Applying for jobs is easier when you have the right CV and cover letter.
Even when the job market is a seller’s market – as it is right now in New Zealand – a well-written CV and cover letter are indispensable.
Are you looking to change jobs or try a new role during this post-pandemic employment rebound? Consider working with professional CV writers from ExecutiveOne.
If you wonder what this would be like, give us a call and let’s talk about it. Alternatively, check out this guide on writing a recruiter-friendly CV and cover letters. Follow the tips, and you’ll be one step closer to having the best CV and cover letter for your next job application.
The cover letter
Your cover letter is the first opportunity to tell the recruiter that you are serious about a job and sell yourself. As such, it should be brief, personal, clear and punchy. It should be catchy and make the reader want to know more about you.
Here are some tips on preparing the best cover letter for your next application.
The cover letter should be personal
Address it to a person, not a position. For example, to the hiring manager. Better still, if you know their name, use it in the initial salute.
How do you find out who’s hiring?
Good old-fashioned detective work can help. Call the company and enquire and if that doesn’t work, stalk the organisation’s website and find out. But avoid abstract addressees like ‘to whom it may concern.’
Make it clear
Companies are on a hiring spree; they may have multiple vacancies. If you do not state which position you are applying for, your application could end up in the trash bin. Include the role in the subject of your cover letter and the body. For example, you could write, I am interested in becoming the next Head of Strategy in your organisation as advertised on…
Give it a punch
One of the best ways to make recruiters interested in your letter is by giving it a punch line. Add a one-liner stating why the role caught your eye and the value you’d bring. Don’t go into the details. Remember, you can do this during an interview.
Bonus tip – avoid this mistake
Avoid the mistake of focusing too much on yourself. When recruiters look through your cover letter, they want to know why you choose the company and what you can bring on board. This is especially so concerning executive and senior positions. Recruiters look to interview candidates who are interested in the company and passionate about their roles. However, don’t go about flattering the company. Be careful and include positive and thoughtful comments.
As for the CV, the following tips will help
Ensure it beats the bots
Most organisations have adopted Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the hiring process. These robots look out for the best-suited CVs depending on the criteria set by the company’s HR. For example, they might be particular about the format, skills or years of experience.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be s sophisticated programmer to beat the bots. Our team of CV writers can help you craft an ATS-friendly resume.
Results speak louder
Once you know how to get past the bots, the next hurdle is to impress a living recruiter. Your resume must do this in less than seven seconds.
Fortunately, our team of CV writing experts also know what hiring managers look for in CVs – results.
Don’t clog your resume with lists of past responsibilities. They are good and informative. But not the best way to use prime space on your resume. Instead, focus on what you have achieved. Give the numbers and transformations experienced due to your efforts. For example, instead of saying Leading the sales team, say, increased total sales by X%.
Also, make it easier for the reader to process what you are communicating. Be concise, use relevant sub-headers and keep the jargon level low.
Remember to use power verbs and descriptions
Use powerful verbs and adjectives in your descriptions. Not only do they portray you as action-oriented, but also boost the argument that you’d be the perfect choice for the job.
Bonus tip
Study the target employer and align your achievements and descriptions with the company’s values.
Conclusion
You might not have enough time to ensure your CV and resume are the best for the next job application. But you can get help from professional CV writers. They will help you observe the above points in your application and give you a better chance of being noticed and landing an interview.
