From the essential tweaks to the tricks of the trade that’ll get your application noticed, here’s how to make a first impression that counts.

So, you’ve seen a job on LinkedIn, but it’s already had over 200 applicants and you’re not sure it’s worth adding your CV to the mounting pile? 

Welcome to job hunting in a recession. It’s easy to get demotivated. Don’t – jobs are still being advertised and people are still getting them. So, if you see a position that’s right for you, don’t let anything stop you applying for it – not a pandemic or the competition.

The key is getting yourself noticed. But where to start? Firstly, make sure you cover off the basics – work on your soft skills, update your LinkedIn page, make sure your CV is error free, and check your tech beforehand if you’re interviewing via Zoom. Still feel like you’re missing that extra edge? We talk to four recruiters to discover what makes a candidate shine in their eyes.

Be Open To Adapting Your Skillset

“It’s about creating opportunities for yourself,” says Tanya Maponga, a senior consultant specialising in interim appointments for the HR sector at Handle Recruitment. “Right now, when we advertise a job, we get hundreds of applications, so upskill yourself." 

Tanya has noticed that while generalist jobs have been quite quiet, specialist fields are still buoyant. “Currently there’s a huge drive to hire D&I (Diversity & Inclusion) experts,” she says. And don’t be put off if the area being advertised isn’t your specialism – look at how you can translate your skillset across. Tanya adds: “It’s going to be a candidate-driven market for a while, so you need to stand out.”

Do Your Research

Cynthia Davis, CEO/Founder of BAME Recruitment and Co-founder of Diversifying.io, is constantly surprised that people don’t know this one… But it’s a simple mistake to rectify. “Don’t just copy and paste the same cover letter with every application," she advises. "Fully research the organisation you are applying to join and understand where you will add value. Then, personalise your cover letter to your job application and the company.

"Finally, come prepared with relevant questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your interest and your knowledge of the company.”

It's Not Just About Your CV

“I always advise candidates – for both permanent and freelance roles – to put their best work at the top of their portfolio,” says Farzana Dhami, Principal Recruitment Consultant–Creative at The Industry Club. She matches art directors, copywriters, designers and creatives with comms agencies and in-house departments.

“You have to assume a potential employer will look at no more than four of your projects, so get as much of your creative genius and breadth of skills into to those four showpieces – and make sure you laser target it for the job you want," she adds. "Your book is your chance to convey your skills, your creativity, your experience, your personality and your ambition all at the same time. Remember, there’s only one you, so show your individuality.”

Don’t Settle For What You Can Already Do

“It’s important to apply for jobs where you can develop and learn,” says Penny Lawson, the founder of Folio Recruitment. “At the moment, the stats say that women only apply for a job if they can do 100% of the job spec, whereas men will apply if they can do 60%. But if you start a job where you can do 100% of it from day one, you are going to be bored and want to move on quickly.

"Be yourself and be self-assured. And remember you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. It’s a two-way street.”