When you’ve spent hours revising your CV and crafting what you consider to be the perfect cover letter for your dream job, the last thing you want is for your application to be thrown on the scrap heap without more than a cursory glance.
The average recruiter only spends 6 seconds glancing at your CV, so you’ve got to wow them in this time. So how do you make your application pack a more powerful punch that will garner it a second, more thorough look?
- Read the job description carefully. When a hiring manager is skimming over your cover letter and CV, at first they will be looking for signs that your experience fits the job listing. An application that fits the listed requirements will be more likely to get a second look, so use this to frame your skill set in a way that matches the organization’s needs.
- Focus on accomplishments. A common resume-writing mistake is to list your job duties without any mention of your achievements. If you have experience as a personal assistant, don’t just mention that you were responsible for booking travel and scheduling meetings. That’s what all personal assistants have experience with. Mention that you streamlined the meeting schedule to boost productivity, or that you saved the company money on travel expenses. Just remember – you only have 6 seconds to grab attention, so put the accomplishments you’re most proud of front and centre. Use bullet points to make them scannable and create more impact.
- Make it multimedia. Are you applying for a creative position? Show off your prowess with a more engaging multimedia application. Use infographics, links to videos, or an online portfolio to showcase your skills in a more engaging manner that will make a recruiter want to click and see more. Appealing to a hiring manager’s visual sense could help you stand out, while infographics allow you to present the facts in a memorable format.
- Appeal to the computer. Increasingly, there’s a chance that the first eyes to take a peek at your application won’t be human. Applicant tracking systems are used by many companies to screen and sort all initial applications. The larger the business, the higher the chance that your CV will be filtered through this type of system first. You can make this process work in your favour by using keywords mentioned in the job posting whenever possible, as well as linking your social media profiles to the application.
- Try the grand gesture. You’ve probably seen news stories about candidates who have tried over the top methods to get a recruiter’s attention, including taking out billboards in the interest of self-promotion. This type of gesture will definitely get you some attention, but make sure it’s for the right reasons. Think first about whether a flashy sign will appeal to the type of business you’re applying for. If you’re in the PR business, it may just work. However, if you’re applying for a job that prides itself on discretion, it’s probably better to stick to writing a killer cover letter.
Research is the key to success when it comes to a job application. Take the time to do a little sleuthing, sharing bits of information that show you are truly interested in the organization.
How do you make your application stand out from the crowd? Would you rather go the flashy route or choose a more subtle approach?