Why Your CV Isn't Getting Noticed and How to Fix It
- Candidates
Searching for and applying to jobs can be tough and time-consuming, especially when there's intense competition for most roles - with some receiving hundreds of applications within a few hours. You need to make sure your CV stands out from the crowd and to do this, you need to have a general understanding of what happens once you’ve submitted your CV. Once you know about the CV filtering process, it becomes easier to optimise and tailor your CV to help you secure an interview.
The CV Misconception
It’s a common misconception that once you've submitted your CV, it will instantly land in front of the hiring manager, who will carefully review every detail before deciding whether to offer an interview. However, the reality is different. The CV filtering process involves several stages, and you need to optimise your CV to increase your chances of securing an interview.
AI/Automated Software Search
Keywords are critical. HR teams or recruiters use software to scan for key terms relevant to the job. This initial automated filtering process helps narrow down the large applicant pool.
Manual Sift
The HR team or recruiter performs a manual sift, usually reading the top half of your CV to assess your suitability for the role. This means that the content at the beginning of your CV is critical.
Pre-Screening
With a smaller pool of CVs, the recruiter may conduct pre-screening calls or pass the chosen CVs to the relevant team for further assessment. Based on this stage, candidates are selected for calls or interviews.
Since your CV potentially has to make it through three different stages before even reaching a screening call, you need to be confident your CV will compete. Here’s how…
CV Writing Top Tips
1) State Your Goals
Be crystal clear about your career objectives and the industries you're targeting. This is especially important if you’re making a job transition between titles or industries. For example, “looking for a new role as a Chief of Staff in Health or Finance start-ups”. Doing this helps you qualify for the role as hiring managers will instantly see the relevance of your application.
2) Utilise Prime Real Estate
The top half of your CV matters the most. **It may be the only part read by a hiring manager so use this space to qualify yourself for the role. Avoid wasting this valuable space with unnecessary contact details that can go in the header. Instead, use this area to qualify yourself for the role and showcase your most relevant experience. The rest of your CV should reinforce your experience and qualifications.
3) Numbers Speak Louder Than Words
Provide evidence-based examples of your achievements. Use metric-based results to demonstrate your impact. For example: “Experimented with various email marketing software (Mailchimp & BeeFree), using A/B testing to increase open rates from 27% to 54%”. Consider how much more persuasive that is than “Built email newsletters with Mailchimp and BeeFree”.
4) Your Achievements List
When it comes to giving evidence and metrics-based points, think of it like building an achievements list for each role you’ve been in. This is especially important for senior hires as recruiters want to see evidence of what you’ve achieved and the impact you’ve made. Always remember: hiring managers are hunting for the missing puzzle piece in their business. Your CV simply needs to prove that you’re ticking all those boxes and, therefore, are the missing piece they’re looking for.
5) Stand Out Where It Matters
Apart from refining your CV, consider where you're looking for roles. While LinkedIn and Indeed are popular, it can mean your application is drowned in a sea of competition. Instead try exploring lesser-known job sites like Otta, CVLibrary, and WellFound.com.
Additionally, don't overlook traditional networking methods. Attend meet-ups (check out MeetUp), webinars, conferences, or industry events. Engage with founders and leave a lasting impression. Leverage your network and have a chat with some well-connected individuals – you’d be surprised how willing people are to help when you reach out and ask.
Need Help Perfecting Your CV?
Writing a standout CV can be daunting, but by following these key principles, you'll increase your chances of success in the competitive startup job market. If you need a helping hand or some advice reach out to us at Findrs!
