Understanding how employers review resumés/CV and what makes an impression can lead to a job offer.
A well-constructed resumé/CV is a vital piece of the job application process for positions in most countries. In fact, your resumé/CV is the most important part of your application. It gives your potential employer essential information about you. A good resumé/CV provides a first impression for the people who will decide whether to advance your application to the next stage of the hiring process. Your resumé/CV should also reveal something about your ambitions and your motivation for wanting the position for which you are applying.
Most hiring managers expect resumés/CV to receive to follow a general standard. Resumés/CV should demonstrate that you have some knowledge about the company and position; allow the HR team to weigh your application against those of other candidates; and show you are serious about the position.
Submitting a cover letter is not always mandatory, but it’s important to note that in all likelihood the HR manager or hiring director who receives job applications will have many resumés/CV to go through, and will have only a small amount of time to look at each one. Including a brief cover letter with your resumé/CV may help your application stand out, and thus improve its chances of being read and your chances of being granted an interview. If you do submit a cover letter, it is extremely important that it be well written.
For highly competitive positions, positions in creative industries and positions that require video-making skills, a video resumé/CV can be a benefit.
For some positions, it is acceptable or required to submit a video resumé/CV as part of your application package. It does not replace a standard resumé/CV or cover letter, but it is an additional component that may help you stand out from the crowd by allowing you to show your personality in ways a written resumé/CV can’t do. Most video resumés/CV span anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes and should include an introduction, highlights of your experience and an invitation to the employer to get in touch with you to learn more. For highly competitive positions, positions in creative industries and positions that require video-making skills, a video resumé/CV can be a benefit. It can also be a big help when you have an extensive resumé/CV. It is important to make sure the video is professionally done; your words are polished and your charisma shines through.
A growing number of companies, especially large corporations and multinationals, use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan cover letters and CVs/resumés. This technology parses a document, breaking it into text, and matching your experience and education with the requirements of a particular job. While running your documents through a spell-check program may seem to be an obvious part of the process, this step is critical here. ATS filter CVs by keywords, so proper spelling helps ensure that the filters don’t reject your application. This can be a professional differentiator when you are applying for a position in a foreign country in which you are not a native speaker.
Tips for formatting your cover letter and resumé/CV for applicant tracking systems
- Read the job description carefully. Use keywords in your resumé/CV and cover letter that match those in the job description.
- Make sure your keywords are incorporated into your resumé/CV and cover letter. Do not just list strings of keywords; hiring managers will penalize a jobseeker whose application includes keywords and industry terms at the expense of clear writing.
- Use both the long-form and acronym versions of keywords (e.g. “Master of Business Administration (MBA)” or “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”) for maximum search-ability.
- Chronological resumé formats work best, listing your work experience from most recent to oldest.
- Avoid lines that span across the page as this can scramble text.
- Read the instructions to make sure you are using an acceptable file type: .docx or PDF formats are safest.
- Avoid unusual fonts, colors or spacing. A common sans serif font such as Arial or Times New Roman is best. Don’t use WordArt.
- Don’t add graphics (except for a photo, if applicable).
- Don’t use headers and footers.
- Avoid using tables and columns. Content may not be read in the order you intended.
- Make sure your name is in the filename of your document (e.g., surname_name_CV.doc).
Conclusion
Your resumé/CV will need to reflect your own personal circumstances, such as the type of employer you will be applying to (multinational firm or local business), the country it is in, the industry (finance, manufacturing, legal, etc.) and the nature and breadth of your own qualifications. There is no one format that fits every circumstance. Research the position and the company to which you are applying. Take time to proofread your resumé/CV and cover letter. Submit a video resumé if you can. And always be professional and find ways to showcase your personality and experience.
Using GoinGlobal’s Resources
For location specific resumé/CV guidelines, see GoinGlobal’s Country and City Career Guides*. You will find expert advice for creating a culturally correct resume/CV and cover letter in formats that meet local employers’ expectations.
On the GoinGlobal platform: Go to “Career Guides” in the main navigation, choose the country or city of your choice, hover over “Getting the Job” in the guide’s navigation and you will find everything you need to know, and more, about crafting a resumé/CV, interviewing and work permits/Visas.
*Access to GoinGlobal’s resource database is provided through subscribing institutions. Contact your college/university’s career center or library for access instructions.
