Many of us have been in this position before – applying for multitudes of roles on job boards and receiving little reply! In many cases, this might be due to your CV lacking in important information, relevance to the role, or not selling you properly. The first step to securing your dream role is to get your CV noticed in the mountain of applications your potential employer is likely to receive, so we have compiled a few tips to help you stand out from the rest and get you as many interviews as jobs you apply for:
1. Include a Cover Letter
This is perhaps the most important, yet often over-looked, element of your application to an employer. It should focus on not only your personal strengths, qualifications and skills, but details of the company and role you are applying to and your particular interest in it.
Make sure you address your letter to the hiring manager/recruitment agency you are particularly applying to. Customise your tone to the company culture and nature of the business – whether it is an international corporation or boutique agency.
Most importantly – don’t repeat what is already in your CV!
2. The Skills Section
This is a critical part of your CV and one that is often not given the attention it needs. Make sure to bring your skills to the fore, and emphasise any that are relevant to the job you are applying to, particularly if you have any niche or uncommon skills that can benefit the company.
3. Keep it interesting
Hiring managers will read multitudes of CV’s each day, add an interesting fact about you, your hobbies, or some interesting achievements you’ve accomplished in the past to make your application stand out. This makes you more personable, and provides an ice-breaker for when you reach the interview stage!
4. Identify the right details to include/exclude
It’s important not to let the reader of your CV lose interest with superfluous information that masks the more important details in your CV. Keep your personal details concise and to the point, and focus more on your credentials, skills and work experience. Details such as your marital status are no longer necessary, but do make sure to attach any personal details that are relevant to the role – such as your visa status, or relevant licenses (such as a driver’s license).
