Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Attention grabbers
Effective resume, curriculum vitae key to gaining interview
Finding a job when the economy is struggling is not easy. An overcrowded pool of applicants, coupled with fewer jobs, can make a job seeker feel like the proverbial needle in a haystack.
When people apply for a position, the first person to see their resumes is typically a human resource employee or an in-house recruiter, or possibly a recruiting service hired by a company to help it fill the position. This person is responsible for sifting through the many applicants for a given position and narrowing those applications down to a manageable number of people. Those who make the first cut will then be called for an interview with the recruiter or will be recommended to the hiring company’s human resource department for an interview. This initial interview may be over the phone or in the office.
That said, grabbing the attention of a recruiter can make or break a person’s chance of landing a job. The following are a few ways job seekers can gain the attention of a recruiter and increase their chances of being called for an interview:
• Recognize the importance of an effective C.V.
A curriculum vitae, or C.V., is incredibly important. The C.V. is an overview of your experience and any additional qualifications. Longer and more extensive than a resume, the C.V. is the first thing many prospective employers will examine.
To be effective, your C.V. should include a detailed summary of your background and experience, including professional associations and licenses, awards and any other information relevant to the position for which you’re applying. Include your name and contact information, as well as any specific skills you have that make you a strong candidate for the position.
Organize the C.V. by dates, and don’t be afraid to go into too much detail — especially if those details are relevant to the job for which you’re applying.
• Tailor your C.V. to each specific position for which you apply.
Avoid using a generic or nonspecific C.V. This won’t make you stick out among the competition, and the recruiter is likely to pass you over for consideration. Tailor your C.V. to each position for which you’re applying, clearly illustrating how your past experience makes you a strong candidate for that particular position. • Always be prepared for an interview. If the recruiter deems you worthy of an interview, that interview could come at any time. A phone call from the recruiter could be a screening interview, so once you apply for a position, be prepared to interview with little or no prior notice.
Research the prospective employer, and anticipate some of the questions he or she might ask when responding to your application. Practice answering these questions so you can make a strong first impression.
• Recognize the other ways you can make an impression.
A strong C.V. and an effective resume can make a great first impression, but today’s recruiters also utilize social networking to determine your worthiness as a candidate. Applicants can help or hurt their chances with recruiters depending on how they approach social networking.
Speaking ill of past employers via social networking sites is a significant red flag, as is posting comments or photos pertaining to any questionable behavior. Avoid using expletives on social networking sites as well.
However, social networking can be used to make a solid first impression. Use these sites to grab recruiters’ attention in positive ways, such as referencing work done in the community or your involvement with professional organizations. This can complement a C.V. and resume and increase your chances of landing an interview.