How to Make Sure Employers Read your CV

Getting your CV read by recruiters is as important as writing them. A CV cannot be static and stay the same for every job application.  When we talk about a CV you should also understand other platforms such as your LinkedIn Profile and any other social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter etc.

1) What do recruiters look for on a CV

Recruiters are increasingly finding that they have enormous piles of applications for every vacancy that is advertised.  So how do they narrow these down into a manageable number?  They have very specific skills and experience that they are looking for the candidate to possess such as minimum educational requirements, relevant experience, the ability to work in that location, and a desire to do that job.  If an application does not clearly state within the first 10 seconds that they fulfil this criteria, then they simply won’t go into the next stage of selection.

If you’re submitting your application for a job then you need to make sure you get through to the next stage to be in with a chance of getting the job.  Review the job advert, job description and find out what you can about the company so that you can better understand what the recruiter’s tick list will include.  Once you have identified what the employer is looking for, make sure your cover letter includes these elements in an obvious way, perhaps your opening paragraph can include all of these elements.

2) CV mistakes to avoid

Your job application should be positive and tell the recruiter how much you want that job (even if you really hoped to be getting something else).  If you suggest that your career aspirations are for a different job but that you’d take this one if you were offered, this may be honest, but is not what the recruiter is looking for.  The recruiter is looking for candidates that want to work there long-term and have nowhere else they want to be.

Good presentation is also vital.  The recruiter only has a few pieces of paper to tell them about you and your attitude towards getting this job.  If a CV looks bad with worn edges, poor quality printing, spelling mistakes etc. it indicates to the employer that you either aren’t interested in the position or you don’t understand how important these things are.  Avoid images, poor formatting, going over more than 2 pages, make sure headlines are bold, dates and information is clear and easy to read.

3) What skills do employers want candidates to possess?

Of course employers want employees with the necessary qualifications and skills to complete the job.  In addition to this candidates who have a clear career focus and have a plan to get there are more likely to be successful as this suggests they will be more committed once they get a job.

4) Any good tips?

For every vacancy advertised it is suggested there are an average 250 applications, however only 5-10% of these applicants make contact with the recruiter prior to submitting their application.  If you call, just to clarify a detail or raise a minor query with the recruiter you will highlight your name to them and the recruiter is likely to spend longer reviewing your application.

If you can’t get through, don’t be afraid to leave a message and be persistent.  Recruiters expect to receive queries and depending on the size of the organisation, it may potentially be your future manager that you are introducing yourself to.

You can follow up any telephone contact with an email or a LinkedIn request if they are available so that you are not leaving it entirely down to luck for them to remember your name.

It’s all about standing out from the crowd and getting yourself noticed, not just for your excellent CV, but also because you take the initiative and are clearly keen for the job.

If you’re frantically searching for a job then you will probably apply for a lot of vacancies.  Keep a list of the jobs you have applied for, the names of contacts and any communication you have had so that if you do get a phone call you are immediately sure what it relates to.  There’s nothing worse than being caught off guard.

5) How to make sure it’s your CV that gets selected

The recruiters have a list of the required skills and experience that they want the successful candidates to possess, so what better way to do the first screening than with algorithms which search content before a single person sees them.  If you consider this when you are writing your CV you will realise how important it is to include each skill listed in the job advert and to make sure you spell it properly!
Even using this tactic for small employers that are unlikely to use computers to screen the CVs will be encouraged by your mirroring tactic as they will be scanning your CV to look for these elements.

6) In summary

Stand out from the competition in some way, perhaps contacting the employer in a different way (telephone or social media) to make sure your application has been received.

Be positive about the role and your place within the company, don’t suggest that applying for this job is a second or third alternative and not your ideal career move.
Get as much feedback as you can.  I know it’s difficult to approach an employer once your application has been rejected, but it really is worth it if you can find out why, and either get the necessary skills (volunteering somewhere etc.) and improve your CV or cover letter for next time.