Hi, CareerBuddy!
I’ve revamped my CV multiple times, and even have experience in my field. However, getting a job seems like a mirage. How do I stand out in this competitive job market?
Ah, buddy, I feel you! The job market can be a tough nut to crack, however, it’s nothing you can’t crack. So don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re most likely deserving of the opportunities you’ve applied for, but your CV didn’t rep you at all.
Now I know you said you’ve revamped your CV multiple times but are you sure you’re doing it right? I knew better when I took a sneak peek into this recruiter’s workspace and how they filter candidates from the first stage.
You might need to ask yourself some real questions;
Do I think about the best way to adapt my CV and career achievements to suit the needs of every new opportunity that comes my way? Or do I just copy and paste?
See, it’s really inefficient of you to just keep applying to different jobs with the same CV – No edits, no modification.
Whatever is worth doing at all is definitely worth doing well. So here’s how you can make every first shot you take with a job application count;
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Study the job description
Every single detail you need to prepare your CV is in the J.D. Let me repeat that again. Every single detail you need to prepare your CV is in the J.D! Study it, read it, cram it, digest it, and repeat the process all over again – that’s if you really want this job. Doing this will help you understand exactly what the employer needs and how you can position yourself as the best fit.
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Take note of the keywords and phrases
List the skills and keywords in the job description and include them in your CV and profile summary. A good number of organizations now use the ATS software to sift through CVs that don’t match the skills and experience listed in the J.D. Hiring managers will also be definitely looking out for these keywords in your CV.
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Include only your most relevant experiences
Start from the most recent to past work experiences. You don’t have to meet all the criteria for a job opportunity but at least show that you have the key knowledge of the industry and skills required for the role. You don’t want to include an internship experience with a law firm when you’re trying to switch to a role in Software development.
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Research the company
Take note of mission statements or the ‘‘About Us’’ to gain more insights into the culture of the organization. Do they focus on social impact? Then you might want to include some volunteer or community development experience in your CV.
Finally, try to ensure your profile summary shows some personality and alignment with the overall vibe and culture of the organization.
You might also want to check out what makes your CV ATS compliant and some CV mistakes that might be costing you those jobs.
If you need some additional help, feel free to request our CV writing services!