How to Make Your CV Stand Out When You Have an Extended Notice Period

?? Why This Matters More Than Ever!

The job market is shifting rapidly, with many companies prioritizing candidates who can join immediately due to reasons like tight project deadlines, offer declines, and replacement requirements. But what if you're tied to a 90-day notice period? Does that mean you're automatically out of the race? Absolutely not!

I've spoken with countless professionals facing this challenge, including a recent conversation with a highly skilled software engineer who felt his long notice period was blocking his chances at new opportunities. His frustration was real, but so was his potential! If you're in the same boat, this post is for you. ??

Let's dive into how you can position yourself as a must-hire candidate—despite your long notice period! ??

1?? Build a Targeted Employer Pipeline ??

Would you go fishing without knowing where the fish are? The same logic applies to job hunting! Instead of mass-applying to random roles, create a strategic list of companies that value your expertise and are willing to wait for the right candidate.

? Research their hiring patterns ? Connect with key stakeholders on LinkedIn ? Build rapport with hiring managers before a vacancy is posted

The reality? Top companies will wait for top talent. Your job is to ensure they see YOU as that top talent. ????

2?? Make Your CV Speak Volumes ??

Most CVs fail not because of a lack of experience, but because they don’t showcase impact. Hiring managers care about what you bring to the table, not just where you worked.

Instead of listing responsibilities, focus on real, measurable achievements:

? “Optimized system performance, reducing latency by 30%.”

? “Led a team that migrated a legacy system, improving efficiency by 40%.”

? “Implemented Agile, reducing project delivery time by 20%.”

A results-driven CV grabs attention—fast. ??

3?? Address Your Notice Period Like a Pro ??

Worried about your extended notice period? Flip the narrative. Here’s how:

?? Be Transparent: Mention it upfront—but frame it positively. ?? Show Readiness: Offer a transition plan to minimize delays. ?? Be Flexible: If possible, negotiate an early release with your current employer.

This tells recruiters: You’re committed, prepared, and proactive. ??

4?? Upskill While You Wait ??

If you're stuck in a long notice period, don’t just wait—level up! ??

?? Earn certifications ?? Work on open-source projects ?? Attend webinars & build thought leadership on LinkedIn

This keeps you relevant and shows employers you're always growing. ??

5?? Leverage LinkedIn Like a Pro ??

Your CV gets you shortlisted, but your LinkedIn presence gets you noticed!

?? Optimize your profile with relevant keywords ?? Engage with industry leaders & hiring managers in related topics ?? Share opinions—position yourself as an expert—position yourself as an expert

Hiring managers notice candidates who are ACTIVE, connected, helpful, and collaborative in their industry. Make sure that’s YOU. ??

6?? Network Strategically ??

Did you know? 80% of jobs are landed through networking.

?? Reach out to ex-colleagues, mentors & industry connections ?? Attend tech meetups & LinkedIn Live events ?? Ask for referrals—many companies reward employees for recommending strong candidates

Your next opportunity may come from a conversation—not just a job board. Be visible! ??

7?? Customize Your CV for Each Role ??

Recruiters use AI-powered filters to scan CVs for relevant skills. If your CV isn’t tailored, you won’t make the shortlist.

?? Use AI tools to refine your CV for each job posting. ?? Highlight the skills and experience mentioned in the job description if you have them.

?? Pro tip: Don't send a generic one-size-fits-all version!

8?? Craft a Powerful Summary Statement ??

First impressions matter. Your CV’s summary statement should make hiring managers stop and take notice.

? Avoid generic intros like “Experienced software engineer looking for opportunities.” ? Instead, say: “Software engineer with 7+ years in scalable cloud solutions. Led microservices optimizations that reduced system latency by 35%.”

That’s how you sell yourself! ??

9?? Stay Persistent—Success Takes Time ?

Feeling frustrated? You’re not alone. A long notice period can feel like an uphill battle, but remember: it’s temporary.

Keep applying, keep networking, and don’t settle. The right job will come your way—just be ready when it does. ??

?? Final Thoughts: Make Hiring Managers WANT to Wait for You

A 90-day notice period doesn’t mean missing out on great opportunities. If you: ? Network strategically ? Showcase your achievements ? Engage on LinkedIn ? Frame your notice period positively

…then hiring team WILL make exceptions for you. Top talent is worth waiting for.