Why your CV isn't getting results

You have remained positive throughout the application process, confident that you had an interview-winning CV. Instead you get the dreaded “thanks but no thanks” letter telling you that your application has not been successful “on this occasion”. And now, understandably, your self-esteem is beginning to wane. But, before you click the Apply Now button or seal the envelope of another job application; stop. It’s time to look at the CV you are sending to employers.

Most CV’s are created by job seekers using a recognised format and layout on Microsoft Word. There is nothing wrong with that except for the fact that employers have seen hundreds of them so they fail to stand out. And, if you are using the same CV for every vacancy, then it’s time to change your game plan, urgently.

Therefore, you need to become more creative in the design of your CV’s. We are not talking about creating an array of elaborate graphics and inbuilt flashes to wow your potential employers yet distract them from the key content of your CV.

Moreover, we are talking about taking the time to tailor your CV to suit the requirements of the job that you are applying for to significantly increase your chances of securing an interview. Remember, employers spend little more than 20 or 30 seconds scanning your CV so it needs to remain clutter-free and easy to read.

The following are the main areas of your CV that should be tailored for the job you are applying for.

Personal statement: You have read the requirements of the advertised position and understand what qualities the recruiter is looking for in a candidate. Sum up your unique selling points and, in a brief, sentence, state your career aim and what you are looking from the job you are applying for and what you have already accomplished in your career to date to support your application.

Employment history: Whilst you are not able to change who you worked for in the past, you can edit your roles and responsibilities without fabricating your previous roles and responsibilities. For instance, if you are applying for a managerial position but have never previously worked as manager, emphasise that your previous roles involved considerable responsibility and decision-making duties such as delegation, chairing meetings, training staff, etc.

Hobbies and Interests: Just as most job advertisements stipulate certain personality traits required for positions, you should identify what they are and how your hobbies can relate to their requirements. If you are applying for a senior position, then the fact that you captained your football team and ran training sessions will demonstrate your leadership and organisational ability. Or if you are seeking a position as a designer, then make reference to the exhibitions that you attend or are actively involved in and the designers that you admire.

If you want to position yourself as one of the strongest candidates for the job, it is worth doing your homework on the company that you are applying to. Their job advert will provide you with a glimpse of what the company is like.

Alternatively, you can find invaluable information on their corporate website that will help you to understand what they may be looking for in a job applicant and then you can tailor your CV accordingly.

Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages, anything more than that and it starts to resemble a chapter from War & Peace; worse still, an employer is likely to throw it away without even looking at it.

And, ensure that the layout of your CV remains constant throughout and avoid trying to cram as much information as possible onto two pages. Employers don’t want – nor do they have the time – to strain their eyes reading your details because of a poor choice of text size or font.

Finally, your CV is a working document that has a beginning, middle and an end so it needs to follow a logical structure and keep the same theme throughout. Keep your eye on the detail of your CV. If it is cluttered, the text is too big or small or the appearance is inconsistent, your chance of getting invited to attend an interview and dramatically reduced.

After all, if you can’t keep your own house in order, why would an employer trust you with theirs?