You’ve updated your CV, but what should you DO with it to have the strongest impact in your career change?

If you’ve followed the advice in my previous article and now have a CV that represents you accurately, positively and relevantly, how can you ensure the right people see it and it has the best chance of opening doors for you?

First of all, let’s kick the worst tactics straight into touch 

It’s unlikely your CV will be seen, read and appreciated if you:

´      Post it on all the jobs boards you can find – it will simply disappear amongst the 100s of CVs added every day

´      Send it out unaccompanied to recruiters and target organisations – what incentive is there for the reader to take a closer look?

´      Fire it off to advertised vacancies – but without reading the application instructions which require a cover letter or application form ( you didn’t notice in your hurry to apply)

´      Send a basic CV without adapting it for this opportunity – as explained in my 10 tips article

´      Don’t know WHY this is a great opportunity for you

So, how to make your CV work for you?

A beautifully tailored CV that demonstrates your strong relevance to an opportunity, illustrates your strengths and successes and is appealing to read, still needs all the help it can get! 

The best advantage you can give your CV (and accompanying application documents if required) is to enlist and amplify the ‘people factor’.  When you have people behind your CV, it will take you further along the recruitment process.

            enlist and amplify the ‘people factor’

What does this mean?

People can help your CV on its journey in many ways, including:

1.    A telephone conversation to discuss your candidacy before you apply

This could reveal valuable information about current focus, challenges and projects, some of which you may be able to reference in your document(s). Many opportunities will invite this, providing contact details for just this purpose.

This is also a great opportunity to start to build a relationship, which could make a real difference when sifting CVs at the early stage

2.    Building advocacy during your job search

As part of your job search strategy, I advise setting up as many short conversations as you can with people in your target role or organization.

Not only does this give you vital information about this sector or business, you can also start to build a relationship, which could help you create a valuable network, potentially including supporters.

In this way, you could well hear about roles that haven’t yet been advertised, but for which you are a great candidate. Welcome to the hidden jobs market!

I’ve written about this in my guide ‘Connections to Fuel Your Career Change’ (£10) – just email me to purchase your copy.

But beware – this tactic is NOT about asking for a job or ‘picking their brains’!

3.    Build a relationship with recruiters

Rather than firing your CV off to all the local or national recruitment agencies, pick up the phone to start building a personal relationship.

Recruiters hold the latest and most valuable information about who’s hiring and employment trends. They can advise you about your skills and experience in relation to current and evolving opportunities – so take the time to nurture a relationship.

Don’t forget to help them out by saying which kind of opportunities and locations you’re interested in.

4.    Play the long game and build genuine relationships

As you build a professional network over many meetings, social or networking events, conferences, training events, on social media and in person, you are extending your potential reach.

The people in your network may have vital insider information that’s relevant to your job search and each person you have taken time to engage and share knowledge and information with, may well reciprocate when it comes to your job search.

When you’re actively searching, let your network know. Most people are happy to connect you with others if they know you and have built a relationship over time. 

5.    Pro bono and volunteering

If you’re changing career direction, consider building relevant experience by offering pro bono project work or volunteering behind the scenes.

Again, this will help you understand the market, the new role and build vital personal relationships in your new field.

In this case, a phone call or meeting is the best approach to explain your motivation and what you have to offer.

The tactics you employ to help your CV reach its required destination are vital. I’d love to know what’s worked for you in the past.

Looking back over my own experience, the only jobs I secured without the ‘people factor’ were my very first teaching role in the UK and my first overseas job. After that, it was through existing contacts, important conversations, and what my connections knew about my work that really gave my CV wings.

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If you’d like to discuss your current career and how we might work together to build the future you’re looking for, just hit the button below.