7 Tips to write a CV that will get you more Interviews

Now more than ever, job hunting requires an extra effort to get noticed by recruiters. Job search is a sales process where your resume represents your value proposition to address the potential “customer” (employer) pain. For this reason, having a compelling CV plays a key role when it comes to landing your dream job.

An excellent resume has the power to open doors. It will help you to stand out from the crowd and to make a good first impression. As a job seeker, you need to have an impactful CV that will speak volumes about you to hiring managers. How you impress that employer with your resume can, and will, make all the difference. That is why it is imperative to have a superior resume that effectively lets employers know what you can do for them.

Take a look at the following tips to boost your CV.

Write a compelling Resume Headline

Also known as a resume title is a brief phrase that highlights your value as a candidate. Having a good headline will encourage recruiters to look deeply into your resume. This is an important step in your job search because it helps the recruiter understand your career path and find candidates that are relevant to a position.

Replace “Objectives” with a “Summary Statement”

The main element in a winning resume is having a Summary statement (SS) at the top. It helps the hiring managers quickly see your transferable skills and allows you to pull the most relevant and impressive skills and career accomplishments, featuring them at the top of your resume. 

The average recruiter scans a resume for 6-7 seconds before deciding if the applicant is a good fit for the role. The SS is key to giving a brief overview of the value you have to offer.

Customize your Resume per Application

A well-written, customized resume evinces a certain level of commitment to the opportunity. A common mistake is to think an application is all about you. While your resume is a powerful tool to explain your career story, it should always be written as a value proposition to address the potential employer's pain, highlighting what you can bring as a new addition to the company. That is why you'll need to customize your resume to each specific job posting you apply to.

Quantify Your Achievements

Using numbers and results whenever possible will make the work experiences and the summary more relevant because quantified information is more manageable for employers to visualize and translate. Numbers speak louder than words, and contributions speak louder than responsibilities. Numbers help your resume to stick in the mind of the hiring professional. 

Add keywords to get noticed by recruiters

Just as you use keywords to search for jobs on Monster, recruiters and hiring managers use them to identify qualified candidates. Boolean keyword searches help recruiters find candidates on Google by skills and experience. Use your skills section to match the potential employer's main skills as per the job description. This also helps to pass through the ATS Systems. Most recruiters have access to an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), a software coupled with online job listings that score your resume based on the format and how closely your resume matches the job description in terms of keywords, qualifications, experience, and skills. 

Keep it Relevant

Avoid listing outdated, irrelevant experiences that aren't necessary for the job you’re applying for—employers look out for a relevant experience that makes you a good fit. Experience can be relevant and transferable across industries and fields. You only need to find out how to craft your application to be a perfect match for the position.

Be Succinct

Tell your professional story, not your career history. The length of your resume depends on the type of candidate you are and your level of experience. Your resume should be as long as it needs to be (within reason) for the job you're applying to. C-levels resume can’t fit a one-page format. However, following tip #6, focus on the relevant experience within the last 10-15 years.

As a bonus tip, keep your resume up to date online. #LinkedIn is the largest professional social network with over 90% of recruiters. LinkedIn provides one of the best opportunities to increase your visibility and credibility with members of your brand community. 

An optimal resume is critical and can quite literally make the difference between getting an interview and not. If you need help, don't hesitate to get in touch with me by e-mail at: miyelmi@therecruitermind.com

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