Tips for getting your CV in front of Hiring Managers

Navigating the job market can be challenging, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. With the rise of AI in the recruitment process, the way CVs are reviewed has changed significantly, adding another layer of complexity. Graduates, especially, are facing fierce competition in the job market, often struggling to gain the necessary experience to even get their foot in the door.

In the past, you could walk into a business, hand over a printed CV, and potentially leave with a job offer. However, the digital age has changed everything. Many companies now prioritise candidates with experience, leaving new graduates in a difficult position. For neurodivergent candidates, these challenges can feel even more overwhelming.

This guide is designed to break down the CV-building process into manageable steps, helping you create a CV that captures the attention of both humans (and AI systems). We’ve split this blog into two parts: Building Your CV and Tailoring It to the Role You’re Applying For.

Phase 1: Building Your CV

The first step in the job application process is creating a strong, well-structured CV. Here’s how you can start:

1. Use a Professional Template

   Begin by finding a clean, professional template on Word or Canva. Steer clear of overly bright colours, patterns, or graphics that can distract from the content. The goal is to create a CV that’s easy to read and visually appealing without being overwhelming.

2. Download Our CV-Building Guide

   Our guide provides a step-by-step approach, making it easier to organise your information effectively. Download the guide here.

3. Create a ‘Personal Template’

   Think of your CV as your personal template rather than a finished product. This version will serve as the foundation for tailoring your CV to each specific job application.

Phase 2: Tailoring Your CV to Your Applications

While tailoring your CV for each job application can be time-consuming, it’s a critical step in getting noticed by hiring managers. It’s far more effective to send out 5 well-tailored applications than to scatter 20 generic ones.

1. Carefully Read the Job Description

   • Identify Keywords: Start by thoroughly reading the job description. Highlight the key skills, qualifications, and experiences that the employer is looking for. These keywords are often repeated or emphasised, and they’re crucial for passing through AI filters.
   • Understand the Role: Ensure you have a clear understanding of what the role entails and the type of candidate the company is seeking. This will help you align your CV with the job’s requirements.

2. Match Your Skills and Experience

   • Remove Irrelevant Skills: If your CV includes skills that aren’t relevant to the job you’re applying for, consider removing or de-emphasising them. This ensures that your CV remains focused and relevant.
   • Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on your most relevant job roles and responsibilities that align with the position you’re applying for. If you lack direct work experience, think about transferable skills gained from extracurricular activities, hobbies, or volunteer work. For example, playing a sport could highlight skills like communication, adaptability, and discipline. A quick Google search can help you identify a list of skills related to your hobbies or interests.

3. Showcase Relevant Achievements

   • Quantify Your Impact: Tailor your achievements to reflect the key responsibilities of the job. Use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully performed similar tasks in the past. Quantifying your impact can make your accomplishments more tangible and impressive.
   • Align with Job Priorities: If the job prioritises certain outcomes—like increasing sales or improving customer satisfaction—highlight achievements that demonstrate your success in those areas. For those without prior work experience, consider achievements outside a professional setting. This could include growing a social media platform, building a website, or managing personal projects. Employers value proactivity and a self-motivated attitude.

4. Customise Your Personal Summary

   • Tailor the Summary: Your personal summary should be aligned with the specific job you’re applying for. Mention how your career goals align with the company’s objectives and explain why your experience, attitude, motivations, or personality make you the perfect candidate.

5. Proofread with the Job in Mind

   • Check for Consistency: Ensure that all the information in your CV is consistent and aligned with the job you’re applying for. Inconsistencies can confuse hiring managers and decrease your chances of moving forward in the application process.
   • Avoid Errors: Double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A clean, error-free CV reflects attention to detail and leaves a positive impression on employers.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive job market, particularly with the additional challenges faced by neurodivergent job seekers, creating a standout CV is more important than ever. By building a strong foundation and then carefully tailoring your CV to each application, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, it’s not just about listing your skills and experience; it’s about showing potential employers why you’re the right fit for the role.

Take your time with each application, and don’t hesitate to use tools and guides designed to simplify the process. With a well-crafted CV, you’re well on your way to landing your next job.

Enna Global are a specialist training and recruitment company dedicated to helping Neurodivergent job seekers find meaningful employment. We offer Neurodiversity training to employers, list inclusive roles on our jobs board, and have a wide range of free resources available for Neurodivergent job seekers.