Standing Out in the Job Market

A well-crafted CV and an engaging cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and get your application noticed. Here’s how you can create documents that capture attention and showcase your unique value.

1. Tailor Your CV to Each Role

A generic CV won’t do you any favors. Instead, customise your CV for each position you apply for by:

• Highlighting relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.
• Using keywords from the job posting to demonstrate alignment with the role.
• Structuring your CV to prioritise the most pertinent information.

This doesn't mean lying about what you've done, it just means that you are emphasing the key areas that make you a good fit for the role that you're applying for.

2. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties

Employers want to see what you’ve accomplished, not just what tasks you’ve performed. For each role, include measurable achievements, such as:

• Increased sales by 20% through targeted marketing strategies.
• Implemented a new process that reduced project delivery time by 15%.
• Trained and mentored a team of five junior staff members, improving overall productivity.

Action verbs like "achieved," "managed," and "developed" convey proactivity and impact. 

Only highlight what you've personally been involved with and your part in that process.

3. Keep It Concise and Easy to Read

Recruiters often spend just a few seconds scanning each CV. Make yours stand out by:

• Using a clean, professional layout with consistent formatting.
• Keeping the length to no more than two pages.
• Using bullet points and action verbs to make information digestible.
• If using indeed, make sure you check how your CV looks.

4. Start with a Great Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your elevator pitch. Use this section to:

• Summarise your career highlights.
• Highlight your key strengths and career goals.
• Show enthusiasm for your area of work.

5. Write a Cover Letter that adds to your CV

Your cover letter should not repeat your CV but rather complement it. Use your cover letter to:

• Explain why you’re excited about the role and the company.
• Provide context for any career changes or gaps in employment.
• Highlight one or two key achievements that are particularly relevant to the job.

6. Show Your Personality

While maintaining professionalism, let your personality shine through in your writing. Employers want to get a sense of who you are and how you might fit into their team.

Photographs are not necessary on CVs either, so really have a good think about whether to include one or not. My advice would be - No, don't include one.

7. Avoid Common Mistakes

Double-check your documents to ensure they are free of errors. Common pitfalls to watch out for include:

• Typos and grammatical errors.
• Using an unprofessional email address.
• Overloading your CV with unnecessary information.
• Incorrect dates.

8. Include Relevant Keywords

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen applications. To increase your chances of passing this initial filter, incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into both your CV and cover letter.

• Include Job Titles and headings to show your areas of repsonsibility i.e. customer service, purchase ledger, social media

Conclusion

Your CV and cover letter are critical tools in your job search. By tailoring them to each application, focusing on achievements, and presenting your information clearly and professionally, you can make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing an interview. 

Invest the time to refine these documents - ask a trusted friend, mentor, or career advisor to review them for you and you will be well on your way to standing out in the job market.

At Key Appointments, we want to help people represent themselves in the right way. If you would like your CV reviewing, we would be more than happy to do so - simply send it to info@key-appointments.co.uk with the Subject as "CV Review". We will come back to you by email with a few points to help you.