Why Can’t I Get a Job? 5 Tips to Improve Your CV
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Why Can’t I Get a Job? 5 Tips to Improve Your CV
Meet Emily, a talented graphic designer with a passion for creativity and a drive to excel in her field. As she embarked on her job search, she realized the importance of having a strong CV that would grab the attention of potential employers. However, Emily felt that her current CV didn’t effectively showcase her skills and experiences. Determined to improve her chances of landing her dream job, she decided to take proactive steps to enhance her CV and make it stand out from the competition.
Let’s explore the five actions she took to revitalize her CV and elevate her career prospects.
1. Research keywords
Including certain keywords in a CV or resume might seem like a small detail but, when you are applying to large companies, it can be vital. Many organizations use ATS – automatic tracking systems – to deal with their applications. ATS software scans documents looking for specific keywords relevant to a position so, if you don’t use them, your CV won’t get past this stage.
To find relevant keywords, scan the job posting, as well as any further information provided, and highlight power words. Another way is to find and read sample resumes for similar positions available online. There is also a helpful app that helps to analyze how suitable your text is for the job posting.
2. Tailor your CV to each job application
One of the most effective ways to improve your CV is to customize it for each job you apply to. Take the time to carefully review the job description and requirements, and then adjust your CV accordingly. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that directly align with the position. This demonstrates to employers that you understand their needs and increases your chances of standing out from other applicants.
3. Prioritise the top quarter
Industry research shows that on average a recruiter spends between 6-8 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether a candidate is suitable or not. Consequently, you need to ensure you are gripping their attention from the moment they set eyes on it.
The top quarter of your CV is the section that is first visible when a recruiter opens your document. This section is likely to include your profile, core skills and qualifications, and information about your current role.
4. Strip out irrelevant details
When you’ve had a long or established career, you might have years of experience and multiple qualifications behind you, but over time these can become less relevant and simply take up precious space.
The best approach to take is to examine the job description and see what the employer is after, then omit any information that is not relevant or required for the role. For example, in your employment history, you can leave out any roles that aren’t relevant to the industry or position you’re applying for and cut down any older roles to just one-line summaries.
5. Showcase relevant skills and certifications
Including a dedicated skills section in your CV allows you to highlight the specific skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Identify the key skills mentioned in the job description and make sure they are prominent in your CV. Additionally, if you have acquired any certifications or completed relevant courses, list them in a separate section or alongside your education. This demonstrates your commitment to professional development and your ability to acquire new skills.
So, if you are looking for a new position this year, keep this advice in mind when writing your CV. Even just one of these five tips could be enough to instantly boost your CV and help you secure an interview. Nonetheless, you can have your CV revamped by our professional CV writers today!
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