Thanks to The Ladders, new research using the latest ‘gaze-tracking’ technology has shown that on average, employers spend just 6 seconds looking at your CV. By the end of this time, they have decided whether you are suitable for the job or not. Here is your guide to understanding exactly what happens in those 6 seconds, with 5 tips for making sure that when time is up, your CV lands you an interview and not in the recycle bin.
1. Be clear
The research conducted using eye-tracking technology shows that employers spend 80% of their time looking for these items on your CV:
· Name
· Current Company
· Current start dates and end dates
· Previous Company
· Previous start dates and end dates
· Education
This information needs to be really easily identifiable; if your employer has to search for it you will lose time. Make it really easy for them by clearly highlighting these headings and putting them at the top of your CV. Make sure you state your current and previous company names and positions as clearly as possible. Likewise, the university you studied at, subject you studied, and your degree class should be immediately obvious. This information will prove you have the correct skills, knowledge and experience for the job so make sure your employer can’t miss it!
2. Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for
For the remaining 20% of the time, employers simply scan your CV for key words which match the job description. Adapting your CV for each job you apply to means you can use terminology specific to that job, showing the recruiter you know exactly what the job involves, and more importantly, you already possess the skills required.
3. Keep it short
Aside from this, the study found that the rest of the information on a CV is simply a filler which employers pay little attention to and has relatively no impact on the decision making process. Therefore, you do not really need to include your hobbies, interests, how many cats you have, where you’ve been on holiday, the dance class you went to when you were seven, or anything else. These things won’t make a difference to how well you do the job and they won’t make a difference to whether you get hired.
4. Don’t tell them, show them
Images, icons and graphs are processed by the brain much more quickly than text. Keeping your CV as visual as possible can allow an employer to take in much more information in that crucial 6 seconds. Graphs are a great way to display your skills, icons placed next to headings can convey meaning much more effectively and colour makes information processing a lot more pleasurable. On the other hand, be wary of pictures and images (including ones of yourself) which do not tell employers anything about your abilities and qualities. These are more likely to distract their attention from your real skills!
5. Showcase your personality
Telling your potential employer you are organised, creative and professional will have very little impact. This is only your opinion about yourself and without any evidence there is no reason why they should believe you. However, using the design of your CV to convey your organisation, creativity and professionalism will speak for itself. A good layout and structure will show organisation. A polite tone will convey professionalism. Colour and style will demonstrate creativity. What’s more, these things will come across immediately when your employer looks at your CV, conveying your personality a lot faster than words ever could.
And if all else fails…
This may be considered bribery by some and we’re not convinced about the practicality of this crafty idea, but you can guarantee whilst your future employer is tucking into those tasty chocolates, they will take the time to read a little more about you.
Image sources
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/447123069225088360/
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/127069714/
https://www.behance.net/saraduncan
http://ibrandstudio.com/inspiration/55-examples-clean-resume-designs
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/beautiful-resume-design/
http://www.creativebloq.com/career/meet-designer-whose-life-literally-box-chocolates-31411131
Edited by Jayde Richards