How To Make Your Job Application Stand Out

Words of wisdom straight from a recruiter. 

It’s a really difficult period of time to be job hunting, with the competition pool being larger than ever before. If you’re currently seeking a new challenge, you’re probably searching for ways to make your job application stand out from the crowd.

We hear you. Today, we’re speaking with a Managing Consultant at Search Recruitment to demystify the application process. We’ll be discussing their surefire ways to get your job application noticed and how to bag that dream role.

Check out Linkedin’s Who’s Hiring page for updates on UK based companies with roles currently available.

Choose the right CV format for your sector.

You may be wondering: ‘should I opt for a conventional or creative CV?’ I think it goes without saying that it depends on the industry you are in. If you’re applying for a Digital Marketing role, I would expect the aesthetics of your profile to appear different to someone applying for a Management Consultancy position. Regardless of the font, colours and cool layout, you need to ensure your CV reads in first person, and has the following basics:

• A personal statement
• Key achievements outlined for each role (last 5 positions) as well as key responsibilities, any facts and figures you can include here will boost your profile. EG:
  • Achievement: I decreased overheads by 25% which saved the business £8000.
  • Responsibilities: I currently manage a team of 8 which consists of 2 product designers etc..
• Key Skills that are relevant for your role and sector such as specific systems, software or applications.

Protip: Don’t be afraid to include references. At least two would be preferable:

These will never be contacted without your consent but it shows confidence in your own ability.

Make sure your CV is up-to-date.

Basic but effective- make sure your CV is updated! It goes without saying that you need your personal email address and phone number on there too. You would be surprised how many people forget this as when applying through job boards you may assume it adds it directly- it sadly does not.

Protip: State if you’re immediately available to work:

A lot of people like their profile to look like they’re still in a role whereas a lot of businesses actually like people that are immediately available. This is particularly prevalent if you’re applying for a temporary or interim role, as recruiters may move on from your profile if they think you have a notice period.

Ensure your LinkedIn profile matches your CV.

After getting your CV up-to-scratch, make sure your Linkedin follows suit. All the dates and roles stated on your CV must correlate with your Linkedin profile. Additionally, make sure you have a LinkedIn profile picture. This suggests you’re using the platform regularly and it makes you appear more approachable on searches.

Protip: Enable the ‘Open to Work’ feature on your profile:

That way, recruiters can find you easily. Don’t worry, you can select between ‘Recruiters Only’, or ‘All LinkedIn Members’, meaning no one within your current company will be able to see this, if you don’t want them to. Only those that have LinkedIn recruiter licenses will be able to see the feature. 

You will be surprised on the amount of approaches this will increase on your profile!

Don’t always assume a cover letter is needed.

This is a difficult one as I know a lot of people love a cover letter. They show enthusiasm and can set you apart from the competition. However, if you are applying through a jobsite or to a recruiter directly, unless you know the recruiter well, it is sometimes best to leave it unless you’re asked for one.

Protip: Only provide a cover letter when applying to a business directly:

When applying through a jobsite, recruiters can go through 100’s of CV’s a day, so if your CV isn’t the first thing that pops up your profile, you might be missed.

Last but not least – follow up calls are a must!

If a recruiter (in-house or agency) doesn’t speak to you following your submission, then you know it’s not the role for you. Following up with a call shows initiative and even if the role isn’t quite right for you, a good recruiter will always discuss other opportunities. 

You will only broaden your network and reach!

Search Recruitment are leading recruitment specialists. If you would like more information on recruitment advice, or information surrounding Avenue HQ and our memberships available, please get in touch.