Win The Job In 6 Seconds: 4 Must-Have CV Moves

6 seconds? Yes, you heard it right! What is the best thing that you can do if given this little time? Jump? Read a message? Take a deep breath.

Imagine, when it comes to your CV, six seconds is the little time that can make a lasting impression.

Joyce didn’t know that employers use an average of six to seven seconds to scan through a CV.

When she called to inquire about our professional CV writing services, you could hear that she was frustrated: “I did my CV myself because I understand my skills, strengths, and experience, but I don’t know why employers don’t notice me. This year, I have applied for over 100 jobs. I only got two callbacks during the pre-screening process, but I never proceeded to the next stage. What could I be doing wrong?”

Our team reviewed her CV and noticed many mistakes that hindered her from getting interview invites. The CV was very long and irrelevant; the format needed to be more appealing, and it didn’t highlight her strengths.

I know Joyce’s story resonates with many job seekers, but I am going to highlight the strategies that can help you grab the recruiter’s attention in six seconds.

1. Make Use of a Career Profile to Make a Memorable First Impression

Put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes, and you are going through CVs, then you come across one that starts with “I am looking for any job opportunity in a reputable company that will help me pay my bills”.

This will likely put you off even before you read the rest of the sections.

Start strong by showcasing your unique strengths and the value you will bring to contribute to the company’s success, not what you will gain.

2. With Every New Application, Ensure You Tailor Your CV

Joyce had a ready-made generic CV that she used to apply for all the jobs she felt she was qualified for, hoping that she could be invited for interviews.

After a series of rejections, she realized she needed expert advice from a professional CV writer to understand strategies like customizing a CV.

Before you apply for any job, understand the key requirements and how your skills and experience align with them, then customize your CV to fit that role.

3. Keep Your CV Concise and To the Point

Joyce had a very lengthy CV that buried the key information, and it made it hard for the recruiters to see her suitability for the role.

However, after investing in our professional CV writing services, she got a well-structured CV that made is easy for the employers to notice her key strengths.

Aim for brevity by minimizing your CV to three or four pages to make it easy to scan.

4. Use A Format That Is Visually Appealing and Easy to Navigate

I had an interaction with Evaline, our CV expert, and she highlighted that one of the mistakes that many job seekers make is using complex CV formats.

For you to make a strong impression in six seconds, use a CV layout that is easy to navigate.

Make it easy for the employers to pick the key information by using bullet points, clear headings, and the right spacing.

Finally

Your CV is your personal marketing document that helps you tell your professional story, and since the job market is competitive, it is vital to make a lasting impression in six seconds.

Never allow an unprofessional CV to make your potential go unnoticed; invest in professional CV writing services today to make your CV work for you.