It is the age-old question. In a crowded candidate market how can you make your CV the one that stands out from other candidates? When all the applicants are as well qualified how do you get that vital edge over the competition?
Structure is the first point to bear in mind. When research shows that an employer will scan a CV for about half a minute you need to be sure that yours is easy to understand and gives a headline that will catch the recruiters eye.
Experience and Achievements. Make sure that you cover this. Many applicants will only mention their responsibilities and duties rather than other attainments. Recruiters need to see both. Try to include two achievements, targets met or awards given.
Tailor your CV. Make sure that your CV is tailored to the job that you are applying for and makes the most of the achievements and tasks that relate well to the job you are applying for. This may sound like it will take a lot of time and effort but it will be worth it when you land that great job.
Dotting the ‘I’s. One thing that is guaranteed to put off any prospective employer is a sloppy CV that has spelling and grammar mistakes. Your CV is all that the recruiter has to go on at this stage and you want it to show that you are a person to whom attention to detail matters. Check through your CV one twice and thrice to make sure that it is free of these kinds of mistakes. It is always a good idea to let someone else look it over as they may see things that you have missed.
There is no doubt that it is a tough market out there, with jobs pursued by many people. To have the edge, make sure that your CV is one that a recruiter cannot ignore.