The Job Market Is Growing – Is Your CV Ready?

According to a new report from research firm Markit, job vacancies increased at the quickest rate in 15 years in November this year. The study, which was sponsored by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, also indicated that starting salaries are at a six year high.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Head of Policy at the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, Kate Shoesmith, stated that the UK is experiencing growth “across both the public and private sector… and in the temporary and permanent market.” A specific example highlighted by Shoesmith as an area of high growth and high demand was manufacturing in the Midlands. However, she pointed out that many companies are still struggling to find candidates with the right skills.

Selecting candidates with the appropriate skills and expertise often boils down to something as simple as using the right keywords in your CV. Remember; recruiters will often spend less than thirty seconds scanning your CV, and if they don’t immediately see what they’re looking for, you may well end up on the rejected pile.

Before submitting your CV, it is worth considering the following points:

Refine your CV for Each Application

Research each role before sending off your CV. Carefully read the job spec, and for each competency required, make a reference to it in your CV. For example, if the specification lists analytical skills or familiarity with Excel, include these exact keywords. Of course, at the same time you should also ensure that everything you are saying is true!

Create a Comprehensive ‘Skills and Expertise’ Section

Beneath your CV profile, you can include two or three short columns of your strongest competencies and areas of expertise. “This instantly draws the recruiter’s eye to the keywords you want them to see,” says Victoria McLean, Director of City CV. “You can include hard skills from the job spec, such as financial modelling or analysis, as well as softer skills like leadership and teamwork.”

Include Keywords throughout your Work Experience

An easy way of doing this is to begin each bullet with something impactful. Terms such as “directed” and “enhanced” all show the part you played or the value you have brought to each role. Providing a brief overview of your responsibilities before focusing on your value-based achievements is another way to showcase the objectives you have fulfilled in previous positions.

About The Author:

The City CV team specialises in designing bespoke CVs based on an in-depth discussion of clients’ skills, experience, and career aspirations. To find out what we can do for you, call 020 7979 7718 or send an email to enquiries@citycv.co.uk.