Applying for a job online is easy. Gone are the days of printing out and mailing copies of your CV/Resume to prospective employers. This convenience of job hunting online has a huge downside: everyone can do it, from LinkedIn to Indeed, and quGeeks as well!
HR Managers spend, on average, no more than six seconds skimming a CV before deciding whether it should pass to the next stage or end up on the rejections, trash bin, pile. That means you have only six seconds to make a positive impression.
If you have applied for jobs that you are clearly qualified for, then you should expect to receive a feedback. But if you’re regularly get radio silence, there may be some core issues with your Resume that require immediate (re)action.
Is your CV passing the six-second test? Find some hints and tracks there.
Go through the ATS entry barrier
Software known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are very often used in the first stage of the application process to automatically process ‒ and reject ‒ the candidates who do not fit with the job requirements. A successful CV incorporates keywords and phrases from the job description and mirrors them, making it clear that you are a suitable match to the role. If your Resume isn’t optimized for an ATS, odd are that it won’t be flagged as a match and is instead being rejected from the application process.
You only have six seconds ‒ make them count.
The Alien Test
Imagine an Alien is checking your application and your CV. If he/she/it looks through the top section of your CV, could he/she/it understand your key selling points?
Do your top goals, skills and attributes are flashy pinpointed and easily readable? In 6 seconds?
Where are your achievements?
Don’t write what you do, highlight your achievements in your current and past roles.
Check your employment history and validate every word and sentence: do they detail the value you delivered?
Include figures, stats, project portfolios, tangible achievements.
Online social presence and CV compliance
A common error of most job seekers is not to check the compliance and consistency of their online social profile (Linked…) with their CV.
Most recruiters (and some ATS as well) will cross-reference your online/offline profiles.
This online presence must fit and support your career and applications.
