First Impressions – 8 tips for getting your resume noticed!
I see A LOT of resumes every day; the good, the bad and the ugly. In most job searching scenarios your CV is your first point of contact with the employer. It is your chance to sell yourself and make a positive first impression. Below is a little list of insider tips that I think make for an eye-catching resume;
- Formatting – Your resume is a great opportunity to qualify your skills. If you mention you have great attention to detail and are organised but change fonts three times throughout your CV the employer will probably question whether you do possess these attributes. The best CVs have clear headings, are written in an easy to read font such as Calibri, utilize bullet points rather than paragraphs and list work experience in reverse chronological order. Also, don’t forget to use spellcheck! Spellcheck is your best friend and makes it so easy to pick up on little spelling and grammatical errors – there is really no excuse for spelling errors in your CV.
- Bullet points – When reading through a CV my eyes are drawn to two things – headings and bullet points. Bullet points are the best way to list role responsibilities and successes as they are neat and concise. I have found when candidates try and explain their role in paragraph form important points are often lost or don’t come across properly. Unless you are applying for a senior role, 5-8 bullet points outlining your role is enough to give the employer a good understanding of your experience.
- Length – Keep it short and sweet! Recruiters and employers often get over 200 applications for a role and if your CV is 6 pages long and goes into detail about your role as high school sport captain chances are they will end up skimming your CV. If you are light on work experience keep it to a page, there is no need to fill your CV for the sake of it. If you have been in the workforce for a number of years 2-3 pages is perfect.
- Skills and achievements – So often candidates use this section of a resume as a filler that doesn’t add any real value to the CV. Use this section to list any specific skills such as systems that you have used or projects that you have worked on. Qualify a skill by relating it to a specific project or KPI.
- Photo – This is a contentious one! Quite often a photo of yourself is not necessary however if you wish to include one make sure it’s professional! I have seen way too many selfies on CVs; selfies from a night out, selfies on your beach holiday, selfies with your friend half cropped out. Your CV is a representation of your professional self – if you wish to include a photo make sure you are dressed professionally, the photo is in portrait format and of a high quality. It is best to align this with your name in the top right hand corner of the first page.
- Hobbies – This is a section that isn’t completely necessary but is often a nice way to put your personality across and potentially click with the potential employer. Once again keep it professional; try writing you like working with animals rather than admitting to be a crazy cat lady. This is a section that you can also use to your advantage – if you are going for a role within a health organization; mention that you enjoy nutrition, fitness and bush walking – companies will favour candidates who support the ethos of the business.
- Cover Letter – Whilst this isn’t technically part of your CV it is often beneficial to send through a short cover letter with your CV. Use your cover letter to really tailor your application to the specific role and use it as an opportunity to explain anything like gaps in your CV and why you are looking for your next role. If you have a jumpy CV but have legitimate reasons for leaving these roles make sure to outline this – you want to iron out any doubts the recipient might have.
- Make it accessible – Job searching is pretty much a full-time job in itself. Scrolling through job searching sites is extremely time consuming. Make the most of services like LinkedIn and Seek and upload your CV so that recruiters and employers can access your CV even if you haven’t applied for a specific role. Finding the perfect role has a lot to do with timing and by making yourself CV accessible you might find your dream job lands in your lap!
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Are you ready to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of recruitment? Join us for an exclusive webinar hosted by Lotus People this May 9th at 12:30 PM where we'll delve into the latest insights and strategies shaping the future of hiring in 2024. What to Expect: In this insightful webinar, our very own CEO and Co-founder Sinead Connolly, together with Lotus People Brisbane Director Sophie Thomas and Systems and Marketing Specialist Sarah Lunders , explore the following key topics: Strategies to Attract and Retain Talent: In today's fiercely competitive job market, finding and keeping top talent is more challenging than ever. We'll share proven strategies to not only attract but also retain top-tier talent, ensuring your organisation remains ahead of the curve. Understanding Evolving Candidate Drivers: What motivates candidates in 2024? Our in-depth market research reveals the shifting priorities and aspirations of today's job seekers, helping you tailor your recruitment approach to meet their needs effectively. Implementing Inclusive Hiring Practices: Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords—they're essential components of a thriving workplace. Learn how to cultivate an inclusive culture within your organisation and implement hiring practices that foster diversity, equity, and belonging. Leveraging AI and Emerging Technologies: The future of recruitment is intertwined with technology. Discover how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies can revolutionise your hiring process, boosting productivity, efficiency, and overall success. Gain invaluable insights, practical strategies, and actionable takeaways to navigate the complex landscape of recruitment in 2024. Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or a business leader looking to optimise your hiring processes, this webinar is your opportunity to stay informed and empowered. Register Now to Secure Your Spot: Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to gain a competitive edge in recruitment. Reserve your spot today to join us for Navigating 2024 Recruitment Trends. Register now to secure your spot by clicking the link below. We can't wait to see you there!
We were thrilled to partner with JobAdder for our latest event, aimed at empowering professionals within our network to tackle the challenges in 2024, head-on. We hosted our network of HR, Talent and Leadership professionals at the fabulous eSpaces in Brisbane. On the expert panel was Kate Drew (Arnold), Chief People Officer at Madison Group Enterprise; Graham Moody, Chief People Officer at JobAdder; Nicola Young, Head of People APAC and Japan at Cognizant; and moderated by our very own CEO and Co-Founder of Lotus People, Sinead Connolly. We were extremely grateful to have these industry experts share their knowledge and insights with the audience on several core topics shaping the current market. We’ve recapped the key insights shared by our panel below.
The employment market is continuously changing, so understanding the drivers and motivators influencing an employee or candidate is paramount for businesses striving to attract and retain talent. Recent findings from our market insights survey shed light on the shifting priorities shaping the current job market, showing results that vary from the top candidate drivers of 2023. According to our survey results, the top five drivers and motivators for employees and jobseekers in today's market are as follows: Compensation/Salary Package - 64.7% Company Culture and Values - 47% Professional Growth and Personal Development Opportunities - 45.1% Remote and Hybrid Working Policies - 39.8% Work-Life Balance - 38.7% What's particularly noteworthy is the subtle yet significant shift in priorities compared to the data from 2023. Whilst compensation has always been a key motivation for candidates, its importance has notably increased, emerging as the top priority for most employees and jobseekers. Equally significant is the emphasis placed on company culture and values, which have risen to become the second most influential factor driving employment decisions. This shift highlights the increasing importance individuals place on aligning with an organisation that shares their values, vision, and ethos. In today's competitive job market, candidates seek more than just a paycheck; they crave a sense of belonging and purpose within their workplace community. On the other hand, whilst remote and hybrid working policies remain important considerations, their ranking has slightly decreased compared to the previous year. This trend suggests that whilst flexibility in work arrangements remains desirable, it may no longer be the primary driving factor for many candidates, as we have long emerged from the days of pandemic. The findings from our market insights survey highlight a fundamental truth: the landscape of candidate and employee preferences is continually evolving. Employers must adapt their recruitment and retention strategies to align with these shifting priorities, placing greater emphasis on competitive compensation, fostering a positive company culture, and providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. As businesses navigate the complexities of effective recruitment and employee management, understanding and responding to the evolving needs and desires of the market will be essential in attracting and retaining talent and fostering long-term organisational success. As we move forward in 2024, it's imperative for businesses to prioritise not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of their workforce, creating environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. By staying attuned to the evolving landscape of candidate drivers and motivators, organisations can position themselves as employers of choice in an increasingly competitive marketplace. If you’re interested in learning more about our survey findings, download a copy of our Market Insights report below!
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