Getting your resume noticed
The job market is as competitive as it may get - for each available job there are thousands of applications that come through. Usually, a CV goes through one search engine & two recruiters / hiring manager before its shortlisted for the interview.
A recruiter’s day is as busy as Grand Central Station with umpteen number of resumes to be processed each day. Their motive is to fill the position with the best-fitting professional. They have their numbers to meet! They only process a certain number of applications to get their work done. So, there are chances that your CV might get lost in the system - even if it suits the role.
So, here we are with some simple yet effective ideas around how you can increase the chances of your CV being noticed & contacted:
- Make sure that your contact details (both email id & contact number) are mentioned properly & at a highly visible section of your CV.
- Check your e-mails twice daily, respond to all phone / voice mails if you have applied for a job. Responding fast may give you that competitive edge, as the job search market is usually fast-paced.
- Be specific about your preferences, for example whether you’re ready to relocate - if yes to which locations. Such small information prove to be really helpful at times.
- Explain all the career-gaps & reasons for frequent change you’ve had. Not explaining these may result in negative assumptions.
- Now the most important thing - ‘the key words’ - whether its the new generation search engine or the super-busy recruiter - all use the power of ‘key-words’ for resume screening. Make sure you have them (you may tailor-make your CV according to the key words in the job advert). Also, it is very important to have the key words at the right place - like ‘Roles & Responsibilities’, ‘Key Skills’ & ‘Career Summary’ sections. Most recruiters scan these sections to decide for or against a resume.
- Try & not be verbose or claim things that you’re not or you don’t possess.
We hope you find these tips useful in making that mark with the recruiter. Wishing you a blissful job search!
