Thousands of job seekers apply for jobs every day. An average of 128 job seekers applies for a job ad. Of those 128, roughly 20% are invited for an interview.
It can be difficult to stand out from a pile of applications. You have 5-7 seconds to catch an employer’s attention with your resume. Let’s look at ways to change your CV or resume so you’re more likely to grab an employer’s attention.
Highlight relevant skills. This can include skills learned in non-paid environments, such as internships, temporary positions, seasonal and short term work, and volunteer work. Delete irrelevant work.
Tailor your resume. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all resume. It’s a myth and it’s the quickest way for employers to toss your application in the trash. Tweak your CV for every job post.
Show off achievements. Back it up with evidence. Employers like to see results. Include numbers, statistics, and anything else to back up your skills and work experience. This can even include work from temp positions and short term work.
Related: 5 Ways to Land a Temp Job
Use keywords. Chances are high if you submitted an application online, the first “pair of eyes” that will see your resume won’t be a person. Rather, a talent-management program will scan your resume for keywords and phrases relevant to the job ad. If they aren’t there, it gets tossed.
Be confident. If you’re not confident about your skills and experience, why should an employer have faith in you? Don’t be arrogant, but write your CV with confidence and be proud of your accomplishments.
What’s your biggest CV/Resume struggle?