You've probably heard of how to write a CV a thousand times. While it's non-negligible to know this key step in job hunting, it is not the be-all or end-all.
CV optimization is made even more necessary due to the Applicant Tracking System ’ATS’ and the ‘10-second glance’ the average recruiter adapts.
In the case of the ATS, it's an automated system that checks through your CV for desired keywords. Given that it's software, it is the least forgiving of the two recruitment processes.
If your CV doesn't meet the requirements computed by the recruiters, your CV is getting binned. Irrespective of how good or qualified you are, if you do not give them what they are asking for, you're not scaling through.
For the CV elimination done by humans, the recruiters and/or hiring managers do not actually spend time perusing your CV line-by-line. They take a quick glance and decide if you are worthy candidates not.
Failure to affect this brief couple of moments may lead to the recruiter skirting your CV - without understanding it. So, how precisely do you make a resume that establishes an incredible first connection yet in addition has enough profundity for prospective interviews?
At this point, you should whip out your CV for this long ride of CV optimization.
Here are a few things to note when in the process of optimizing your CV:
1. How old is your CV?
2. Tailor your CV to your application.
3.Keep your CV short.
4. Keep your format easy-to-read.
1. How Old is Your CV?
This sounds very obvious, but you’ll be surprised to find out that many job seekers parade their old CVs around without any update or tailoring done to make it more in line with the particular job they are applying for or the times in general.
It's unfailingly an extraordinary boost to think back on your vital responsibilities at past positions, particularly if your present job has changed after some time. Let your CV reflect this.
If your CV was written a while ago, your smartest choice is to begin assessing it and make additions or subtractions if applicable.
2. Tailor Your CV to Your Application
You've seen a job opening that appeals to you. Great. Now, the first question you should ask yourself is:
What would the recruiter be on the lookout for?
This question is pertinent. If the application is for a content writer, the position is for someone that can write solid content that appeals to the organization's market and helps sell its products/services.
If you have a law degree and you feel you may be a good fit, look for ways in which your legal background and/or your skills can make you a great fit for the position.
Else, your legal background and certifications, while exceptional and commendable, is not what is needed.
Things being what they are, how would you utilize your abilities and accomplishments to convince the recruiter that you're an amazing contender for the position?
You have to tailor your resume to each set of working responsibilities, and you have to realize how to utilize the correct keywords.
One thing that I always tell job applicants is to assume that their CVs would be run through the ATS. This is to encourage more specifications and better tailoring.
Always look through the featured keywords for the position you're applying for.
Have you been able to capture them? If so, how well have you done this?
You should attempt to put the keywords everywhere on your CV: in the CV profile (CV summary or CV objective) skills and even experiences. Here's how to write each section accordingly:
i. Write a Succinct Summary
Perhaps the most ideal approach to attract the recruiter when composing a CV is to make a short statement of objective that truly catches their eye.
Consider your summary the forerunner for the remainder of your CB. In the event that you have broad involvement with your field, your resume may appear to be long and massive.
Having a CV summary permits you to lessen this unnecessary wordiness and might urge the recruiter to give more consideration to the remainder of your CV.
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ii. Highlight Your Skills Appropriately
For your skills, rank your professional ones (if you have any related to the position) with the most important and relevant coming in on top. Think about the transferable skills that are highly sought after and blend them into your CV.
You're probably wondering how to know the relevant skills for the position you're applying for. Good.
Here's where networking tools come into play. LinkedIn in particular; look up key players in your field (the one you're applying for), see their listed skills and see if your keywords match theirs. If they don't, use them as a guide, as professionals on LinkedIn only list the most important skills they have.
View their skills and experience segments to discover these keywords.
Note: Once you're done fitting your CV to the expected set of skills and responsibilities, you can return to add significant skills to it that didn't appear in your bid for employment.
The cool thing, though, is that at MyJobMag, we've developed a CV builder that personalizes your job search and informs your job openings that are relevant to your skillset.
So, the extra process of individually tailoring your CV for each application is practically eliminated, as job applications are directly sent to your mail. What makes this a great catch is that it is absolutely free! Yes, it is at zero cost to optimize your CV and personalize your job search.
LAND YOUR DREAM JOB BY OPTIMIZING YOUR CV
iii. Be specific about your achievements
Now is not the time for you to be generic about your contributions to your previous place(s) of employment.
One thing that will improve your CV than some others is exhibiting how well you utilize your skills and abilities.
Adding deets like numbers and accomplishments will boost your keywords.
Setting center around the numbers recognizes that you are result oriented and are a money maker.
Recruiters additionally notice the numbers and are probably going to concentrate on digits when they see them, as they will, in general, identify with results.
3. Keep Your CV Short
The saying ‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’ rings true here. Keep your CV short and simple. Recruiters will get many requests for employment consistently, so they don't have the opportunity to peruse extensive CV.
In the event that you need to guarantee that your CV can be skimmed in 10 seconds, at that point it should be two pages or less.
If you are attempting to consolidate your CV, you could have a go at shortening a portion of your more established jobs, diminishing your page margins or in any event, lessening the size of your heading textual styles.
You can likewise hope to rebuild a portion of your sentences to ensure that you are not rehashing any statement or utilizing any pointless phrasing. Just state your important CV components in a brief and concise manner. It should not exceed two pages.
Check the postings that you are applying for, and in the event that you find that your CV contains certain skills that aren't referenced in the job necessities, take that segment down. You don't need to totally eliminate them, however lessen the degree of detail somewhat to give yourself more space to incorporate the skills that are really being requested in the employment posting.
4. Keep Your Format Easy-to-read
A straightforward CV in plain content is ideal; logos or pictures are a bit much. Broadly expound for your latest jobs, giving less space to your prior positions.
Spell checking is key, and guarantee you compose your past work experiences in the tense and your present duties in current tense.
Accomplishments are critical, place in any event 2-3 list items underneath every ongoing position.
Now that you've optimized your CV, let us help you find suitable jobs.
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