Ready to land your dream role? The first step is making sure that your CV stands out from the competition. Standing out among a sea of applicants requires strategies that go beyond the basics. In this blog post, we'll give you some pointers on how to do just that.
Step 1. Start Strong
Hiring Managers typically dedicate just seconds to peruse a CV. Within this brief window, you must seize their attention promptly. The linchpin to creating a captivating introduction is your personal statement.
Leverage your statement to encapsulate your suitability for the role you're applying for. Dive into the job description for the position and align it with the exact attributes your prospective employer seeks. It's your opportunity to carefully define your identity and your value proposition. Remember to think about what value you bring and your key successes. Too often CV’s can be seen as job descriptions of what you have done. Employers want to delve deeper to understand the value you bring.
We previously wrote a post about top 2023 B2B skills, which may be a useful guide to what hiring managers are looking for.
Your personal statement is your opening gambit in the high-stakes game of recruitment – make it count.
Step 2. Tailor your CV to the role
One common oversight is the use of a uniform CV for all job applications. While your educational and experiential background might exhibit similarities, it's a prudent practice to go the extra mile and tailor your CV to each specific job or role you pursue.
For each role, articulate precisely what you bring to the table. Spotlight your B2B marketing expertise and any experience from previous positions. Eliminate any irrelevant experience or educational details that do not necessarily align with the role.
In some cases, it's a good idea to incorporate in your summary section why you are particularly interested in working with a specific company or business. State what attracts you to the position.
Step 3. Leverage Thought Leadership
Establishing yourself as an industry thought leader requires a multifaceted approach. Begin by crafting engaging content, such as LI posts, blogs and speaking at engagements, all of which showcase your expertise within the realm of B2B marketing. Mention these contributions within your CV to show your influence and aptitude in driving industry conversations.
Prospective employers highly value candidates who can actively contribute to and lead discussions in their field, making this a crucial strategy to set yourself apart in the competitive job market.
Step 4. Optimise Your CV
Once you’ve created the basic structure of your CV, the next step is ensuring it’s properly optimised. You can start by using crucial keywords in relevant places. Keywords are useful in a marketing CV because they highlight your understanding of the job description and role.
Don’t forget LinkedIn! It’s likely that if you’re in the B2B space, your hiring manager will check out your profile to see how you interact professionally. If you need some tips, check out our post here.
Remember that your CV is not just a record of your past; it's a projection of your potential.
Hopefully you’ve found the steps above helpful. However, if you need extra help, please do feel free to get in contact. We can provide resources and guidance to help you transform your CV and personal brand. Best of luck in your job search journey!
If you want to find out how we can help you find your next marketing role, or if you are looking to hire new talent, please arrange a call here or email: jo.wassell@invokerecruitment.com