When you use psychology to improve your CV you will find you grab the attention of the right recruiters for the right reasons.
I so often find my clients lamenting the fact that they are wasting so much time talking to recruiters whose jobs are completely unsuitable.
So it is worthwhile taking a little time to understand the psychological principles that will help you improve your CV before you upload it anywhere.
Think Marketing
You will have heard me say this before, but your CV is a marketing document. As there is a huge amount of psychology behind principles or marketing it is a good idea to start here.
At the base of all marketing is the need to know the market and your CV is no different. In order to use Psychology to improve your CV you must do your research and decide first who your audience is and what they need/want.
Next you must know what it is you have to offer your market (see Step by Step CVs – download or paperback workbooks)
Accessibility
When we say you should keep your language simple and concise we have a good reason. Whilst recruiters are not lazy, they are very busy and inundated by documents that vary massively in quality.
Therefore, the first principle of psychology to use is to make it easy for the reader to access the information they are looking for ( clear headers, job titles, content and achievements).
One: Use the right layout and don’t be tempted to get unnecessarily fancy – it is a distraction!
Yes, CVs do get boring to read, and when I have a large number to read I skim them first and will only go back to those that stand out for some positive reason.
I don’t want to have to be searching for the information through the entire CV – I’m busy and want to be able to identify the relevant content pretty much instantly!
The other element of accessibility is the language
Two: Use the right language.
Use similar language to that being used in the advert or job description. Yes, you should make sure your CV passes through the ATS (See Applicant Tracking System) but don’t forget the next step. A recruiter will connect wit h your CV and understand what you do much more quickly and easily if you are using familiar language and terminology.
When I imagine have a CV in front of me that is saying what I hope it will say, under easily seen headings – I already feel positive.
Three: Make it engaging
As I said earlier, I will skim a pile of CV and pick up the information that stands out to me.
Now I want find myself engaging with the content.
If I looking for someone who can come and resolve a specific need and you tell me right up front that you can – you have my attention.
One easy way to use psychology to improve your CV is to make sure you prioritise the information on your CV to match that of the recruiter.
Four: Set the scene
I might engage with your CV to start with, but if I am unclear about the objectives of your role I may well switch off or decide to come back later if I haven’t found anyone else suitable.
Be very clear about the reasons/parameters/objectives of your role.
In this way I am able to imagine what you were employed to do. This is great so long as that fits in with what I would be wanting you to do for me.
Five: Reassure
by now I am getting more drawn into your story. You have my attention.
Now it is time to give me the confidence that you have the experience and expertise to fulfil the responsibilities of your previous role.
Gain credibility by demonstrating what you have done – making sure that everything you say helps me see how relevant that is to my company.
Job Done
I’m hooked – if you use psychology to improve your CV – and are applying for the right jobs – I want to see you.
You will have successfully helped me imagine working alongside you and feel excited by your competence to fill the role – I am now excited to bring you in for an interview.