The information age has transformed everything and how individuals apply for jobs and it has certainly transformed how people draft their CVs. The CV/Resume is no longer a piece of paper that articulates your experience and qualifications but now it has to be discoverable in search engines via job aggregates, portals and websites. Before you upload your CV to a website like www.zigo.co.za it is important to understand what happens with your CV once it “out there” in the online sphere.
- The Digital CV is very different from the print CV
The digital CV can exist in PDF, a Microsoft Word Version or a plain text version; of course the first two make you look more interesting. It is best to begin your CV in a Word Document and then convert it to PDF. You must research the keywords in your industry and use them wisely and widely across the CV. If a potential recruiter is looking through you CV across the country such as Zigo jobs in Johannesburg; your CV has to show up in the relevant industry. Some people with to the extent of adding an Expertise Section where they simply write down their skills and experience in keywords. This has proven to increase search results and it simplifies the search for the recruiter. In addition, a range of recruiters gain access to your resume so it’s important to ensure that this is the version you want people to see.
- Strategic responses to online job adverts
These days, a lot more strategy is required in responding to a job advert. As an applicant, it is important to draft a letter so that your letter doesn’t drown in a sea of other applicants’ letters. The first thing you have to take notice of is who you have to address in the application. If you can’t find a name then simply use “To Whom It May Concern” and if you do find a name, always use the relevant prefix (Ms, Mr, Mrs, etc.) if the person’s gender is available. The next thing you need to state is where you found the job advert, why you feel that you are ideal candidate for the position and this is your time to shine over 2-3 paragraphs. In addition, don’t forget to attach the document either PDF or Word format.
- Don’t go too far in sharing your CV across platforms
You need to be very selective of where you post your CV because you have very little control over what happens to your CV after you have posted it to an online portal. Optimal sites for candidates seeking work have been www.zigo.co.za, www.executiveplacements.com and www.jobplacements.com.