Last year brought some dramatic changes in the way we see life, shaking the economy and the labour market alike. We have witnessed the rise of “remote”; working, witnessed gigantic process optimization efforts, and, unfortunately, many of us lost their jobs, prompting the need to think of more efficient ways to sell their skills. Has the “coronavirus apocalypse”; changed the strategy of job seeking around the world?
There is one trend that is valid for everyone – regardless of their desired industry and position – in your CV 2021, make sure to point out how you met the new challenges and handled unusual tasks arising from the pandemic crisis. A focus on this info would help you stand out and highlight your soft skills and pro-active approach.
Still, apart from the new trends, there are the usual questions on the agenda of job seekers looking to land the best possible job.
CV and/or LinkedIn?
Both, but for different tactical goals. Yes, LinkedIn is a growingly popular and important tool for job recruiters and job seekers alike. A good LinkedIn profile can substantially increase your chances of attracting the attention of recruiters.
It is a great platform where you can go beyond the formal approach of classic CVs and demonstrate your personal and professional qualities. Videos, blogs, projects you were part of, bright images, details – anything that could work for your image but cannot be put in your resume, can be added to your profile.
Furthermore, a CV should be “adapted”; based on the particular position you are applying for, while a LinkedIn profile changes depending on your own ideas about yourself. This is your own page and you should like it, in the first place.
Here are some tips for producing the best LinkedIn profile:
- Upload a recent, professional photo;
- Think of a catchy headline that matches your skills, ambitions and knowledge.
- Support your experience with visual examples – videos, images, PDF files and other multimedia materials;
- Include recommendations from other experts;
- Optimize your profile using keywords;
- Share articles, posts, comments about your field of business;
- Take active part in discussions;
- Change your settings to “Looking for Job Opportunities”;;
- Make sure your chronology and data correspond to the info outlined in the CV you are sending to recruiters.
If you do all this, your LinkedIn profile will give you opportunities to develop your network and join various professional groups. Still, your resume remains the most important tool to sell your skills.
CV 2021: Passing the Initial Selection
In general, you should always be careful how you use words, but this is particularly important when it comes to your CV. Nowadays, the “black”; routine work is often done by computers and professional recruiting is no exception. Especially if you have applied on a job website or via a company’s career page. The initial selection is done by a computer, and your task is to attract this “iron”; brain from the start. There are two key factors here: keywords and formatting.
Using the right keywords
At first sight, the keyword task seems easy – there is a keyword, there is a match. The more keywords you have in your CV, the better. Although this does not work always, it is good to pay attention to details about the vacancy: what are the key skills required for the job? Do you need to have knowledge of specific programmes or exotic languages that you may have forgotten to add to your resume? Maybe the employer is looking for particular personal qualities that you have but have not listed? Any potential match should be used as best as you can.
Using the right format
The second aspect is just as important. If your CV is in a format that cannot be recognized, the computer will automatically dismiss it. Only .docx or .pdf. It would be a shame if you lose the chance to get your dream job because of such a small details. Don’t forget about the structure and the headlines – keep it catchy, simple and short.
Showcasing your experience
Many young job seekers often hear the words: “You are a great candidate but you don’t have the experience we are looking for”;. The truth is, everyone has some experience, even if it is not directly related to the position you are applying for. All you should do is pick an episode of your life that demonstrates or abilities and skills that may be suitable for a particular vacancy.
A “pause”; is not a “stop”;
Gaps in your CV are always a problem when you work on your CV, particularly amid the wave of COVID-related dismissals. Still, you don’t need to try to hide such gaps at any rate. On the contrary, you can try to turn this setback into a benefit, demonstrating how you have overcome the crisis and have taken advantage of new opportunities of self-improvement and professional growth: you did some training, got a certificate or volunteered. The important thing is to show that you have used your time productively.
Personal character
Professional skills and qualifications aside, being a nice person is always one of the most important things. However long we may have worked remotely, however far technologies go, live communication will always be important. So, if you are a nice person – responsible, reliable, fun to be with, you should show it!
A recent survey carried out by TopInterview and Resume Library showed that for a whopping 70% of employers see the personality of the candidate as one of the top three priorities in their final hiring decision. The conclusion is clear: your CV should include detailed info on your communication skills. Don’t be limited to your professional achievements only!
And last but not least, CV’s today are not just a short overview of your working experience. A modern resume should meet two basic criteria:
Efficiency
Pay attention to keywords. Computers never sleep and your journey to a recruiter’s desk goes through algorithms. One wrong phrase may cost you the vacancy of your dreams.
Individuality
Your CV should showcase your unique personality and make you stand out in the eyes of the recruiter. But don’t forget about sticking to the standard format: position, responsibilities, achievements.
The important thing is to make sure your CV clearly shows your potential employer why they should hire exactly you.
