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5 ways to get your CV stand out
Given the cut-throat competition, how do you make hiring managers respond to your job application? Find out!
The most difficult thing to do while applying for a job is to grab the recruiter's attention.
In this competitive world, there are over hundreds of applicants for any job, be it project managers, programmers, or even analysts.
With all this cut-throat competition, how do you, as a job-seeker, ensure that your application stands out?
Here are five important things to keep in mind that will make recruiters notice your job application.
1. Address the requirements of the job
There will be instances where you may not meet all the requirements of the job profile.
At such times, it is important to acknowledge the requirements and at the same time mention what all you have to offer instead.
So if they're looking for some experience in PHP (a type of scripting language) and you don't quite have any in the area, you may emphasise your expertise in HTML, Javascript and Objective-C.
Meanwhile, in your cover letter, you may explain why having those skills should assure them that you will be able to meet their other requirements over time.
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2. Talk about who you are, not just what you do
Now many of you may feel that this makes your application seem too informal and unprofessional, but it actually works in your favour.
With so many applicants out there with the same qualifications as you, your ability to connect with the recruiter is what will make you stand out.
And the best way to do this is by sharing details about your achievements and interests.
You have listed out your qualifications and projects, now go ahead and explain why you worked on that particular project and how it helped you grow and learn.
Obviously, you don't want to overdo it; nobody will be interested in an essay of you and your personality, but if you want them to work with you, you need to convince them that you'll be a good fit for the team and company.
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3. Ensure your presence on Linkedin or other networks
In spite of all the talk about how one's personal life is private and should not reflect on their professional conduct, every recruiter does check on various social networks before hiring someone for the job.
It is a given that every serious job-seeker will have a LinkedIn account, and without one, you are as good as invisible.
Recruiters also check Facebook or Google+ accounts for every applicant who is under serious consideration for a job offer.
Many of you may debate that you have the right to not be on the virtual world for fear of your invasion of privacy, and that is a valid argument.
At the same time, in today's day and age, it is simply suspicious for somebody to not have any trace on the social web at all.
If you're not active on social sites, perhaps you will need to tender a good explanation too.
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4. Show examples of your work
Even though you've submitted pages of qualifications, skills, awards, certificates, extra-curricular activities, there is really no substitute for sample evidence.
You've said you've got what it takes, now show it.
You could include it as a portfolio or a link to a site or a blog you are working on, a paper you've published or a website you've designed.
They are recruiting you for real work, so show them real experience.
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5. Be professional in your cover letter, but also be yourself.
This is the part where most people go wrong.
In an attempt to sound professional and impressive, job-seekers completely modify their personalities to create the ideal applicant.
You are going to be hired based on your qualifications and personality.
You are not going to say you know Java if you don’t because you’ll get caught the minute you are asked to code.
The same goes for feigning your personality.
Don't say you're an extrovert if you're not.
Imagine their surprise if they find you quiet and inward in the interview that follows.
Not that being an introvert reduces your chances at a job; it simply discredits your word.
While you might want to hide yourself for fear that you'll be rejected, sooner or later, they’re going to see what you’re like -- better that you're up-front about it from the beginning than bring it up as a shock to them later.
Follow the above tips to ensure you land up in the good books of the employer even before you've got the job.