How to get noticed at initial application stage

- Make sure your CV is no longer than 2, possibly 3 pages. People don't tend to read past these initial pages

- Showcase your value proposition within previous positions - include within your experience how you had an impact in your previous roles which include either a contribution to revenue generation, saving time or money or increasing productivity

- Tech Skills Matrix - Keep it to the technologies you know on an expert level

- A key summary but keep it under 2 paragraphs. Try not to be too wordy

- You are not a designer but try to make your CV visually appealing. There are plenty of online tools you can use to do this effectively

- Add a personal touch. A short cover letter can go a long way if you take the time to explain why you feel the position is a good fit 

- Network! You'd be surprised how your personal network on LinkedIn can benefit you. One of my contacts got an offer by just reaching out to 1st-degree connections they perhaps worked with before but did not previously know a new company they now work for to be able to get a strong recommendation internally

- Use LinkedIn to identify the CEO's of locally based businesses and message them directly

- Be visible on LinkedIn! Try to post regularly so that people are aware of you and what you do, but if you are open to new jobs, get yourself out there. Your network might come up with a surprise for you!

- Follow up with recruiters. Most internal recruiters are bombarded with applications, and truth be told, they do not always get around to reading or even seeing your CV. Line up a call with them or add why you would be a good fit with a cover letter and why you should be shortlisted

- Craft your CV's headline to reflect the role you aspire to rather than the one you currently hold. Many individuals tend to dwell on their past experiences. Your CV should serve as a bridge connecting your current position to your desired role.

- Tailor your CV to match each specific job opening. While it can be tedious and unnecessary in a competitive job market, it becomes crucial in a more demanding employment landscape.

- Follow up on 'recruiter rejections' or the 'sorry we haven't selected you rejections' One connection I know got an offer after the recruiter admitted they hadn't really read the CV but if they could state why they were a good fit for the role they would shortlist

- Take a break. Applying for jobs can be exhausting. Trust in fate that a good opportunity will come along in a few days time and go again. I guess it helps with mental health if anything

- Leverage AI for your preparation - there's no reason to arrive at interviews underprepared. You can utilise ChatGPT to quickly analyse the LinkedIn profiles of the interviewers, the job description, and the company's website, enabling you to generate your preparation notes effortlessly. Make sure you take full advantage of this tool.