How to Beat the Seven-Second CV Drop

Recruiters can spend an average of just seven seconds on a CV (as reported by HR News). So how can you, as a job applicant, stand out when time is at such a premium? Optima UK’s Sandra Kokowicz, who is one of our Manufacturing recruitment consultants, explains.

We know that, in some respects, the idea that recruitment consultants spend seven seconds looking at a CV is sometimes right.

Why? Because some CVs are either simply not relevant, or do not contain the right information.

Some people will apply for roles simply because they have a set quota of jobs to apply for, not necessarily because they want that specific job.

And if 20 people apply, and five stand out as having the right skill sets and experience, recruitment consultants are likely to spend more time going through those five applications.

When recruiting for a specific role we will know exactly what our client is looking for in the right candidate. (Even different companies working in the same sector can want very different things).

So, because we know what people want, it is easy to eliminate those that don’t meet the right criteria.

Beat the seven-second drop

Just how do you stand out when putting together a CV and so beat that seven second trap?

Be relevant

There’s no fixed rule. As different employers will want to know different things, you have to ask yourself whether everything you put in is relevant.

In fact, is your application even relevant, or are you just ticking a box?

Take a step back

And you must also try to step back from yourself. Sometimes, because you do a job day in and day out, you can forget all that you do.

You need to put as much information in as possible because that helps us to build up a picture of who you are. If your skills don’t quite match up, this can tip things in your favour.

Be specific 

If you’re wanting a specific role, say as an estimator, don’t just say that you’ve been an estimator.

You should talk about the specifics because a potential employer may want people who have, for example, worked with sheet metal.

Another example might be that if you’re looking for a role in insurance, demonstrate not only that you have experience in that role, but also that you are fully conversant with the software used in that sector.

Get in touch

There are many things to think about when putting together your CV and trying to move jobs.

So if you are looking for a new role, or need some professional recruitment consultants advice with your CV, have a look at www.optima-uk.com or drop me an email using sandra.kokowicz@optima-uk.com