From tailored content and engaging storytelling to formatting finesse and proofreading, Concepta Cadogan explains how to prepare a CV and cover letter that resonate with employers in today’s competitive job market
Many see writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter as an administrative chore. However, successful job seekers know that this is the first chance to gain the interest of their potential new employer.
While your CV feels very personal to you and highlights your strengths, a HR manager or employment agency will see hundreds of CVs for one role. They will look only at the CVs that stand out.
The 2018 Ladders eye tracking study showed that recruiters spend roughly six to eight seconds skimming a CV before deciding to long-list it for a role.
So, when you are writing your CV, you should take several steps to make sure it stands out from the rest.
Do your research
Read up on the organisation you are applying to, its history and culture.
Try to put yourself in the position of the hiring manager and think about what they are looking for in a candidate. Use this newly gained knowledge to temper the tone and style of your cover letter and CV.
For example, you wouldn’t write the same CV for a role at Google as you would for one at a local County Council.
Write a commanding front page
Recruiters scan the front pages of CVs and only look at the details once they have trimmed down to a shorter list.
Your front page must be easy to read, with short and attractive summaries. There is nothing wrong with writing in bullet points or emphasising specific achievements, but make sure it’s concise.
Focus on storytelling
Start your CV by framing your bigger career picture before adding those smaller bullet points. Tell engaging before-and-after stories. Consider:
- what were your previous places of employment like when you started there?
- what were their biggest challenges, and how did you help meet them?
- how are those organisations better because of you?
Flexibility
Companies and roles are all different. You may have expertise in various areas and several roles in your background. Do not write a general CV and expect it to fit all situations.
Instead, tailor your work and emphasise the roles and responsibilities that the employer explicitly states they are looking for in the job description.
Be honest
History is littered with examples of people who have been a little too creative with their CVs and had it backfire on them, so don’t fall into the same trap.
It is easier than ever for employers to check your background, and with employment screening services such as Checkback.ie, it has become the norm among executive placements. Save yourself time, energy and embarrassment and tell the truth!
Sell the sizzle
While you should always tell the truth on your CV, there is no reason you can’t use subtle techniques to ensure it gives the best impression of your experience.
Using proactive action words or power verbs such as ‘actively’, ‘developed’, ‘implemented’ and ‘designed’ increases hiring rates.
Make sure you write about what you have achieved and how you have contributed to the organisations where you have worked rather than simply listing routine tasks that anyone could have done.
Format
When we think about CVs, people picture a white, A4 paper document, but sometimes you may need to think creatively.
Many examples of CV styles and formats exist on blogs, YouTube and other social platforms.
When being creative with your CV, make sure you think about the practicalities.
For example, a recruiter may be unable to open a file or web link due to their organisation’s IT policy.
Many hiring managers cannot edit a PDF file, so make their lives a little easier and provide your CV in Word format.
The cover letter
Often, you will be asked to provide a cover letter with your CV, but even if the employer doesn’t explicitly ask, it is generally good form to provide one.
Like the CV, you must remember that the hiring manager will see these every day of the week. Yours will need to sparkle to stand out.
A good tip is to imagine you are answering the question, “Why should I see you”?
As with your CV, you must keep it short and to the point; about half a page is optimal.
Make sure you focus on the goal you want to achieve – you want to get in front of the recruiter to tell your story.
In the cover letter, list at least two reasons why this employer would want to speak with you and clearly give contact details so they can pick up the phone immediately.
Proofread
It’s important to remember that the biggest reasons for rejection of a candidate are poor spelling and grammar on their CV and cover letter.
Before sending them off to potential employers, check both of your documents carefully and, if possible, get someone else to read them over to ensure they are error-free.
Concepta Cadogan is Director of Accounting & Finance at Lincoln Recruitment
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