4 Things Employers Look For In Your CV

Have you been in a situation where you keep on sending out your CV but never land an interview? Oftentimes the reason could be your CV, how you present yourself does not speak directly to the employer.

Getting your CV noticed and landing an interview is crucial when job hunting. Your CV is often the first impression an employer will have of you, so it’s important to highlight the right things to appeal to potential hiring managers.

While experience and qualifications are obviously important, employers are looking beyond your career history.

So, what is it they look at? Here are four key things that employers regularly look for in resumes that can help yours stand out from the crowd.

1. Relevant Experience

This one should go without saying, but experience directly applicable to the role you’re applying for will always catch an employer’s eye.

While general career advice states that any experience is good experience, this isn’t always true when it comes to well-written CVs. Your curriculum vitae needs to clearly communicate the experience you have that’s relevant to the position.

For example, if applying to be a marketing executive, focus on previous roles where you managed marketing campaigns rather than including unrelated duties like administrative tasks.

Quantifying your achievements, such as increasing website traffic by 25% or gaining 100 new subscribers to an email list, shows measurable impact. Tailor your CV experience section to the specific role by highlighting the skills, industry knowledge, and achievements most pertinent.

2. Transferable Skills

Even if you don’t have direct experience in the role or industry you’re applying to, employers will consider transferable skills that could still make you a strong candidate.

Soft skills like written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and adaptability cross over between most jobs and functions. Technical skills like proficiency with certain programs or systems may also apply broadly.

Your CV should outline any transferable skills you possess from previous or current roles. For instance, you can note project management experience even if not in marketing previously. Relate spreadsheet or design software skills to the potential requirements of the new position.

Demonstrating versatile, transferable skills expands your appeal beyond a narrow experience fit and shows career progression potential.

3. Achievements and Impact

Employers want to know not just what you’ve done but the difference you made. Beyond listing generic duties, quantify achievements, impacts, and successes wherever possible in your CV.

Rather than stating you “managed social media marketing”, add metrics like “increased followers by 30% over 12 months”. Instead of vague responsibilities, note achievements such as “launched a new product which contributed an extra $50k in monthly revenue”.

Showcasing results keeps employers engaged by emphasizing your value and potential performance in their organization.

Frame everything in terms of impact to demonstrate you can add measurable worth from day one, not just occupy a role. Be specific yet concise in relating achievements to appeal to a potential hiring manager.

4. Adaptability and Continuous Learning

The professional space demands flexible, lifelong learners able to roll with changes and upgrades. Your CV should reflect these valuable adaptable characteristics that many job roles require.

Mention instances where you quickly learned new skills or systems on the job. Call out any relevant educational courses, certifications, or personal learning you’ve undertaken, especially if current.

This shows employers you’re comfortable stepping outside your direct responsibilities when needed and reinforces relevant skills.

Highlight examples that portray a willingness to take on varied tasks, expand responsibilities, or adjust to innovations/restructures over time. Communicating adaptability reassures hiring managers you’ll be a good company culture fit for the future as well as the present role requirements.

Conclusion

Focus on quantifying impactful experience, skills, learning, and beyond to connect strongly with potential hiring managers at first glance.

Taking the time to highlight the most important selling points of your background paves the way towards coveted job interviews. Want to gain the employer’s attention in seconds? Invest in our professional CV Writing Services today for a detailed error-free CV.