How to make your CV beat ATS and impress recruiters

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Rishabh Singh

Generic applications get buried these days. Stand out with a well-tailored CV that proves you’re the perfect fit! Here’s how to craft a powerful CV that gets noticed:

Break the job description

Read the job description closely and identify the (keywords) skills, experience, and qualifications they crave. These are your golden keywords. By thoroughly understanding the job description, you can tailor your CV to reflect exactly what the employer is looking for.
This means highlighting the specific skills and experiences that match the job requirements, showing that you are not only qualified but also a perfect fit for the role.
For example,

if a job description mentions “project management” 10 times, ensure this keyword is prominently featured in your CV.

Keyword magic

Sprinkle those keywords throughout your CV naturally. Don’t force it – but show the ATS and recruiter you possess what they are looking for.
Integrate these keywords into your professional summary, skills section, and job experiences. ATS systems scan for specific terms, so using the right keywords can help ensure your CV gets seen by human eyes. Aim to use each key term at least 3-4 times, depending on the length of your CV.

Skills showcase

Highlight your skills in a way that mirrors the job requirements. Balance technical expertise (hard skills) with interpersonal strengths (soft skills) – just like the job description emphasizes.
For example, if the job requires project management and teamwork, make sure these skills are prominently featured. This balance shows you have a well-rounded skill set that matches the job perfectly. Quantify your skills by including numbers, such as “managed a team of 15” or “reduced project completion time by 25%.”

Make these skills clear and easy to find

Use bullet points, headings, and concise language to make your skills and qualifications easy to scan. Recruiters often skim through CVs, so it’s crucial to make your key points stand out at a glance. A well-organized CV with clear sections will help recruiters quickly see your qualifications. For instance, use 5-7 bullet points under each job experience to keep it clear and concise.

Quick checklist for CV greatness

Scrutinize the job description

Don’t skim – understand their needs. Take note of specific requirements, preferred skills, and key responsibilities. This will help you align your CV with what the employer is seeking. Understanding their needs in detail allows you to tailor your application effectively.Spend at least 15-20 minutes analyzing each job description.

Uncover the keywords

These are your tools to get seen. Identify the essential words and phrases from the job description and incorporate them naturally into your CV. Use these keywords in your professional summary, experience, and skills sections to show you have exactly what they’re looking for. *Aim for 10-15 keywords per job description.
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Refresh your summary

Tailor it to the specific role. Your professional summary should highlight your most relevant experiences and skills, directly reflecting what the job description calls for. A well-crafted summary can quickly convey your suitability for the role and grab the recruiter’s attention. Keep it to 3-4 sentences, incorporating 2-3 key achievements or skills.

Fine-tune your experience

Highlight relevant achievements. Focus on accomplishments and responsibilities that directly relate to the job you’re applying for. Use metrics and specific examples to showcase your impact. For instance, instead of saying “Managed a team,” you could say “Managed a team of 10, increasing productivity by 20%.” Include 2-3 quantified achievements for each role.

List powerful skills

Showcase what makes you a perfect match. Create a skills section that lists both hard and soft skills pertinent to the job, demonstrating a comprehensive fit for the role. Make sure these skills are easy to find and clearly defined. Include 6-8 skills that are most relevant to the job.

Keep it concise & focused

Recruiters don’t have all day. Aim for a clear, concise, and well-organized CV that quickly conveys your suitability for the role. Avoid unnecessary details and focus on what makes you stand out. Keep your CV to 1-2 pages, depending on your experience level.

Tailoring your CV takes time, but the results are golden! Invest in a winning CV, and watch your job search take off.

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Rishabh Singh