Whether you’re thinking of applying for a full time or a part time position, or even applying for an interim role ensuring your CV is up to scratch is a top priority. How you look on paper can mean the difference between getting your foot in the door for an interview and not making it past the initial selection phase. However, the way we apply for jobs has changed. Social media is altering how candidates are recruited, as consultants have greater targeted access to a broader pool of talent.
But despite these changes, the old-fashioned CV still has a vital part to play. Writing your CV with the digital age in mind will give you prime access to the best opportunities in your industry.
Ensure your CV and professional online presence work synergistically by adapting both for your desired career path. Social media is a wonderful thing, providing an extra insight into your professional history and experience for recruiters and companies looking to hire you. According to recent research, 7 in 10 employers use social media to find out more about potential candidates before they even interview them. Beware of the social media faux pas that could see you overlooked for a role, however.
Setting your profile to private is important on more personal platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. Using more professional platforms, like LinkedIn, could help you get ahead in your field with the right content as LinkedIn career expert Blair Decembrele explains in this blog post from TIME:
“Users who list their education appear in searches up to 17 times more often than those who don’t. Location is another important detail: filling out this field with where you want to work will make you appear in up to 23 times more searches, she says. A professional-looking picture is another must-have. Profiles with a photo get up to 21 times more views and up to 36 times more messages… And a summary statement, an ‘elevator pitch’ with at least 40 words that speak to your skills, motivation, and interests, will also help grab a recruiter’s eye.”
You can paint a compelling picture of yourself for recruiters by keeping your online profiles and CVs up to date.
As digital marketing pros will know, keywords reign supreme on the search scene. Carefully selected words and phrases, delivered at the right density, are able to propel a website or page to new heights, ranking wise. The same theory applies to your digital CV. Make sure your keywords are simple, relevant and present to ensure your CV gets seen by the right people.
Keeping your keywords and wider content clear and understandable is another must so avoid using over-congested layouts and fancy fonts, as these can be distracting.
Whether it’s an online CV or old-fashioned paper resume that gets people’s attention, ensure that both are consistent to your current skills, qualities and experience. Your CV should be a relevant and up-to-date interpretation of who you are, so don’t leave potential employers having to fill in the blanks. Make sure your CVs are positive and job friendly, whether presented online or off.
Find more tips for writing a great CV and start your job search on the right foot.