How to get your CV read

So you’ve spent hours crafting your new CV (or had an expert do it for you) now it’s time to get it in front of potential employers. 

There’s only one problem; In today’s saturated job market, your CV is going to be one of hundreds, if not thousands, being sent out for every job opportunity.

So what can you do to give your CV the best possible chance of being read?

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Here are my four top tips:

Tip number one for getting your CV read – Send it to the right people

If your CV lands in the wrong inbox, it’s going to end up on the metaphorical trash heap. 

This may seem obvious, however, most of the CVs that are sent to recruiters and HR managers are not even relevant to the industries for which they hire.

If your CV ends up in the wrong inbox, it’s a complete waste of time. So instead of spending hours sending your CV everywhere you possibly can, spend quality time sending it to the right people.

• Search on LinkedIn for the HR managers working at the companies, or in the industry, that you want to work. Send them a personal invitation to connect and get their email address.
• Look for the recruiters in your city that specialize in your industry. These are the people who will be interested in reading your CV and the people who can really help you.
• Find job descriptions for roles that closely match your skills and experience. If you apply for these roles your CV stands a much better chance of actually being read by the right people and not being dismissed. Applying for a role online for which you meet less than 75% of requirements is a complete waste of time. 

Tip number two for getting your CV read – Take your time on each and every application

Your CV needs to make a great first impression. Now, you wouldn’t turn up to an interview without first taking the time to brush your teeth, do your hair and shine your shoes…at least I hope not! 

We all know that first impressions count, and the same is true for your CV and job applications, so don’t send it off until you have first taken the time to get it dressed up for the occasion. 

• Send a customised email that demonstrates why you are a great candidate for the role. Take your time and consider how you can make yourself stand out above other candidates.
• Check your CV one last time – is there more you can do to ensure it highlights your relevant skills? Are there any last little spelling and grammar issues that need correcting?

Consider using a free tool such as Grammarly to help you with this. I am a user and big fan of Grammarly and my affiliate link is below

• Reach out to your network – Do your research and find out if there’s anyone who can refer you into the company.

Tip number three for getting your CV read – Focus on the most relevant information

What is the most relevant information for the role you are applying for? You need to make sure that this information is right at the top of your CV. 

• Read the job description in detail and ask yourself ‘what would this HR or hiring manager be most interested in seeing?’ If the job advert asks that you are ACCA qualified, make sure your opening statement includes the line ACCA qualified accountant with X years of experience. This will entice the reader to read on!
• Remember that recruiters and hiring managers will most likely not have the time to read through every CV they receive in detail. Your job is to grab their attention in the first few lines! 

Tip number four for getting your CV read – Follow any instructions given

Have you ever seen a recruiter advertise a role on LinkedIn? No doubt you would have seen a number of comments below that say, “Interested, please check my CV”. 

These comments completely ignore the fact that the recruiter has provided their email address and asked interested candidates to email their CV with the subject line of the email mentioning the job title. It’s important to carefully check any instructions given and make sure you follow them. If they ask for a cover letter, send one. If they ask for your CV in Word format, then send it in Word format. 

So before you send your CV off into the big wide world, consider the above points and give it the best possible chance of actually being read by someone who might want to hire you!

Content originally posted on www.TheEnglishMeetingRoom.com

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