To improve the effectiveness of your CV you should write it specifically for the job you are applying to. By targeting you resume at a individual employer you stand a better chance of getting noticed and impressing the employer.
This is not as difficult as it sounds. After all you already have all the raw material you need, which is essentially the job advert and your existing resume. You just need to invest a bit of time in altering or rewriting your CV to match the job profile.
What you put in your CV tells the employer everything about you, so make sure yours presents you as the strongest candidate. You objective should be to create a desire by the recruiter to act and invite you for interview. Do this by targeting your CV to the specific needs of the vacancy.
The benefits of writing a targeted CV
- You will impress the recruiter by showing you have researched their company and have written something especially for them.
- Remember that hiring managers can be very busy and will only have time to very briefly skim through CVs. Meaning many capable candidates can get missed out as their CV is not eye catching or unique.
- It will set you apart from the majority of other job applicants who send the same CV to every job they apply for.
- Collecting and analysing all of the required information will also give you a good idea as to whether you really are suitable for the job and whether its worth applying.
How to write a powerful and targeted CV
Stage 1 – gather information about the company and dissect the job advert
Research the company, visit their website, search for press releases, study their products or services as well their customers.
Read the job advert and description carefully and make a list of the key skills that are required. When writing your CV keep this list and the job advert by you and refer to it regularly. If the job advert does not contain enough information then research the role on the internet to get a idea of what the duties are.
Analysing all of this information will give you a good idea of the companies aims and what they want from a candidate. Now compile a list of competencies and personal specifications that the employer is looking for.
Stage 2 – gather information about yourself
Go through your entire career in details and make notes on those duties, talents and abilities that match what the target employer is looking for.
Stage 3 – start writing your CV
In detail plan and lay out your resume so that the key relevant information you have gathered about yourself matches the job requirements. Focus on making sure that every section of your CV is focused on demonstrating your relevant skills or experiences. Give prominence to those academic qualifications related to the vacancy.
- Use bullet points to make sure your most relevant information stands out.
- Position the most important points prominently in the CV, so they stand out.
- Remember to use CV power words and terminology.
- Use short, punchy sentences.
- Each section should be in reverse chronological order i.e. most recent events / qualifications first.
Cover letters
If you target your CV then you should also personalise your cover letters as well. The best way to do this is by having a paragraph explaining why you want to work for their company.
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