You fire away your CV every day, several times a day, but it seems like you hardly get called in for an interview, or when you do, you can't seem to secure a second one. Salestarget.co.uk asked Jon Humpfreys, the managing director at Manesis Search & Selection, to identify some common issues jobseekers may want to address if they don't seem to get very far in the application process.
Check your CV again
"If your CV is not getting you an interview, then there is something either not right, missing or putting someone off," says Humpfreys. Often, we look at something so many times that we miss the mistakes that are right in front of our eyes. Humpfreys suggests having a friend look over your CV or, if you can, hire a professional to edit it.
Even if there are no mistakes, your CV may not seem relevant to the job you're applying for. Humphreys suggests tailoring your CV for particular jobs. If you are applying for a job in a FMCG company, then any experience you have in FMCG should be highlighted more with detailed bullets than with other positions that are not as relevant.
"If a candidate's background spans different roles or markets and [the candidate] is applying for a wide range of roles, sending different CVs for different jobs makes perfect sense."
One common mistake Humphreys sees is candidates not marketing or 'selling' themselves enough. The CV should not only detail what you did but it should put into context how that was important to your employer. Another is CVs that are not clear, just as when they mention companies without describing what they are or how they fit in their market.
For further CV writing tips, see our CV guide.
Do more research
Recruiters like to see a candidate who is enthusiastic about working for the company and not just because it's a job. They want to know you've done your homework. That sort of initiative is seen as an indication of how you'll perform if given the job. The most impressive cover letters show some market knowledge and suggest how you can play a part in the company's goals. For a guide on cover letters, see our guide Cover letters - a practical guide.
Get feedback
The only way you will know what recruiters think about your CV is to ask them. Contact the companies you have applied to and ask for constructive feedback. Don't be surprised if few people respond. Recruiters sometimes receive hundreds of emails a day, so don't take it personally if someone does not respond. If someone does respond, however, remember not to get defensive with any feedback they give you. Listen to what they are saying and see if there is any truth to it.
Improve your interview skills
Our guide to interviews, breaks down what you should do before, during and after the interview. But there may be other long-term things you can do to improve your ability to impress a prospective employer. You may consider the following:
- If delivering a presentation during an interview makes you nervous, do a rehearsal in front of family or friends
- Do you dread tests? Practice timing yourself on completing tasks you're likely to be asked in an interview. SHL Direct also offer practice tests
- Do group exercises worry you? Perhaps a weekend public speaking course could help. Hot Courses lists several around the UK
Extra help:
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Before, during and after the interview
Mistakes in sales interviews
Preparing for interview presentations and tasks
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