GOLDEN RULES FOR ONLINE JOBS APPLICATIONS

Recruiters ask for both a CV and manual input of work history for a reason. While it may seem redundant, it serves a purpose in online recruitment platforms. The information you manually enter in your profile is more visible to recruiters compared to the CV, which they would have to click to view.

Recruiters use the individual fields in your profile to shortlist candidates who meet their requirements. For example, if they are looking for someone with “five years’ experience in the IT industry,” they can filter candidates based on the number of years of work experience and the sector they are in.

If a candidate fails to provide this information in the required fields, they are less likely to be considered if a recruiter filters based on these criteria. The CV allows the system to read keywords, enabling recruiters to search for specific terms once they have shortlisted candidates. It also provides an opportunity for the candidate’s personality to shine through if the recruiters decide to open the CV after filtering through the fields.

When describing your skills and experience, don’t be afraid to express your personality, but ensure you use the correct formats and avoid grammar or spelling mistakes. A sloppy or incomplete profile will likely result in not being considered for the role.

It’s important to include work experience that is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Even if a previous role may not directly align with the desired position, highlight transferable skills such as time management or conflict resolution that you gained from that experience. If you lack experience, consider including special projects, non-profit involvement, or participation in sports teams.

Including part-time or “piece jobs” in your CV can help avoid gaps, but avoid going into unnecessary detail about jobs that are not relevant to your current career aspirations, like a cashier or waitressing job. As a general rule, include your last three jobs that are relevant to the industry and role you’re applying for.

When it comes to skills, be thorough and include both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are technical knowledge or specific training, while soft skills are personal habits and traits that demonstrate your personal brand and work style. Soft skills, such as critical thinking and communication, are highly valued by recruiters.

Instead of simply listing your computer literacy level, provide detailed information about both your hard and soft skills, along with the level of proficiency for each skill (basic, medium, good, expert).

The cover letter should not be underestimated. It’s an opportunity to align your skills and experience with the criteria for the job. Use the cover letter to showcase your personal brand, demonstrate that you have done your research on the company’s values and mission, and highlight how you can contribute to their goals.