ATS focus, yip, it’s something new!
If you think the rapid rise in digital transformation left the recruiters out of the process, you are sadly mistaken. We are sorry to say, but no, someone isn’t necessarily reading through every word of your amazing CV. Many top recruiters use ATS (Applicant Tracking System) software which means you may need to change your mindset as now your CV needs to be focused on being included by a machine using keywords.
Think of it as a type of SEO (search engine optimisation) for CVs. As a result, you will need to ensure that you “label” your specific skills so that a recruiter is more likely to come across your CV.
Look and feel – it needs to flow!
Your CV must flow, and by that, we mean it should have a natural flow when it comes to how your CV looks, feels, and is structured. Consistency is key from a look and feel perspective i.e., font, colours, and layout. But don’t worry; we can help with the look and feel – all you need to worry about is the content.
When it comes to content, you need to ensure that each of your jobs follows the same format. For example, if you provide a brief summary of your duties and then highlight your skills, make sure you do that for each role.
Accuracy – check, check, and check again!
Make sure everything is accurate, from spelling and grammar to personal information and dates. One typo in an email or contact number can be disastrous, and as we have said in a previous article, spelling, and grammatical errors are a complete turn-off for all recruiters!
Less is more!
12 page CVs are just not going to be read, and honestly, no one is really interested in your first role if it was over 10 years ago. The longer you have been working, and the more roles you have had, can make for a lengthy CV, but your focus should be on your most recent roles.
Capturing their attention!
An easy way to capture any recruiter’s attention and help with that ATS is to write a brief summary at the top of your CV. You simply want to highlight your skills and strengths and your current position. As always, keep it brief – your aim is to capture their attention and interest!
One last review …
So now it’s time to relook at your CV with a beady eye. Make those necessary changes and if you are unsure, find your most critical friend or family member and ask them to have a look. Sometimes when you have been working on the same document, making changes, and perfecting it, you need a fresh pair of eyes. We wish you lots of success and are sure your dream job is just around the corner!
