The media is full of stories about jobs being majorly oversubscribed. So what can you do today to achieve recruitment success?
There are two simple things you can do right now:
- Make sure your CV contains all the right search words so employers can find you easily.
- Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date, relevant, engaging and interesting.
How do keywords in your CV work?
With most job applications taking place online, you need use to the right keywords in your CV, so organisations and recruiters can find and read your CV quicker. In many businesses, it’s not possible for managers to sort through hundreds of CVs and expect to give them all a thorough read in a short space of time. Ultimately, CVs may only be glanced at for a few seconds before they are quickly sorted into the ‘potential’ and ‘rejected’ pile.
To make this easier for businesses and recruiters, they now use an Application Tracking System (ATS) to scan, sort and find suitable CVs. This is where they browse for unique keywords and/or phrases to determine which applicants the tracking systems picks. If you do not have the correct and relevant ones, your CV won’t be seen and picked up. Effectively halting your application, before you’ve had the opportunity to show your skills, experience and qualifications.
What are the right keywords for recruitment success?
There are a few different ways you can narrow down and identify the very best and relevant keywords for your CV. But the best place to start is the actual job advert and job description itself. But remember that as soon as the tracker has found your CV, there will be a manager now reading through it. So, for obvious reasons your CV still needs to remain presentable, interesting, engaging and relevant to the role you are applying for. When applying keywords to your CV you don’t have to be afraid of using them, but make sure they are strategically placed.
Leverage LinkedIn
LinkedIn has revolutionised recruiting. You need to make sure that your profile is complete, engaging and up to date it order to ensure that organisations and recruiters notice you for the right reasons.
The more changes and additions you make, the more ‘active’ your profile appears, which increases your chances of being seen by potential employers. Our advice is to do some, or all, of the following to stand the best chance of landing your dream job:
- Get a custom URL
- Select a great photo
- Write a strong headline
- Include a professional summary in your profile
- Get endorsements and recommendations for work skills
- Share your success in LinkedIn updates
- Promote any work experience
- Use LinkedIn for networking
- Join LinkedIn groups
- Use LinkedIn’s job-search function
If you want to enhance your recruitment prospects even further and truly shine, then why not engage the services of a recruitment professional to help you with your CV, covering letter, interview preparation and coaching?
Get in touch with Debby today for help and guidance so you can find recruitment success by securing your dream job – call 07780 692784 or email debby@total-spectrum.com.
