Crack the code: ATS-friendly, Tailored CVs

Did you know your CV has approximately 10 seconds to get the attention of a hiring manager or recruiter before they move on to the next CV? In today's competitive job market, standing out from the crowd is essential to securing your dream job and first impressions count! While having the right skills and experience is crucial, how you present that information can significantly impact your chances of progressing your application to interview stage. Formatting your CV in a way that is easy to read by both human and technology along with customising it to each job description are key strategies for optimising your application and increasing your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.

What is so important about formatting your CV "correctly"

Your CV is often your first impression on a potential employer, so make it count!  Here are some of the main reasons formatting your CV correctly is crucial:

Readability: Recruiters and hiring managers typically spend only a few seconds scanning each CV. A recruitment friendly CV will be formatted with clear headings, bullet points, and concise paragraphs, making it easier to quickly find the information they're looking for.

ATS friendly: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is used to screen and filter applications by analysing CVs to identify the most relevant candidates based on keywords and criteria set by the employer. By formatting your CV in a way that is compatible with ATS software and customising it to include targeted keywords from the job description, you increase the likelihood that your CV will pass through the initial screening process as a top rated candidate.

What makes a CV ATS friendly:  Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) struggle with parsing non-standard resume formats, such as those generated by software platforms like Canva, as well as resumes with complex formatting, including excessive columns, text boxes, and tables along with images such as graphs and screenshots. Additionally, spelling errors and industry-specific abbreviations may further hinder the ATS's ability to understand the content. By utilising industry-standard tools to craft your CV and using a straightforward format and spell checking will significantly enhance the likelihood of an ATS accurately interpreting your resume.

Professionalism: A well-designed CV reflects positively on your professionalism and attention to detail. Clean and consistent formatting shows that you take your job application seriously and care about presenting yourself in the best possible light. Be sure to use consistent font, colour pallet and bullet point types.

Highlighting Key Information: It’s important to highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. By using bullet points, and strategic placement can draw attention to the aspects of your CV that align most closely with the job requirements. A key tip is to include “key skills” on the first page of your CV that bullet points all the relevant skills you have that align with the job description.

Visual Appeal: While content is king, visual appeal matters too. A well-designed CV with a clean layout, appropriate fonts, and white space is more visually appealing and easier to read than a cluttered or poorly formatted one. You don’t have to have a graphically designed CV for it to have visual appeal!

Why is it important to customise your CV to each job description

Customising your CV to each job description involves tailoring your document to highlight the skills, experiences, and qualifications that are most relevant to the specific role you're applying for. Here's why this approach is essential and that extra time spent doing this is time well spent!

Relevance: Employers are looking for candidates who meet the specific requirements of the job. By customising your CV, you demonstrate that you understand the role and can clearly articulate how your background aligns with the employer's needs.

Keywords: Many companies use ATS software to scan CVs. By customising your CV with relevant keywords, you increase the likelihood that it will pass through the ATS screening process and reach the hands of the hiring manager or recruiter.

Personalisation: Customising your CV shows that you're genuinely interested in the position and have taken the time to tailor your application. This personal touch can make a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers and set you apart from other candidates. It’s not uncommon for a recruiter to see the CV of multiple applicants per role who has the exact same formatted CV, making even the simplest of changes can make you stand out.

Highlighting Transferable Skills: If you're applying for a job in a new industry or transitioning to a different role, customising your CV allows you to highlight transferable skills and experiences that are relevant to the position, even if they're not directly related to your previous roles.

Investing the time to create an ATS-friendly CV tailored to each job application is a strategic move that brings significant advantages. By carefully formatting your resume to align with ATS requirements and customising it to mirror the specifics of each job description, you enhance your chances of being noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. This attention to detail not only ensures that your qualifications are accurately represented but also demonstrates your dedication and suitability for the role. Ultimately, the effort invested in creating a tailored and ATS-friendly CV proves to be a worthwhile investment, as it significantly increases your prospects of securing an interview in a competitive job market.