5 Key Things Employers Look For In Your CV

Have you ever asked yourself what employers want to see on your CV aside your contact details and employment history?

When I met Linet, she had been trying to get answers to the same question but had never gotten them. “I have been spending days laboring over my CV but still employers have never contacted me for an interview. I wonder what they are really looking for in a CV so that I may work on it. Sending a CV without success for two years has frustrated me and I don’t know what I have been doing wrong and what employers want to see on my CV.”

I know many candidates are in the same situation as Linet and they have asked the same question at some point.

It is important to understand that a well-crafted CV does not only showcase your work, it should also match the employer’s expectations, and convey that you are a good fit.

1. Scanability

When you are choosing the best action verbs and power words to use in your CV, it is important to remember that few employers read through the CVs, most of them scan to pick the most relevant information.

Consider making it easy for the employers to get valuable information that includes relevant skills, achievements, and facts that make you the best fit for the role.

I was conversing with our HR Manager and she said that she receives more than 500 applications and with the little time that she has, she uses only six seconds to scan through, and with one that captures her attention, she focuses on that.

2. Qualifications

Every job advert has a section of qualifications and requirements. You will find that some require a certificate while most require a degree or a diploma. Showing your growth in your industry is valuable for instance short courses and the skill you have developed.

When I was looking for a job, I used to check if I qualify and meet 80% of the requirements before applying.

3. Uniqueness

For you to stand out from a pool of other applicants, it is important to be original. Think of your strengths that will make the employers be convinced that you are the best. Refresh your CV by reviewing and updating it regularly.

For instance, in Linet’s case, it was important for her to update her CV with relevant skills, experience, and achievements that would capture the attention of the employer and get an interview invite.

4. Your Goals

A career profile is a key element that employers read and it includes your profession, experience, and what you are looking for.

It should be brief and relevant to the job to give the employer a glimpse of you as a candidate and what you want to achieve in your career.

5. Work Experience

This is one of the sections that take more space in a CV and therefore it is important to ensure that it is relevant to the role you are applying for.

When Linet failed to get shortlisted, it was important for her to go through the job descriptions and identify the requirements then tailor and this would have increased her chances.

Summary

Having a well-crafted CV will hook the readers within seconds and you will stand a chance of getting to the interview door. It is therefore important to convince them about your suitability by meeting their expectations.

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