12 Easy Ways to Get Your CV Noticed

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, the number of people in jobs is higher today than at pre-pandemic levels. Job vacancies are at record levels, so there’s more choice in the jobs market. However, competition for those jobs is still high, especially as it’s not just the unemployed looking for new positions. So if you’re looking for a new job, give yourself the best chance of getting your CV noticed by potential future employers.

Our Top 12 Tips to Get Your CV Noticed

The following twelve ideas will help make each job application count:

1. Revamp Your CV’s Design

You should always tailor your CV to each role that you’re applying for so it doesn’t look like you’re sending a standard resume with every job application.

Consider using a platform like Canva or software such as Microsoft Word to craft an eye-catching CV that you can tailor for each job application.

2. Tailor Each Cover Letter

The worst thing you can do is use the same cover letter for each job application. Employers can tell a mile off that you’re simply using something copied and pasted.

It makes sense to create a few different letters for various roles or industries and sectors to emphasize your experience on your resume.

3. Create a Website for Your CV

Instead of trying to find your CV, emailing it, and waiting for the recipient to open your email and read the CV attachment, you could just as easily direct people to a website with your CV on it.

Having a CV or portfolio website is also practical for candidates in IT or digital industries like online marketing. It shows prospective employers that you think outside the box rather than sticking with traditional methods.

4. Get a Custom Domain Name For Your Portfolio Website

You can create an online CV or portfolio using a platform like WordPress, SquareSpace, or Wix.

But have you also bought a custom domain name for it instead of using a free one like yourname.wordpress.com? Domain names are inexpensive and very simple to set up.

5. Make Your Email Address Professional

Another mistake many people inadvertently make is using an email address that doesn’t sound professional.

If you can’t bear to part with your gamer tag email address, for example, set up a separate one for use only with professional communications.

6. Create a LinkedIn Profile

Did you know that employers search for new talent on LinkedIn? You can use it to showcase your key skills and work experience.

Among the 645 million users of LinkedIn includes hiring managers, headhunters, and recruiters. So you can also use LinkedIn to find job opportunities you might not find listed elsewhere.

7. Use Job Description Keywords in Your CV

You may not know it, but many businesses use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to scan incoming CVs for keywords used in each job description.

With that in mind, ensure your CV uses ATS keywords such as those listed under the skills section of job descriptions.

8. Improve Your CV’s Skill Section

While it’s essential your CV is keyword-rich in the skills section, you should also make sure you’re using the right ones relevant to your qualifications and experience.

If you don’t have qualifications, consider self-studying for applicable industry certification like Microsoft Technology Associate.

9. Use Specialist Recruitment Companies

It’s no secret that many businesses enlist the help of recruitment companies to help them find new talent in sectors like IT, digital, and marketing.

You should register as a candidate with such specialist recruiters, so you don’t miss out on any opportunities.

10. Follow Up All Job Posting Applications

Some companies and recruiters will actively keep you informed about your applications for job postings with them.

For those that don’t, it makes sense to follow up on your applications and ask for feedback. Doing so can make your future applications stand out more.

11. Use Notifications to Learn of New Jobs

LinkedIn and most job sites let you set up email notifications for jobs. Simply type in each job title or keyword that interests you, and you’ll be among the first to learn of new roles.

Notifications are primarily free and easy to configure, and they can help you be among the first to apply for new jobs.

12. Use Bullet Points To Summarize Your CV

Lastly, you need to bear in mind that employers will often just scan through CVs as they receive hundreds or even thousands of them for each new job posting.

That’s why you should keep your information short and sweet by using a bullet point to summarize each “nugget” of information.

A Few Final Thoughts on How to Get Your CV Noticed

The purpose of a CV is to get an invitation to a job interview. When searching and applying for jobs is so time-consuming, it can be tempting to throw a quick CV together and fire it out.

But wouldn’t it be worth your time to put a little more effort in and get your CV noticed? In doing so, you will most likely find that you spend less time on your job search. Therefore, you will have more time available to focus your efforts on practicing your interview skills and getting a job offer.

We hope that by following the above advice, you achieve greater success in getting your CV noticed. If you liked this article, please share it on social media where others can improve their CV skills too.