Preparation and Research

This third module aims to provide you with the best documents to create a first-class application that will stand out from the competition.

The core set of documents you should consider are:

• CV/Resume
• Skills and Benefits Document
• Cover Letter
• Pre-Emptive Questionnaire
• Personal Statement
• Educational Certificates

You will have created a Skills and Benefits document for Module 2. If you missed this step, complete it before creating the next stage.

This next stage is to transform your CV/Resume into a high-performance document with one purpose: to sell you to a prospective employer, not, as many believe, to tell your work history.

The language and style you use are most important. This document has to be readable, enlightening, and a little entertaining. If the reader gets bored after the first section, they will move on. Tell a story.

Understanding CVs/Resumes

Chronological

This is the most traditional and widely used format. It lists your work experience chronologically, starting with your most recent position. Chronological resumes are ideal for candidates with a consistent work history and those aiming to showcase upward career growth.

Functional

Also known as a skills-based resume, this format focuses on your skills and experience rather than your job history. It’s beneficial for job candidates with gaps in their employment history or professionals changing careers.

Combination

As the name suggests, this format combines chronological and functional resumes. It typically starts with a skills section and a reverse-chronological work experience listing. This type is versatile and works well for various industries and career levels.

Infographic

This visually appealing format is excellent for in-person or digital networking, especially in creative fields. It presents information using graphics, charts, and other visual elements.

Mini

A condensed version that fits key information on a business card-sized document, useful for quick networking opportunities.

Targeted Resume

This type is customised to a specific job opening, emphasising skills and experiences that match the job requirements. It’s constructive when applying online, as it can help overcome Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Graphic Resume

This format suits creative roles in design, marketing, or media. It allows candidates to showcase their creativity and design skills while providing essential resume information.

When choosing a CV format, consider your work history, career goals, and the specific job requirements you’re applying for. Each type has its strengths and is better suited for different situations, so select the one that best highlights your qualifications for the desired position.

For any application where you upload your documents to a system, e.g., Workday, Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, etc., your documents will be run through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and given a score against set criteria and word matching algorithms. Your application will be either marked for further investigation or sidelined in seconds.

The ATS and your application.

Designing your CV, where you consider it may be run through an ATS,  will limit the style of document you should create.

Use one of the following styles only.

• Chronological Resume
• Combination Resume
• Functional Resume

Key Considerations for ATS Compliance

To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, consider the following tips:

• Use Simple Formatting: Avoid graphics, charts, tables, and complex layouts. Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and use clear section headings.
• Include Keywords: Tailor your resume to the job description by including relevant keywords and phrases that match the job listing.
• File Format: Save your resume in a format easily readable by ATS, such as .docx or PDF, unless otherwise specified in the job listing.

Content of your CV/Resume

The content should be in precise order. Remember, in most cases, a computer will read it, not a human being.

Headings in the most successful CVs/Resumes include.

• Executive Summary: A short bio of you, an elevator pitch.
• Career Highlights: 2/3 bullets highlighting success that can show value.
• Skills Expertise: list skills with a note to see the attached Skills and Benefits Document you created in Module 2.
• Professional Experience: in reverse chronological order. It is best to add a short introduction explaining who the company is.
• Show Dates in Months and Years for experiences under 10 years old; leave the dates out for experiences over 10 years old.
• Other Information: Anything you think is worth sharing - Examples: Judge of an Awards, Member of an Industry Association or Institute
• Relevant Qualifications: Certifications and graduations, but not school exam results from 35 years ago; they are no longer relevant.

It is best not to include recommendations or testimonials at this stage, as they will make the document too long. Some say your CV/Resume should only be two pages long, but that is no longer the case in this age of computer-read documents.

Download a CV/Resume Template that is ATS compliant. https://bit.ly/3ZhNxeO

Personal Statement and Cover Letter

While opinions on the necessity of cover letters vary among hiring professionals, including one with your job application is typically beneficial. A well-crafted cover letter enhances your application by showcasing your qualifications and enthusiasm while allowing you to address any unique circumstances. Therefore, unless an employer explicitly states otherwise, including a thoughtful cover letter as part of your job application package is wise.

In competitive job markets, a strong cover letter can differentiate you from other applicants with similar qualifications. For instance, if two candidates have identical resumes, the one with a compelling cover letter articulating their passion and suitability for the role may have the edge.

Addresses Specific Circumstances

Cover letters are beneficial for explaining unique situations such as:

• Career Gaps: If you’ve taken time off work or are transitioning between careers, a cover letter allows you to clarify these points directly to the employer.

