When it comes to applying for a job, your CV and your LinkedIn profile can either make or break you. Both of them represent your personal brand and should be clear and 100% complete. Never apply online for a job unless they are. To help you ensure they are telling the right message, follow these tips:
Your LinkedIn profile
Is your LinkedIn profile telling the same story as your CV? Don’t just cut and paste your CV, write a brief summary for each of your jobs on LinkedIn. Explain what you did and what you achieved, keep this succinct and relevant to your key skills and experience.
Your LinkedIn Headline
This is so important! You have 120 characters for your LinkedIn headline, use them wisely. Make it easier for people to understand what you do.
Your headline also introduces you on the “People You May Know” section as well as LinkedIn job applications. So, whether your headline is being viewed by your contacts or a recruiter, it is the key to making a positive impression.
It should also contain strategic keywords that help you appear higher in LinkedIn searches. It is one of the most important fields for LinkedIn’s search algorithm. The default headline will automatically create your headline as your current job title and current employer, but you can change this.
Consider changing it to reflect your position and skills. For example –
Finance Business Partner | Business Transformation | Banking | IT Services
OR
Product Management & Marketing Executive | SaaS & software | Analytics & Technology
OR
Finance Manager at ABC Company – Experienced in strategic planning, cost analysis and budget management
Keep in mind, when a recruiter is scrolling through a search result on LinkedIn all they see is name, photo, headline, and location.
If your headline just says, “looking for new opportunities” and nothing else, then how do they know what you do? Always consider what the recruiters and hiring managers might be searching on and adapt your headline to suit this.
Your CV
Page one of your CV is very important and is what can get you in the “maybe” pile. Ensure it tells a recruiter/hiring manager what you can do, why you are a good fit and what you can offer.
Recruiters are inundated with CV’s for every job advert they post. Make sure they can scan your CV and quickly understand if you are relevant for the job they are recruiting for. Page one should include – your name, email and mobile number, a career profile explaining what you do, your major accomplishments and then a career summary table listing companies, jobs and years.
No one should really need to read beyond page one to understand what you do and where you work.
List 2 to 3 achievements for each job on your CV, explain the outcome and where you added value, eg. “Increased revenue 20% by identifying gaps and opportunities and devising a 3 year strategic plan to increase market share”
If you are applying for a job advert, then check the essential skills required in the job advert and ensure your CV shows them, ideally on page one. Always think of your CV as your personal sales document, selling your skills and experience.
Remember, recruiters & hiring managers are looking at hundreds of CV’s and LinkedIn profiles every day, so make it easier for them to notice you!
Know your Why
Practice answering the question “tell me about yourself?” This is your value proposition and why you do what you do, why you are relevant and why they should hire you.
How you answer this question can set the scene for how your interview will progress. Your answer should be no longer than 2 minutes and should ideally be all work related.
Here are 3 steps to help you create your answer:
Step 1 – Who
Give a brief, concise description of who you are and your key qualifications, strengths and skills, ensuring this is relevant to the job you are currently being interviewed for.
Step 2 – What
What is your USP (Unique Selling Point) Tailor your answer to the job you are being interviewed for and declare the strongest benefit that you offer an employer. This will leave the interviewer compelled to know more.
Step 3 – Why
Tell them why you want the position and why they should hire you. This is your story – write it down, practice saying it out loud. Try videoing or recording yourself so you can watch and listen to yourself. The more you practice, the more relaxed and authentic you will sound. Then it becomes easier to tell your story.
If you could benefit from career coaching and help with any of this, then reach out to me here. I would be delighted to work with you.