Selecting a CV package - Wondering which CV package will give you the best chance of getting to interview? The answer usually* lies within the job advert and description. By examining these closely, you'll find the employer explicitly outlines many of the qualities and skills the ideal candidate should possess.
In essence, your application isn't just about listing your experiences; it's about stitching together a narrative that resonates with your prospective employer. If crafting such a narrative seems daunting, fear not. Help is just an email or call away.
There are
four pillars of the application:
⇒ CV
A CV alone rarely secures an interview, especially if it’s a generic, one-size-fits-all document. Tailoring it to match the job’s selection criteria is essential. Without a cover letter, however, it lacks what the Americans call an 'elevator pitch' of your relevant attributes.
⇒ Cover Letter
In your cover letter, give a bill-board emphasis to skills and achievements that align with the employer’s needs. Use specific and quantified examples to show you’re the ideal candidate and can meet the role's challenges head-on.
⇒ Selection Criteria
The make-or-break factor, selection criteria may be explicitly listed or subtly implied. Addressing them in your CV, cover letter, or a separate document can shift your application from discarded to shortlisted.
⇒ LinkedIn
Think of LinkedIn as your professional presence online. It’s crucial for roles in management, marketing, and sales, though it’s not required for every industry or position.
Put them all together
Your cover letter and LinkedIn profile extend from your CV, to create a cohesive narrative across all application documents. Each part should reinforce your 'sales pitch' for the specific role. LinkedIn is a must-have for executives, but rarely necessary for general applications.
Do I need an executive CV package? - Executive roles come with the responsibility of directly managing staff and/or overseeing budgets (executive CV pricing page) whereas being in a job without direct reports or holding a supervisory role falls under general employment (CV pricing page).
*Beware of relying on the job advert and description to figure out exactly what an employer wants, especially in senior positions. Avoid making applications via secondary portals such as LinkedIn since they often truncate the employer's requirements. Look for the employer's direct application listing.
Like to chat before making a purchase?
Click on the phone, anytime night and day, to book a complimentary 15 minute call at a time that suits you.