application reflects these requirements is pivotal to advancing to the interview stage.
Why Generic Applications Fail
Employers lack the time to infer your suitability for a role. A bespoke application is essential.
Navigating Online Applications
Although tedious for job seekers, online application forms are a tool for employers to filter candidates. Ensuring your online application mirrors your CV is essential to progressing in the application process.
Remember, compatibility issues with browsers can hinder online applications. If you encounter difficulties, trying a different browser might resolve the issue. Missing a potential interview due to technical problems can be avoided by proactively seeking solutions.
Incorporating specific keywords and phrases from the job advert into your online CV is crucial for passing through Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) filters and avoiding immediate rejection.
Just click the button below to order a package, and I'll get in touch with you by email or phone within 24 hours. We'll both work on your CV until you're happy with it. Then, if you need them, you can choose extra services.
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