Applying for a job can be likened to entering a competitive arena, where the stakes are high and the field is crowded. Picture it as a contest, much like a strategic game where only those who stand out can advance. To succeed, you need to position yourself as the most compelling candidate at every stage of the hiring process—and it all begins with your CV. This is your opportunity to make a lasting first impression, so let’s explore the key factors that employers focus on when reviewing your CV.
1. Skills, qualifications, and experience
First and foremost, employers want to see that you have the skills, qualifications, and experience necessary to excel in the role. This may seem like an obvious point, but you’d be surprised at how often job seekers overlook this. It’s easy to assume that your CV will speak for itself, but it’s essential to ensure that your CV explicitly aligns with the job requirements.
One of the best ways to ensure that your CV stands out is by tailoring it to each position you apply for. Even if your CV is already industry-specific, it doesn’t mean that it’s automatically the best fit for every role. The key to getting noticed is customising your CV to match the exact specifications of the job posting.
Start by carefully reading the job description and noting the keywords that the employer uses. These are often the specific skills, qualifications, and attributes they’re looking for. Incorporating these keywords into your CV shows that you’ve understood the role and its requirements. It also increases the likelihood that your CV will pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which scan for these terms before it even reaches a hiring manager.
It’s also important to recognise that different employers may use different terminology for similar skills or job titles. For example, “project manager” could be listed as “project coordinator” or “programme leader” in various job descriptions. Don’t hesitate to adjust your CV to reflect the terminology that matches the job you’re applying for. There’s no need to be rigid or overly attached to your previous CV version—flexibility and attention to detail can help you present yourself as the perfect match for the job.
Moreover, it’s crucial not to fall into the trap of using the same generic CV for every application. While it might seem more convenient to make only small updates each time, this approach can undermine your chances of standing out. Instead, refresh your CV regularly to reflect not just your most recent job but also your skills and experiences relevant to the specific role you’re targeting. A dynamic, tailored CV will always make a stronger impression and significantly improve your chances of success.
2. Commercial awareness
Employers want to see, at a glance, that you have a deep understanding of the industry you’re entering. Your CV should reflect a strong awareness of the trends, challenges, and opportunities within your field. This doesn’t just demonstrate your suitability for the role; it also shows that you are proactive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in the industry.
How to demonstrate commercial awareness
Injecting commercial awareness into your CV is about more than just listing your skills—it’s about using language and examples that showcase your expertise and understanding of the field. Start by incorporating industry-specific terminology and technical jargon where appropriate. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing role, instead of saying you “ran social media campaigns,” highlight that you “developed multi-platform social media strategies to drive engagement and achieve KPIs.” This shows not only what you did but that you understand the key objectives within your industry.
Another way to demonstrate your industry knowledge is by referencing achievements that are directly relevant to current trends or challenges. For example:
- If you’re in finance, mention how you “successfully implemented new compliance measures in line with updated FCA regulations, improving audit outcomes by 15%.”
- In technology, highlight how you “led a team to develop and deploy cloud-based solutions that reduced operational costs by 20%, aligning with the shift toward scalable infrastructure solutions.”
These examples anchor your experience in the context of industry-specific goals, showing the employer that you’re not just aware of your field but actively engaged with its evolution.
The role of a cover letter
While your CV should speak to your experience and skills, your cover letter provides an excellent opportunity to highlight your commercial awareness further. Use your cover letter to explain:
- What attracted you to the role and the company.
- How your understanding of industry trends makes you uniquely positioned to excel in the role.
- Your aspirations for the future and how they align with the company’s objectives.
For example, if you’re applying to a role in renewable energy, you might write:
“I’m particularly drawn to your company’s recent investments in solar technology. With my experience in managing renewable energy projects and my commitment to sustainable innovation, I am eager to contribute to your mission of making clean energy more accessible.”
This approach not only reinforces your knowledge of the industry but also positions you as someone who shares the company’s values and goals.
Avoid plagiarism and stand out
When writing about your industry knowledge, originality is key. Many resources online provide templates or examples of CVs and cover letters, but it’s important to avoid copying these outright. Employers, particularly those using ATS systems, often scan applications for duplicate content. Plagiarism can be a red flag, signalling a lack of effort or authenticity.
