How to get your CV noticed...

On average, I'd say that you have about 10 seconds of a client or recruiter's eye to tell them what they want to hear. If you can get their attention during the first ten seconds, then you have a greater chance of them investing more time into reading your whole resume and getting a call for the interview. So what are some strategies you can employ to up your chances of successfully getting past the initial ten-second scan?

1) Use a job target that's appropriate to the role you're applying for

Here you use the exact/closest title of the position you're applying for; this tells the reader you have experience in that exact position and you're qualified.

2) Top load your resume with key words that highlight your skills

Use a bulleted section in the top third of the resume and put the most relevant keywords first. How do you know which keywords are the most relevant? Check the job advert and visit the company website for their core values. Chances are, the keywords you need the most are right there within the advert. Be sure to put these at the top so they are the first thing the reader sees.

3) Accomplishments

You should always tweak your resume when applying for different positions — and it can be as simple as reordering a few bullet points. Always try to put the most relevant accomplishment statements first. If the reader takes only a second to scan the first bullet point, then you have the most applicable information first, which tells them you're qualified and you've successfully performed in the position before. They should then be interested enough to keep reading!

As part of our service, we develop resumes for our candidates that help them secure interviews, utilising the strategies listed above.

Need more information on how to customise your resume for each position you apply to? Please do not hesitate to contact me on stephanie.sheard@sellickpartnership.co.uk or alternatively connect with me on LinkedIn.