Why Your CV Isn't Getting Noticed And How to Fix It

It is hard to find a suitable internship for you these days, isn't it? There are more and more competitive rivals to get the dream internship you wanted, and you may be stuck wondering if a particular company will open your CV at all. This must be frustrating, isn't it? Here are some tips that may help you secure an internship better and more efficiently. 

First of all, know that linked in is not a definitive way to secure a job, connection matters, and portfolio matters, but also through linked in they can filter 200-300 candidates at once, this eliminate "unsuitable" candidate without ever looking into their CV, this is not personal, it's just the way things are because big companies may get 500 applicants to a single job position. You can improve this by using words that emphasize your skill in your respective field and using words that turn your weaknesses into strengths. Which words you should use may be confusing, and to help you, you may access this list of word guidelines from Harvard to help improve your wording. If possible, do not exceed one page of CV if you are a recent graduate, because chances are your second page would leave a lot of blank space. You must either have one full page or two full pages, as it may result in an error in their ATS system (this is a CV reader software) and eliminate your CV from the contenders of CV that may make it to the HR's screen.

Second of all, make sure your cv is neat and prepared accordingly to your field, sometimes you can even change little bits of your CV to better suited to the company that you are applying to, however, do not lie, you may emphasize your achievement that actually happened but never lie, this may look badly on you when they get in contact with organization or company mentioned, after all you as a brand wouldn't want to hire a liar right? See how it rhymes, it is because you know it's true. In the summary of your CV, there might be a section called the summary, as you often see on the CV template on platforms such as Canva. What is it? Is it for you to talk about your background? Yes, it is, but of course, make it strictly professional, filled only with relevant information. A good rule of thumb is to mention your specialty and skill, and how it can benefit them in their company.

Thirdly, as I mentioned, LinkedIn is not a definitive way to secure a job, and it is undoubtedly not the only way to secure a job. A job may come unexpectedly to you from a connection. This is why maintaining a good relationship with people you know in an academic and professional setting is essential. If you are passionate about a project in a module, do it wholeheartedly. Your lecturer may notice your brilliant ideas, work ethic, and performance. They might have a friend they'd recommend to you. A friend might start a business and recognize the skill you have shared; they might be interested in hiring you for their team. This is why dedication and precision in your projects, regardless of the module, are essential for you; you never know which one can help you plan out your career. Your projects are also portfolios, which may also be required by the employer during the interview, as they would also want to assess your capability and work. This is especially important for those taking fashion and art.

Fourth, during the interview itself, regardless of whether it is online or offline, make sure you are adequately dressed. This is crucial as it can significantly impact the interviewer's perception of you. Personally, I have heard a story where, during online interviews, people tend to dress too simply, which can be unprofessional and give them a bad impression. Now that you are appropriately dressed, while attending the interview you must also be confident, but polite, never cut off your interviewer, if you did apologize and let them continue, emphasize your skills and be truthful this should be the place where you talk about your experience elaborating your CV, this will help you appear professional and pleasant to work with, who knows? You just might get that job!

Lastly, although it may not be the definitive way to get a job, LinkedIn may help you boost visibility and highlight your achievements. Update your LinkedIn, utilize its features that are relevant to you, such as experience, skills, or event awards or certificates. This presence may help you be poached instead of applying to HR, which may offer you a job through LinkedIn! Connect with your friends, lecturer, prior colleague, or bosses, and even those in a higher management position at a job you want. You can also interact with posts in your timeline, where you'll find advice on what to do and what not to do in an interview or job setting. It is a tool that is incredibly helpful, but you also must not focus too much only on the opportunity there; you never know where opportunity came from, seize it, and good luck!

Arman POUREISA

Marketing Manager

Business Management Lecturer

Raffles Jakarta

Reference

Harvard. (2024, July 11). CREATE A STRONG RESUME. Harvard FAS | Mignone Center for Career Success. https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/resources/create-a-strong-resume/