The Job Search Is Constantly Changing



2. A summary of your work history is enough. Because there are so many candidates competing for each job, HR people (or hiring managers, if they are tasked with recruitment) often scan CVs very briefly. The average time spent on a CV is 30 seconds.



4. CVs and cover letters aren’t read on paper anymore. Most organizations are not receiving paper CVs — and when they get them via email or their application system, they don’t print them. So expect your CV and cover letter to be read on a computer screen. This means you have to format your CV and other job-search documents in a way that makes screen-scanning easy. I’ve written an article that shows you how to format your CV properly.

5. Relationships come first, CVs second. CVs are not used as introductory documents much these days. In fact, “send me your CV” is often an afterthought once an introduction is made. And if an introduction is made electronically, then your online profile offers much more information than a CV.

So shift your priorities from “I have to get my CV done!” to “Where can I meet some more people today?”

6. Employers only care about what they want. In years past, a CV or job application was focused on the job seeker’s needs. This is not true anymore.


7. Work gaps aren’t big problems. Large gaps in your CV are not as important as they used to be. Not only do employers today realize that millions of great and wonderful people got laid off, they also appreciate it when those candidates have showed initiative and tried to start their own thing, even if that took time and resulted in a period of unemployment.

8. Nouns are the new currency. Screening software and LinkedIn talent searches have introduced an unexpected element to the way a CV should be written. Because these tools rely on nouns or keywords to deliver search results to recruiters, the CVs with the right combination of nouns often win.





10. Typing isn’t a skill anymore. Being able to type used to be a skill people would highlight on their CV. Not anymore. What really matters is how well you’ve prepared yourself for the job that’s available. To really shine, focus on customizing each CV and cover letter to the position you’re trying to get.


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