How to stand out to employers in 2023
The last few years in recruitment have seen radical changes when interviewing and finding a new role. In 2020, many candidates were grateful to still have a job employed and then 2021 and 2022 brought about an upward trend of employers offering new exciting rules with excellent salaries to get the best candidate. Excellent candidates were seen as hot property and top talent was difficult to come by. But what about 2023? The market is expected to soften, so what does that mean for candidates? What will employers be expecting from candidates? And how can you stand out from the crowd?
1. A Stand Out CV
On average, prospective employers will skim/scan a CV for around 6-8 seconds before making a decision. The CV is your time to shine, showing all the skills and experience you have that are directly related to the role. Sadly many candidates do not include all the relevant information needed that shows they have the skills, meaning their CV is discarded and they miss out on a role they would be perfect for. Another common mistake is that sometimes candidates forget the golden rule: less is more! A CV that is too long or difficult to read could be discarded just as quickly as a CV that doesn't include relevant information related to the role.
Here are some key IAR tips for writing your CV:
Presentation: make sure it is concise and easy to read. If the information is difficult to find, the CV may be discarded, so use bullet points for key information. Also, remember to make sure any pictures are professional if you decide to include them!
Show Off: many candidates fail to include their achievements and simply describe their responsibilities and workload. Don’t do this! Show off about what you have achieved and the skills you have developed this is your chance to stand out!
Be concise: think about it as the 2-page rule; however, if you do need more, make sure it’s no longer than 3. Believe me, a simple, concise 2-page CV is always better received than an 8-page CV!
Why you and not them? Candidates can really shine on their CVs by emphasising their experience and achievements in relation to the role. Why would you be better than the other candidates? Think about your experience and how this relates to the role.
2. Ensure your professional social media page is up to date
Linkedin is an excellent tool for networking and connecting with others in your industry but remember it will also be a way for a prospective employer to view your professional social media. Make sure your profile photograph (if you have one) is professional and that your experience is up-to-date and ready to impress!
Here are some key points to remember:
Have a recent (and professional!) picture
Keep your employment up to date with a description of your work
Include recommendations and referrals
Don’t forget that your job is to put out the most professional perception of yourself and an up-to-date Linkedin profile will help the employer see how great you are!
3. Use the resources available to bring jobs to you
Now you have your updated CV and an excellent, professional new Linkedin profile, it’s time to use the resources that can help you get the role you want. Job boards can help you here, but remember that job boards will not advertise all the positions actively available and they could include some outdated results. This is why connecting with a Head-hunter or Recruiter will help you find that great role. But remember to only work with a recruitment team that makes you feel comfortable and one that will offer honest and reflective insights on the market.
Starting a new job search can feel overwhelming but if you follow these 3 steps, you’ll be in a better position to get started and get to the interview stage.