What’s going on? It’s been weeks, months in fact. You’ve applied for hundreds of jobs yet you’re still standing in the ‘unemployment line’, wondering where things are going wrong.
So what actually is going wrong and why have you been turned down so many times?
Have you considered your CV? Many applications are rendered unsuccessful almost immediately because of this single document. So, it is vital to have your CV in tip top condition before applying.
Tip #1 – The Tailored CV
Do not create one CV and send it to every Tom, Dick and Harry. Ensure you read the job description thoroughly and tailor your CV to suit. If the job description is brief, give the employer a call to find out more. By doing this, not only will you get more information about the role, you’ll stand out from the crowd simply because you decided to pick up the phone.
Tip #2 – Say No to Typos
Typo in your CV? You’ve got no chance! Your CV is essentially a sales pitch. It is there to sell you, your abilities and your achievements. So make sure you proof read thoroughly.
Tip #3 – Cut out the Rubbish
So you’re applying for a finance role and your CV includes every job you’ve ever had – even that bar job you had back in university 5 years ago that you don’t really remember much about. Cut the rubbish, if you can’t relate any of the skills or achievements gained whilst in the job to the role you are applying for, then there is no place for it on your CV. Get rid.
Tip #4 – Keep it Short & Sweet
2-3 pages max! A 5 page CV is daunting, off-putting and in the mind of the employer, a waste of time. Keep your CV short and sweet.
Tip #5 – Skills & Achievements
Ensure you highlight all of the key skills and achievements you have that are directly related to the role you are applying for. This is what the employer is looking for. Remember, you are competing with tens, possibly hundreds of other candidates for this job. If you have something that makes you unique, do not hesitate to highlight it.
Tip #6 – Facts & Figures
Back up your achievements with facts and figures. Simply stating that you increased sales isn’t enough. State that you increased sales by 50%. Facts and figures do not lie and employers love them.
Tip #7 – Image is Everything
A list of 5 bullet points is much more appealing to the eye of an employer than a paragraph of text. It will allow the employers to scan through your CV quickly and pick out important information with ease. Think like the employer – would you want to sit and read your CV?
Tip #8 – Don’t Lie
Chances are it will come back around to haunt you.
Tip #9 – Don’t Forget References
If you don’t have references, guaranteed the employer will begin to wonder why, and this is not a good thing.
Tip #10 – Contact Details
You’d be amazed how many people fail to include their full contact information. Make sure you include your name, mobile number, home number, e-mail address and home address. Just your name and e-mail isn’t enough! Employers will not hang around waiting for you to check your e-mail; they’ll move on.
Stick with these simple yet very effective tips and you’re sure to land yourself an interview!