To ensure your CV and cover letter are unique:
- Write in your own words, even when using examples as inspiration.
- Highlight personal achievements and experiences that are specific to you.
- Use online plagiarism checkers, such as StudyClerk.com or PlagiarismChecker.net, to verify originality.
By taking these steps, you’ll ensure that your application stands out for the right reasons and reflects your genuine commercial awareness.
3. Showcasing your previous performances and achievements
Employers often sift through a large number of CVs from candidates who meet the required skills, qualifications, and experience. To stand out from the crowd, you need to go a step further by demonstrating how well you’ve performed in your previous roles. Merely listing your responsibilities won’t cut it—you need to show measurable impact and tangible results.
Why performance matters
Possessing the right credentials is important, but it doesn’t necessarily prove your capabilities. Employers want evidence of how effectively you’ve applied your skills in the past. A CV filled with generic job descriptions won’t give them the insight they need. Highlighting your achievements and quantifiable outcomes is the key to demonstrating your value.
How to highlight your achievements
Providing evidence of your performance is simpler than you might think. The key is to use specific examples that show measurable outcomes and directly relate to the role you’re applying for. Here are some strategies to help you highlight your achievements effectively:
1. Quantify your successes
Numbers speak louder than words. Use metrics, percentages, and figures wherever possible to show the impact of your work. For example:
- Instead of saying, “Managed a sales team,” say:
“Led a sales team of 10 to exceed monthly targets by 20% for three consecutive quarters.” - If you improved efficiency, detail the results:
“Streamlined inventory processes, reducing stock discrepancies by 35%.” - For customer-facing roles, highlight specific outcomes:
“Achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rate by implementing a new feedback system.”
2. Focus on impact, not tasks
Avoid simply listing the responsibilities of your previous roles. Instead, highlight the results of your actions. For instance:
- Instead of, “Organised events,” write:
“Coordinated 15 corporate events annually, increasing attendee engagement by 30% through targeted marketing campaigns.” - Instead of, “Handled customer complaints,” try:
“Resolved 85% of customer complaints on first contact, improving retention rates by 15%.”
3. Showcase problem-solving
Employers value candidates who can identify challenges and take steps to resolve them. Demonstrate how you’ve used your initiative to address issues, such as:
- “Identified inefficiencies in the onboarding process and introduced a new training program, reducing time-to-productivity by 25%.”
- “Redesigned the company website to improve user experience, leading to a 40% increase in online sales.”
4. Highlight unique achievements
Include any standout accomplishments that set you apart, even if they aren’t directly related to the role. These can demonstrate qualities like innovation, leadership, or resilience. Examples might include:
- “Published an article in a leading industry journal, showcasing expertise in emerging technologies.”
- “Successfully completed a professional certification while managing a full-time role.”
5. Tailor your examples
Align your achievements with the requirements of the job you’re applying for. If a role emphasises teamwork, provide examples of collaborative successes:
- “Partnered with a design team to launch a marketing campaign that increased brand awareness by 40% within three months.”
- “Worked closely with colleagues across departments to implement a new CRM system, enhancing data accuracy and improving sales reporting by 20%.”
If the job highlights innovation, include examples that demonstrate your creative thinking:
- “Developed an automated reporting tool that reduced data analysis time by 50%, allowing the team to focus on strategic planning.”
- “Conceptualised and launched a customer loyalty program, driving a 25% increase in repeat purchases over six months.”
For roles that prioritise leadership, showcase your ability to guide and inspire others:
- “Mentored three junior team members, two of whom were promoted within a year, strengthening the overall team’s expertise.”
- “Organised and led weekly strategy sessions, fostering collaboration and driving a 15% improvement in project delivery times.”
So remember: to stand out in a competitive job market, you must craft a CV that highlights your skills, qualifications, and experience tailored to each role. Demonstrate commercial awareness by showcasing industry knowledge and using relevant terminology. Finally, prove your value with quantifiable achievements and specific examples of your past performance, aligning them with the job’s requirements.
Need some help? Get in touch.
