How to get your resume noticed by employers in 2019

5 Essential tips to make sure your resume works for you!  

1. Follow submission guidelines strictly & searchable CVs
It is very important to follow submission guidelines to ensure that your CV actually makes the first cut. Make sure to stick to any word count guidelines and deadlines, and get your future employer’s name right!

Nowadays, MNCs often use automated fill CV software, which means that you should upload your resume in a word doc or searchable pdf. In such instances, it would best to stick to simple and clear formatting so the software can extract the relevant information accurately.
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2. Mirror the job description 
Always submit a personalized CV and cover letter. You can do so quickly and simply by tweaking the language to mirror the skills and experience requested in the job description. You can also do a quick scan and re-arrange bullet points to make sure the key points match what the job posting and the most relevant points are highlighted in your CV. Conversely, if a certain job experience or extracurricular activity is not relevant for this particular job, you can cut down this area while adding 1 -2 lines to expand other points which are relevant for this job post.

3. Get rid of non-essential information
A common mistake of applicants is to list excessive information or to “save the best for last” and hide their top skills and achievements at the end of their CV. Edit your CV again and again for breadth and clarity, use your judgment and only include the best and most relevant points. Your CV should serve as a “highlight reel” and not a biography of your life.

In fact, most companies would prefer a 1 page CV. Like first impressions in real life, you only have 5 minutes to make a good impression. Everything important about you should be in 1 page and short and sweet to catch the recruiting manager’s eye.

4. Add a headline and a professional picture  
In line with the above point, it is also good to include a 1 – 2 line summary of your profile at the top of your CV. This lets the hiring manager immediately recognize what kind of candidate you are and also helps to keep them focused on your strengths. If you do choose to include a picture, make sure it is professional.

5. Use LinkedIn & get in touch with niche-specific recruiters
Finally, at the end of the day, your CV has to get to the right person. LinkedIn is very helpful to make connections and to get updated on the newest job openings. Recruiters often look to LinkedIn to get fresh candidates so make sure your LinkedIn is updated and professional.

It is also very helpful to keep in touch with industry specific recruiters, they would be the best to inform you of an opening (even if you are not looking) or give you the best job opportunities when available, specific to your niche. Rather than general recruiters who do not know the ins and outs of your industry, industry-specific recruiters are much more helpful in helping you connect to a job you actually want and they can offer helpful advice in terms of what the job actually entails and the pay scale.

In addition, referrals are always a great way of getting hired. Do ask your friends for referrals and you never know where a great opportunity lies, and this is also a chance to get a first shot before the company advertises its position to the public.

If you need any help with crafting your CV or Cover Letter, please email [email protected] and we are happy to help!