A Cheat Sheet to Get Your CV Noticed Without Annoying Recruiters

A Cheat Sheet to Get Your CV Noticed Without Annoying Recruiters

In order to get invited for a job interview with recruiters or potential employers, your CV must meet the requirements of the position you are applying. The CV may not have to match all listed requirements, but it should at least include the most important ones. You probably know this and have been taking note before applying, but somehow you are still not getting interviews.

In your mind, you probably have concluded that recruiters are being unfair. But what if I told you the reason you are not hearing back after a job application was completely your fault? Would you believe me? Would you do everything you can to change this annoying outcome? I want to believe you would, so pay attention.

There could be a number of reasons why you are not getting any feedback. But today we will focus on the most common one; recruiters are not noticing your CV. What does this mean? You could have successfully sent your CV to a recruiter’s database or even directly to their email address, but it is not getting any recognition.

Why Your CV is not Getting Noticed

Your CV isn’t getting noticed by recruiters as a result of one or more of these mistakes.

  • Using the wrong subject line,
  • Sending a document that won’t open,
  • Using a CV that does not communicate your direct experience & qualifications,
  • Leaving out your contact information on the CV, and
  • Sending out your application to the wrong person

So before sending out your job application, always make sure you are not making any of the above mistakes. And the best way to do this is by using the following cheat sheet.

Cheat Sheet on How to Get Your CV Noticed Without Annoying Recruiters

Everyone loves the inside scoop on how things are done so they can have an upper hand. Getting your CV shortlisted for the interview is no different. That is why I am giving you this particular information.

1. Make sure your email Subject follows the instructions given

Most job adverts will include a “How to Apply” section towards the end of the advert. If the job opening requires that you apply through an email address provided, there will probably be added information on the subject line to use.

Do not ignore this information by choosing to be creative in your email subject. Doing so may lead to recruiters not seeing your email, and if they do, some of them my bypass you for the role because you could not follow instructions. And if the job advert does not include information about what subject line to use, always write the job title as your email subject.

2. Rearrange your Key Skills and Competencies to match the job advert

Once a recruiter crafts the job description and posts the job for candidates to apply, the next step is usually the shortlisting process. During this process, most recruiters usually have a list of things to look out for in the candidates’ CVs.

And in that list, key skills and competencies always take priority alongside work experience and education. That is why the Key Skills section should always come right after Profile Summary in your CV; it makes it easier to get noticed.

For this reason, take a look at your key skills and make sure they are in the right order. Recruiters usually list important skills at the very top, followed by the least important. Your CV should also reflect this order if you want it noticed and shortlisted.

3. Your CV should show direct experience and education qualifications

To let you in on a little secret, most recruiters hate wondering if a candidate is qualified or not. It takes a lot of time that they do not have on their hands, especially when the candidates applying are too many. For you to avoid giving recruiters a hard time figuring out your experience and education, make sure it is very clear.

If the job you are applying for is asking for 2-3 years of experience in accounting functions, include your total experience in every place you’ve worked. Don’t task the recruiter with counting between the periods worked.

For example; after writing May 2015 – to Date in your current position, you can include (2Years10 months) next to it. This makes the recruiter’s job very easy, and that might just add you points.

4. Leverage the use of keywords to invite recruiters to read more

As I mentioned under point 2 above, recruiters usually have a list of things they are looking for. It is up to you to make sure this information is found on your CV. And this is where keywords come to play.

Keywords are loosely defined as terms or phrases used to indicate the content of a document. When it comes to the shortlisting process, recruiters use these keywords to search for CVs related to that particular job.

For instance, if the open position is for an Administrative Assistant, recruiters will search administrative assistant in their databases. If your entire application or CV does not include this particular term, you will not be among those considered.

Recruiters will also be looking for that term under your work experience section to make certain you experienced in the roles. Do not assume that because you worked as an Office Administrator, the related experience is obvious. It is not.

In Conclusion

Sending in your CV for a job you are qualified does not always guarantee readership or selection for the interview. You need to put yourself in recruiters’ shoes and ask; does this CV meet the most important skills required? Are the years of experience clear in the document? Have I followed all the instructions given in the job advert?

By doing so, you will be making it easier for recruiters to find your CV and consider you a top candidate for the role.

Do you have any queries about your CV or job application? Write to us through clientservice@corporatestaffing.co.ke