• Personal Connections: Mentioning this in your cover letter can significantly boost your chances of being noticed if someone referred you or has prior connections with the company.

Expectations from Employers

Despite some hiring managers indicating they may not read cover letters closely, many still expect them as part of a complete application. Surveys show that:

• Approximately 78% of recruiters prefer applicants to submit a cover letter, with 25% considering it “very important” in their decision-making process.
• Even if not all hiring managers read every cover letter, many acknowledge that its presence reflects your commitment to the application process and can positively influence their perception of you.

A cover letter is a complementary document to your resume, providing additional context about your qualifications, motivations, and personality. It allows you to:

• Highlight Qualifications: Your cover letter should link your skills and experiences to the job requirements, making it easier for employers to see your fit for the role.Showcase Motivation: A well-crafted cover letter should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and the organisation, which can set you apart from other candidates.
• Illustrate Communication Skills: It reflects your ability to communicate effectively in writing, an essential skill in most jobs. This is particularly important for roles that require strong verbal and written communication.

Personal Statement

There are specific times you should include a personal statement but do not attach one with every application.

While both Cover Letter and Personal Statement documents aim to present you in the best light, they serve different purposes and should be used separately. Your cover letter should focus on the job and company, highlighting your relevant qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. If you want to incorporate elements of a personal statement in your job application, consider adapting relevant parts to fit your cover letter's professional tone and purpose rather than including a separate personal statement document.

 A Personal Statement provides a broader overview of your background, experiences, goals, and motivations. It’s typically used for academic or job applications that specifically request one.

However, writing a Personal Statement for the application that asks for one or using its content in an interview is a good idea. Writing it beforehand and knowing its content will help you focus your answer if asked.

Pre-Emptive Questionnaire

Another document you should consider is a preemptive questionnaire. So, what is this document? In interviews, you are often asked several questions that you would expect. However, answering these fully would take a lot of time, and you often miss little pieces of information that could make all the difference.

As you will see in Module 6, once you are in an interview with a hiring manager, you will want to turn the tables, and in this instance, the hiring manager will always run out of time to get some 'in the weeds' vital information that will make the difference between you and another candidate. So, this document asks and answers those questions in advance.

Four questions are enough, and they must relate to the company hiring. I have created one for myself and offer it as a sample; you can download it here. https://bit.ly/4aVw1T6

To create your own, follow these steps:

• Please carefully check the job requirements. In the sample provided, the company was looking for someone with a broad range of DI, DQ, AI, and Analytics skills. They were also looking for someone with a track record in L&D, a History of Product and Program Management, and knowledge of databases and containerisation.

• Researching the company will give an insight into its product/service line and any recent news it has chosen to publish in PR documents. They will consider these critical when looking for a person who matches.

• Finally, I chose to add links to public domain content that I could share as I have no portfolio.

Conducting thorough research is crucial when preparing to improve your visibility to recruiters and enhance your job search strategy. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Industry Trends and Skills

Identify Key Trends

Research current trends in your industry to understand what skills and expertise are in demand. This can help you tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight relevant skills.

Skill Gaps

Look for any skill gaps you might have compared to industry standards, and consider taking courses or certifications to fill these gaps.

Target Companies

Company Culture 

Investigate the culture of companies you are interested in. This can help determine if they fit your values and work style well.

Job Openings 

Regularly check company websites and job boards for new openings that match your qualifications.

Networking Opportunities

Professional Associations

Join industry-specific associations or groups to network with professionals and recruiters. Module 5 will cover this area in much more detail.

LinkedIn Groups 

Participate in LinkedIn groups related to your field to engage with potential employers and peers.

Recruiter Insights

Recruiter Preferences

Research what recruiters in your industry typically look for in candidates. This can include preferred qualifications, experience levels, and soft skills.

Recruiter Profiles

Follow LinkedIn recruiters who specialise in your field to understand their interests and the types of candidates they engage with.

Competitor Analysis

Benchmark Against Peers

Analyse the profiles of successful professionals in your field to see how they present themselves. Note common skills, experiences, and achievements highlighted.

Job Search Platforms

Platform Features

Explore different job search platforms to understand their features and how they can be leveraged for better visibility.

The common platforms are:

• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• ZipRecruiter
• CV Library
• Total Jobs

User Reviews 

Read reviews or testimonials from other users about the effectiveness of these platforms.

By researching these areas, you can better position yourself in the job market, align your skills with industry needs, and strategically approach potential employers.

In Module 4, we will now consider a Job Search strategy.