Chelsey Newsom, manager and specialist legal recruiter at Sellick Partnership, provides the inside scoop on how to make recruitment consultants love your CV.
Imagine receiving 100 applications for a job vacancy, and having to read the CV and cover letter attached to each. Sound exhausting? Welcome to the world of the legal recruiter!
A recruiter’s job is to match the right candidate with the right employer, and they are often looking for a particular set of skills and experiences, based on a specific job specification. To even get a look in, your CV needs to hit the sweet spot with your consultant, as they can make or break your job search.
There are a few things that all recruiters dislike, so take note of these points to ensure your CV goes to the top of the pile.
1. Include accurate information and full details
Often recruitment consultants will refine the information you have provided into a branded CV format before they send it to the employer, so they can tailor it for the particular role. Be sure to include as much appropriate information as possible, so the recruiter can get your CV ready quickly. Other things to consider include ensuring legal qualifications are listed in full and temporary and locum roles are not grouped together. Remember to explain gaps in your career history, for example if you took a six-month break to travel or study.
2. Try not to make your CV too long
Whilst you do not have to strictly stick to the two page rule, candidates need to have common sense and make sure the information is easily readable so make sure it is clear and concise. Using bullet points is a good way of doing this. At Sellick Partnership we deal with hundreds of CVs a week, and reading through a 20 page CV is time consuming. It usually indicates that the candidate needs to be more focused and should refine key information. Always keep in mind how busy the individuals reading your CV might be, so make it to the point, focused and most importantly, memorable.
3. Check for grammar and spelling errors thoroughly
Think about your CV from a recruiter’s or a hiring manager’s point of view – if you received a CV full of spelling errors, incorrect punctuation and sentences simply not making sense, how would you perceive that candidate? It would instantly suggest that the candidate has a lack of attention to detail, is potentially careless and that presentation isn’t important to them.
Make sure that you spellcheck your CV and get your family, friends or a recruitment consultant to read it over. A fresh pair of eyes is invaluable to pointing out mistakes where things don’t quite make sense, and areas for improvement to ensure your professionalism remains intact.
4. Avoid strange fonts and confusing layouts
Always remember that a CV is a representation of you. From the font that is used, to the layout and terminology, it gives an impression of what your personality may be like, as well as being a reflection of your skills, experience and values. A well-written CV is the biggest asset for every successful candidate, and putting time and effort into this important sales tool will ensure that those who read it will get a strong first impression of you and your potential value to their organisation.
Article contributed by Sellick Partnership in collaboration with TotallyLegal.
Sellick Partnership are market leaders in the provision of locum, temporary, contract and permanent legal professionals within private practice, public sector and not-for-profit organisations. Visit us at www.sellickpartnership.co.uk, call us on 0161 834 1642 or email Chelsey at chelsey.newsom@sellickpartnership.co.uk.