When applying for a job it can be difficult for a candidate to get noticed amongst the dozens of other suitable and qualified applicants. In today’s economic climate competition for vacancies is fierce, for this reason alone its vital that candidates do all they can to stand out from the crowd.

Listed below are some creative tips to ensure your CV gets noticed for the right reasons:

 

Apply for jobs before they are advertised
Find vacancies that are not yet publicized and then apply for them before anyone else, simple but effective. Seek out these positions by sending out speculative letters to the HR departments of potential employers.

 

Read the job advert carefully
By reading the job description you can pick out key requirements that the recruiter is looking for in applicants. Once you’ve done this then rewrite your CV and maybe a covering letter and place special emphasis on matching your abilities to the job description. You can do this by either highlighting specific related keywords or by writing a career statement at the top of your CV and showing your skills and qualities that match the recruiters selection criteria.

 

Write a different CV for each job you apply for
Do not send the same CV to every employer, this is what most applicants do. Address the specific issues and need that the employer is looking for. Mention their products or services and also highlight what their competitors are doing or any recent news stories about them. Hiring managers will be impressed that you have written something especially for them.

 

Writing your CV
Beat the odds and the competition by writing a creative eye catching resume.

  • Start with a strong personal profile that lists your best and most relevant abilities.
  • Write short to the point sentences and make sure each one addresses a issue.
  • Use industry jargon and buzz words.
  • Show how you can benefit the company in practical ways.

 

CV length
Recruiters going through a pile of CVs and job applications will only have about 2 minutes to scan through each CV. If your CV includes your life history and is 10 pages long it will probably be binned quickly. Recruiters like to see short concise CVs that list related skills only. Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages.

 

Be positive
Its important that you remain positive in any contact with prospective employers, either when dealing with them over the phone or through your CV. Employers want people who can demonstrate a ability to overcome problems and come up with solutions. Focus on showing hiring managers how your ability, knowledge, experience and contacts can benefit their organization.

 

Networking 
If possible attend recruitment fairs where you will be able to meet key recruitment personnel. Make sure you talk to them and get their contact details. Later on call them up and mention your meeting and offer to send in your CV. This is a excellent way of getting a head start over everyone else.

 

Get the name of the key decision maker then call them
If a week has passed after sending in your job application and you have not had a reply, then contact the company. Try to find out the name of the person who has placed a job advert or the person who will be reviewing the CVs and applications. Contact that person and ask them to confirm that they have received your resume. During the conversation be polite and professional and explain to them that you are very interested in the vacancy and feel you are the right person for it.

 

Ask questions at an interview 
If you have been invited to a job interview then ask questions. Have a list of queries related to the job, this is a good way to show that you are keen and to make sure they notice you. Ask about new products or services being launched or perhaps any plans for company expansion.

 

After an interview send a ‘thank you’ note
The next day after having a interview send in a thank you letter rather than a email. Address it to the person who interviewed you, as not many people do this it’s another good way of getting noticed.

 

Related topics:

CV power words

Job application advice

Letter of Inquiry 

Personal qualities that employers look for in candidates

Reading a job advert

Targeting your CV at specific jobs

What employers look for in a CV