Is Your CV Computer Friendly?

The internet has revolutionised job search today and if your CV is not computer friendly you may be missing out on those interview offers.

If you are applying on line for a job, whether through job boards or an employers or recruiters website, it is likely that a computer will scan your application, store your CV on a database and use the keywords in a CV to select candidates for interview.

More and more jobs require you to apply online or fill out an online application form and it is essential that your CV is fit for purpose.

Is Your CV Scanner Friendly?

Your CV should be on one side of white or cream A4 paper in a clear font, ideally font size 10 or 12.

Don’t include a lot of italics and underlining. Use bold for headers. Keeping things simple will not confuse the scanner.

Print out a new copy each time if you are sending a paper copy of your CV and use an A4 envelope as some scanners have problems reading a fold in the paper.

Do not staple your CV together.

Keywords Are Important

The key to keywords is to identify what the employer is looking for and include them in your CV.

Take a highlighter and mark the qualities and skills mentioned within the job advertisement or job description. For instance, “team leader”, “delivering revenues”, “relationship building”. Make sure you include them with relevance to your current position and experience. Be as specific as possible.

Your CV Must Be Compelling

Your CV may be one of many that are viewed by an employer or recruiter. It is essential that you get your skills and experience across to the reader immediately. Every word counts (even more so if it is a machine doing the reading) so make those words compelling.

Do remember that if the reader is opening your CV on a computer, the whole of your CV will not be visible to them so the first few paragraphs must contain enough information of interest to persuade them to scroll down.