5 Steps to Write a CV that Makes an Impact in Seconds

Know how to write a CV that makes an impact in seconds

By Selipha Kihagi

As you know, recruiters and employers take only a few seconds to go through a candidate’s CV. With that short time, they decide whether to give you a chance through to the interview stage or to mark your application as a big no. Being that no job seeker wants to apply for a job and not hear back about an interview, it becomes prudent for job seekers to write a CV that makes an impact. This is because a well written CV is the most important step to getting that job you really want.

But how do you make sure your CV is good enough to portray your suitability in only a few seconds? The secret is to focus on writing a CV that makes an impact. As I have said before and previous articles have insisted, it is one thing to have a professional CV and another to have that same CV get you an interview. Why? Most candidates use a generic CV that is not tailored to the job in question.

So, in this post today, we share a few tips on how to write a CV that makes an impact and guarantees you the interview.

5 Ways to Write a CV That Makes an Impact

1. Let job related information be the first thing a recruiter sees

Every single opening is unique to the qualifications and requirements needed. Some jobs will emphasize on the education bit, others will emphasize on years of experience, while others will prioritize on finding candidates with a particular skillset. For you to ensure that your application goes through to the interview stage, make sure your CV leads with the information recruiters are looking for.

For instance, let’s say you are a programming candidate applying to a job that has emphasized on expertise in Oracle, C++ and the like. To write a CV that makes impact, you have to make sure these are the first details a recruiter spots as they scan your CV. You can include it in the career objective section and then again under competencies, where they will be the leading bullet points.

The aim here is to ensure recruiters and employers see what they are looking for in those few seconds. 

2. Use the right keywords as you write your CV

What are keywords you ask? These are particular words and phrases that recruiters will expect to find in your CV when deciding on your potential as the best candidate. To establish the expected keywords that recruiters will use when shortlisting for a job you apply for, use the advert posted. In the job description you can make out the repeating phrases and words where emphasis lies. Then using this information, write a CV that makes an impact by putting a focus on those particular keywords.

For instance, if you are in Accounting and the job you are applying for reads Accounts Assistant with experience in FMCG, let this be clear in your CV. You could have an earlier job title that reads Accounts Assistant or a responsibility that shows you worked or doubled as an Accounts Assistant. See how I have used the keyword Accounts Assistant? You do the same for your application. Then if the companies you worked for had anything to do with FMCG, makes sure those 4 letters can be spotted on the CV. If they are not, you probably are not the best candidate in a recruiter’s eyes.

3. Ensure your CV features a presentable format

This is sales and marketing 101. When you go to a supermarket for your shopping and are picking items off the shelf, do you go for the nicely packaged ones or the ones you can’t even tell the expiration date? I would like to think you go for the nicely packaged ones. The same is the case when it comes to the recruiting process.

If a recruiter opens your CV and what they see is a disorganized document with all kinds of fonts, different font sizes and bullet points that are not in line, that application gets a loud No. And just like that your chances for getting the interview are crashed. To write a CV that makes an impact, you must be careful of how you present your CV. A good CV is simple, brief and well outlined.

4. Highlight your achievements to stand out

When there is a pool of candidates with the same qualifications applying to the same job, recruiters use achievements as a distinguishing factor. So if you left out your achievements or mixed them up in between your responsibilities and a recruiter cannot spot them, someone else gets selected and you don’t.

Making your achievements an important factor for your CV is another way to write a CV that makes an impact. So, always ensure that your achievements are clear on the CV and that recruiters can easily spot them. And everyone has an achievement they are proud of. If you are not sure about it, here is more on how to highlight achievements on your CV. 

5. Let a professional write the CV for you

Anyone can write a good CV, but only a few can write a CV that makes an impact in every single job application. What does this mean? Writing a CV that gets you the job is a skill that needs to be learned, either through practise or by hand holding. So for anyone experiencing difficulties in crafting a CV that guarantees them an interview, there are professionals whose work is to make that process easier.

You don’t have to stress day in day out wondering what is wrong with your CV. By consulting CV writing professionals, you get to understand where your CV is putting you at a disadvantage and even get to improve your chances for the interview. Corporate Staffing Services is one such option where you can have your CV done professionally at a small fee. You can also ask for a CV review and job search advice at no cost. Learn more about our CV Writing Services and focus on getting that interview.

Want your CV to be redone professionally? Email cvwriting@corporatestaffing.co.ke for assistance.