Optimising CVs for good response from JobBoards

One of the checks that PerfectCVs make on all CVs that we write is an "optimisation" test. This test looks at the top keywords in the CV, relevant strings, the prominence of keywords and strings and the relevance to the specific job desired. This is a question of predicting the keywords and strings that a recruiter would use when searching for suitable candidates in a CV database and we check from time to time that our optimisation procedures are in tune with recruiters and the programming of JobBoard search engines.

This year we have observed some subtle changes; there is greater emphasis placed on prominence and relationships of keywords and the keywords themselves are more likely to describe very specific skills, experience, qualification or style. To emphasise just how important it is to get the optimisation correct we reviewed (our free CV review service) a very well written CV for a fairly senior secretary; well written in every sense other than its optimisation. The candidate was getting virtually no response from JobBoards and what she was getting was not relevent. Changing just 16 words and re-ordering parts of the CV produced a new document which resulted in calls from 7 agencies on the first day the CV was uploaded to 3 of the top JobBoards in UK. The candidate had several job offers with 2 weeks.

So dont ignore optimisation in writing your CV. To find out how well your CV is optimised, get a free CV review from Perfect CVs at www.perfectcvs.co.uk/get_cv_review.html