A recruiter that doesn’t use an ATS System (applicant tracking software) will take five seconds—to scan a CV before deciding whether they’ll contact you or not for a job you’ve applied for.

So, the pressure is on, in determining if your CV moves forward or if the recruiter moves on.

Bottom line … you want your CV to be as clear and targeted as possible, for the role you’ve applied for.

Recruiters go through dozens and dozens of CV’s and if yours doesn’t stand out, in terms of clear relevant information, they will move on. It’s nothing personal, they have time constraints and delivery deadlines. They will focus on your cv if you write an effective CV.

If an ATS is used

An Applicant Tracking System is an automated process that analyses your cv, such as work history and qualifications. It looks for keywords and contact details and sorts it and stores it according to the information provided by you on the Agency database. When a new position comes in the ATS will produce a list of cv’s that match the criteria of the position with cv’s from the database.

Whether or not a recruiter makes use of an ATS, structure your cv to optimize it with an ATS regardless.

CV Essentials:

  • Use plain text (Arial or Calibri are examples), in MS word or pdf ONLY. Avoid graphics– no information can be pulled from that (charts, graphs etc) as well as tables and heavy formatting.
  • Headers and footers are not required (important information – such as contact details will not be read and will be lost)
  • Keywords – use them, repeat them in variations they might be known as and do so frequently.(eg. PV Engineer | Solar Engineer | photovoltaic Engineer)
  • Customise your CV to each specific job you’re applying for.
  • I cannot stress this enough. Everything that is on the job description that you’ve done before, make sure it’s on you cv in your own words in the applicable place.
  • Leave out irrelevant information to the job you’re applying for. (doesn’t matter if you were a hurdles champion or worked in a bakery at the beginning of your work history – if you’re applying for an engineering role)
  • Make sure your format  is correct: font and size is the same throughout, spelling, grammar, tenses and punctuation etc as it creates an impression already of competence and professionalism
  • Start with contact details, (number and email) and location (for time zones)
  • Begin with your most recent job when listing them, your most recent experiences and your most recent qualifications
  • Ensure that you demonstrate / quantify and give examples that you can do the job you’ve applied for, outcomes and achievements are very important. (where have you saved the company money, saved time, put new processes in place etc)
  • Stick to bullet points (not sentences) it’ll help shorten your cv.

CV pitfalls to avoid

  • Length: Strike a balance between comprehensiveness and conciseness. Aim for a CV of 3-4pages, with a cap at 5 pages, providing relevant details for recent roles.(South African market context)
  • Chronology: Prioritize recent experiences and organize jobs in chronological order, as recruiters gravitate towards recent and pertinent roles.
  • Formatting: Maintain consistent font, size, and formatting for professionalism and readability. Avoid excessive styling or flamboyance.
  • Information Gaps: Address employment lapses or gaps with appropriate explanations, ensuring a coherent narrative.
  • Skills: Showcase technical skills relevant to the role, especially if outlined in the job description.
  • Project Portfolio: For engineering roles, present a project portfolio detailing project type, involvement, and accomplishments.
  • Proofreading: Thoroughly review for grammar and spelling errors, leveraging spell check and enlisting a second set of eyes if needed.
  • Contact Details: Verify and update contact information to avoid missed opportunities due to communication issues.
  • Honesty: Present truthful and accurate information, avoiding embellishments that could be exposed during the recruitment process.
  • Cover Letter: Accompany your CV with a well-crafted cover letter, aligning it with the role’s key requirements. A tailored, polished cover letter conveys professionalism and interest.

In summary, crafting an effective CV necessitates meticulous attention to detail. Striking a balance between comprehensiveness and precision, optimizing for both human and ATS readers, and adhering to professional norms ensures that your CV positions you as a compelling candidate. With the right approach, your CV serves as the gateway to the critical job interview stage.