CV Writing : Putting Yourself In The Recruiter’s Shoes

By Audrey Korir

Applying for jobs can be an exciting process when seeking employment opportunities, but what happens when your applications keep getting rejected? You may believe that your resume is perfect yet it’s out there lying at the very bottom of the employer’s pile.

Well, it’s time to change your perception and put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter. Your credentials may be impeccable but, how are you portraying them in your CV?

Here are some key guidelines to help you navigate the CV-Writing process from the recruiter’s eye:

1. Plan before you write:

A hastily written CV that selfishly screams why you are the best candidate for the position cannot always guarantee you a consideration. Tailor your achievements to fit the job description so that the recruiter can see how you would fit in the company.   You should spend as much time researching and planning as writing the CV. Ask yourself, what are the specific experiences and qualities employers are looking for in my field? What impact will I bring if allowed to join their company? Seek professional advice from a cv-writing service, check out the company’s website, read articles that highlight these issues or any other employment resource that can help you find the best answer.

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2. Is your CV worth their time?

This is where you need to remind yourself that it is not solely about you but primarily about whether you are right for them. Sounds harsh? It is nothing but the truth. Recruiters receive thousands and thousands of applications so they have no time to attentively read through every aspect of your CV.  They want to specifically pinpoint attributes and skills that make you suitable for the position. Simply ensure that it’s easy to read, give it a clear and organized structure, check for spelling and grammar errors and have a great profile to prove your suitability for the role.

3. Can you do the job in question?

The end goal for every recruiter who is reviewing a CV is to ascertain whether you have the standard qualities and experiences needed for the role. Keep in mind that hiring you can go both ways, you can either turn out to be a loss or an asset to your employer.  Always ensure that you are up to the task, prove this by tailoring your CV to fit the job description.

Research the company in question while also reviewing what the role entails.  Check their website to see what attributes and skills they are seeking.  Read their mission, vision, and values to show them that you are a team player and that you desire to help them achieve their goals.

Give examples if you can and keep all the information relevant in terms of how recent it is.

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4. Setting pen to paper:

This is the section where you have to grab the recruiter’s attention.  You have all the above in mind, so how do you start structuring it?  Some key elements that recruiters look at are:

• Your current/previous job title– to help the recruiter see if you are relevant to the job description they want, thus making it easier for them to shortlist suitable candidates.
• Current/Previous Employer- the recruiter/hiring manager may recognize the company or institution especially if it is credible and well known. This may secure your chances for consideration.

• Highlighting your responsibilities in your current/previous employer- The first point you write in this section should match the first requirement in the job description. By hitting the nail hard on its head, you have ensured that you set yourself apart from all those other applications competing with you.

• Education- Provide true and relevant details of your academic credentials, back this up with credible documents. Do not lie or produce fake papers it will be detrimental to your reputation and chances of employment.

• Referrals: Ensure the person you list as a referee knows you personally or has worked with you before. It will be very embarrassing if the recruiter calls them and they don’t have anything to say about you or worse they end up giving a bad report about you. Include their updated contact details to ensure that they are reachable.

• Skills/Attributes: When writing them down, tailor them to fit the job description or the company “About Profile” on their website. The About Profile gives you a feel of the company’s culture through its mission, vision, and values.

Conclusively, as a job seeker always remember that it is never just about you but primarily on what you can do for the recruiters.

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