Creating a CV and a Cover Letter that recruiters want to read!
Are you applying for roles and not being shortlisted? You are not alone. With hundreds of applications being submitted for each advertisement, your CV and Cover Letter need to stand out, you need to tell your story, highlight your value and you need to be clear why you're the right person for the job!
Where to start? The Cover Letter and CV you present are the first stage of many in securing your next role. Great People Recruitment (GPR) has over 25 years of experience reviewing and reading CVs and cover letters and we are here to guide you on what is important in 2025.
Firstly, your CV is more than just a document, it reflects who you are. In today's competitive job market, it's important that your CV not only highlights your skills and experiences but also showcases your true self and your intrinsic desire for the role you're applying for. Here's how you can help ensure your CV represents the real you and stands out:
Authenticity is Key - Your CV should be a real representation of your professional career. Focus on presenting your accomplishments and the unique qualities that make you who you are. Do NOT overstate your achievements or experiences. An experienced recruiter will ask you for more details during the phone screen or at your interview and you need to demonstrate your knowledge and experience by providing sound examples.
Highlight Your Passion - We look for candidates who have a genuine interest in the roles they apply for. Make sure your CV reflects your passion for the industry and the specific position. Include any relevant projects, volunteer work, or personal interests that demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment. This not only shows your dedication but also helps us understand what motivates you.
Your Unique Skills - Every candidate has a unique set of skills and experiences. Highlight what sets you apart from others and make sure it's prominently featured in your CV. This helps us see how you can bring something special to the job. The skills you can bring to a role should be tailored for each job you apply for. Ideally, list three to five skills under a Core Skills Section.
Tell us about yourself - Your CV should tell the story of your career. Use a clear and concise format to outline your professional journey, including key achievements. This helps a Recruiter understand your career progression and the motivations behind your career choices.
Tailor Your CV to the Role - One size does not fit all when it comes to CVs. Tailor your CV to each role you apply for by highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills. This shows that you've put thought into your application and are genuinely interested in the position.
Include a Personal Touch - Adding a personal touch to your CV can make a big difference and this can be achieved with a brief personal statement or personal summary which describes who you are as a professional and person.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread - Finally, ensure your CV is free from errors. A polished CV reflects your attention to detail and professionalism. Take the time to proofread (we highly recommend you do not proofread when you are tired) and ideally ask someone else to review your final version for you. There are no absolute rules about whether you use full stops at the end of each bullet point, but the most important rule is to be consistent. Some “experts” will say the full stop is used for complete sentences only or for a more formal presentation. If you choose to use full stops, use them for all bullet points in the list. If you choose not to, ensure none of the bullet points have full stops. Inserted page numbers are helpful on your CV, especially when copies are printed for interviews.
AI-Generated CVs and Cover Letters - While AI-generated CVs and cover letters can be convenient and everyone might be telling you how easy they are to create, they often lack the personal touch and authenticity that we look for. Think about how you will present if others have used AI for their CV too, is your CV and cover letter going to stand out as original? AI generated content often uses very polished but impersonal language. We often read AI driven statements like this: "I am a results-driven professional with a proven track record of success," but a Recruitment expert is looking for specifics. For example, “I am results driven, I expanded my region’s market presence, resulting in a 25% increase in sales”. GPR will always look at the cover letter to assess whether it matches the language used in the CV.
Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) – Job boards and some companies often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the hiring process. Once you upload your CV and cover letter for a role advertised, systems scan your CV for specific keywords that match the job description. To reduce the chances of your CV being eliminated before a human being views it, it is important to make sure you keep the format, font and presentation of your CV simple and readable. Arial or Calibri fonts work well. AI enhanced ATS may not easily read a CV with heavy formatting, including tables, images, icons, and columns. We recommend using standard job titles over fun or creative job titles (for example, Sales Manager instead of Deal Dynamo), which are likely to be matched by an ATS. This is why tailoring your CV for each role you apply for is important. Carefully read the advertisement and be sure to include the key competencies they are looking for as keywords in your CV. These could also be skills or qualifications they are specifically looking for. You must be honest. Your CV and cover letter are your brand and with brand comes reputation.
At GPR, we value candidates who are not only qualified but also passionate and authentic. By creating a CV that represents the real you, you'll not only catch our attention but also set yourself up for success in your job search. Remember, your CV is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression, make it count! We are not highly critical about the length of a CV, but we do assess how you present yourself through the entire recruitment process. Get in touch with us today about a format we recommend and how we can support you with your next application.
Our next blog will talk about the importance of communication through the recruitment process. What you will learn about applicants and employers before you even meet each other.
