A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is the recruiter's initial point of contact with the job applicant.

Sending a generic CV, without customizing it to outline the candidate's work experience and educational background in response to a job vacancy placed in the market is a frequent job-hunting approach. This, among others, is the primary reason why many job hopefuls do not hear back from recruiters. Because of rising levels of unemployment and technological advancements, recruiters are swamped with applications within minutes of posting a job opening. In order to be invited for an interview after passing the screening process, a job applicant must portray oneself in a way that sells. Otherwise, the CV will be lost among a sea of other documents that will never see the light of day.

The key to landing that interview is to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to that position. Here are eight tips that can be useful:

 1. Analyze the job description in detail.

The job description will help you identify the skills, experiences, and qualifications that the potential employer is looking for. Be keen when analyzing the job description. Be on the lookout for keywords that are recurring in the job description and highlight them. Analyze the company's mission, vision, and values they stand for. Additionally, analyze the skills and competencies required for that job. Have your current CV in mind as you review the job description. Ask yourself whether the qualifications outlined in the job description align with the qualifications you possess. Go through the roles and responsibilities required for the advertised position and do your research on them as they give insight into the technical skills required for the job.

 2. Compare and align with the recruiter's needs.

After having an understanding of what your potential employer is looking for, begin tailoring your CV according to their needs. Begin with your profile summary. A tailored profile summary shows that you have taken the time to understand the requirements of the job and have tailored your application to meet those needs. It is also the introductory part of your resume therefore it needs to grab the attention of the recruiting manager. Highlight skills and relevant experiences that relate to the job description. Once you are through with the profile summary, progress to other sections of your resume comparing and matching your expertise to the job description.

 3. Tailor your work experience to the job description

When indicating your work experience, begin with the experience that is most relevant to the job description. Use relevant examples of your past work experience that emphasizes the skills and experience required for the job. If you have a long work experience, you may have to leave out experiences that are not relevant to the job you are applying for. The best way to match your work experience to the job description is through your roles and responsibilities in your previous role as well as the achievements during that period.

4. Highlight your achievements

Achievements are a key component of your CV as they demonstrate your competency and your ability to deliver results. However, it's important to ensure that the achievements you include in your CV are relevant to the job you're applying for. Tailor your achievements to match the requirements of the role and demonstrate how your past accomplishments are transferable to the new position. For example, if you are applying for a role in social media marketing, you can demonstrate the tangible impact you made in your previous role such as managing a social media campaign that led to an increase in sales by a certain percentage.  This shows that you can do the job and deliver outstanding results.

5. Review your skills.

Most job descriptions indicate the skills required to do the job, if not indicated separately, review the qualifications required for the job. Besides the academic qualifications, you can find the experience required, skills, or competencies needed for the job. Highlight them. Research the role you are applying for to figure out the technical and soft skills required. Compare your technical and soft skills to the job requirements. Identify the skills that you possess that match the employer's requirements and include them in your CV.

6. Keep it Succinct.

Your CV should be concise but detailed, providing all the relevant information clearly and effectively. Avoid unnecessary information in your CV. A succinct CV not only grabs the attention of a hiring manager but also showcases your attention to detail. It also increases readability in turn increasing your chances of getting hired.

7. Proofread your CV

This is a crucial procedure before submitting your resume. Your CV should make a good first impression on the hiring manager. It is a reflection of your professionalism. It demonstrates that you take your job application seriously and have taken the time to craft a well-written and error-free document. Proofreading not only entails checking for grammatical errors but also ensuring clarity. Proofreading your CV ensures that your message is clear and easy to understand. It helps you to communicate your qualifications, skills, and work experience effectively. Avoid undermining your credibility by getting rid of mistakes in your resume.

8. Be authentic

Authenticity enables you to be confident in who you are and what you have to offer. Can you imagine a scenario whereby you are slated for an interview and the recruiter asks you a question on an experience on your CV that is not authentic or worse, when they reach out to one of your referees to inquire about an experience you fabricated? This will damage your chances of landing the job. Customizing your CV to fit the requirements of a specific job is important, but it shouldn't come at the cost of misrepresenting yourself. Honesty is the best policy, it not only saves you the trouble of embarrassment but also showcases your values to your employer.

After accomplishing the above, you need to polish your responses to common interview questions using your tailored CV. If you find this process to be tedious or difficult, a career coach can come in handy. A career coach has a vast knowledge of the current job market, hiring practices, and employer expectations. Their training and knowledge in the industry make them qualified to handle job support services including customizing your CV. Consider acquiring the services of a career coach. With the right approach and effort, you can make your application stand out from the crowd and land your dream job. A job-winning CV maximizes your chances of getting hired!

Copy Right-All Rights Reserved-Career Bridge Limited