Key words recruiters look for.

shikoku

jadziad wrote: »

There are some technical quirks to be aware of when doing this keyword thing, which I'll leave you to find out for yourself.

Oh go on share what we need to know - please.

DVardysShadow

jadziad wrote: »

... If the hidden information isn't actually well hidden, then you'll get found out and they could blacklist you. In addition, if everyone does this, then CV database software will just be updated to exclude white text - I doubt it would be that difficult to code. There are some technical quirks to be aware of when doing this keyword thing, which I'll leave you to find out for yourself.

I agree. In the long run, recruiters are going to realise that keyword searches are not the bees knees, because you can play them so easily and they will react accordingly

shikoku

On balance I don't think I'll do it, but I am going to see if I can repeat myself a bit more in the text.

Sambucus_Nigra

shikoku wrote: »

The problem I can also imagine it being printed out with everything in a different colour, all the words showing making me look like a total head case...

Printers don't have white ink - so it probably just wouldn't print....

I've been told this in the past; it means that when recruiters are searching on monster for 'project manager' for example, if those are the words you have put in your white text then you would show up further up the line.......but if you haven't got the backup skills and experience detailed then they will just ignore it anyway.

stokelady1

Reading the ad is a good start. I work in recruitment and you'd by astonished by how many people send us CVs that don't have the key skills on it. If the ad says 'must have microsoft office' and you have it then put in on your CV don't presume the recruiter will assume you have it. Also think about how to expend on your experience ie if you sort the mail in the morning "organising mail distribution throughout the building including prioritising mail for senior staff, screening out junk mail and ensuring that deliveries are checked and signed for" sounds more important and interesting than a bullet point with "sort mail" on it even though it covers the same thing. White letter idea is not a good one, can look like you are trying to be misleading, will be picked up not only by the recruiter but also by the client. If you want to emphasise your skills put them in your CV!!

shikoku

stokelady1 wrote: »

I work in recruitment and you'd by astonished by how many people send us CVs that don't have the key skills on it.!

A lot of this is down to the job centre plus effectively forcing people to apply for jobs they haven't a hope of getting.

I have been instructed to apply for things I do not have the relevant skulls or experience for and as you can imagine it is best to just do it rather than risk losing the benefits you rely on.

stokelady1

shikoku wrote: »

A lot of this is down to the job centre plus effectively forcing people to apply for jobs they haven't a hope of getting.

I have been instructed to apply for things I do not have the relevant skulls or experience for and as you can imagine it is best to just do it rather than risk losing the benefits you rely on.

Hi Shikoku,

Sorry I didn't make myself very clear, it's more people who have the skills but just don't mention them. they then phone in and tell us that they have the skill but didn't put it on their CV which is awful as sometimes it means they miss out on a job they really want as other CVs that have the skills on them have been sent . Hope thats a bit clearer :-)

PasturesNew

I once had a call from an agency asking if I'd like to work in a Paris office, speaking fluent French ... because on my CV it said I had O level French.

Sammyantha

Keywords are great to use throughout your CV.

I wouldn't attempt to add them in any "white space" however, as that could actually prevent your CV from being shown on some job sites, and will almost certainly prevent you climbing the rankings as most websites have measures in place to prevent this kind of spam (Might want to let your local DWP know this too!)

Instead, add "buzz words" throughout the text to catch attention, and update your CV regularly to refresh it on job board listings.

The words you use will need to be tailored toward the job industry you're trying to reach. Having action verbs like Accomplished, Achieved, Delivered, Exceeded etc, are great on sales CV's, but a killer if you want a job in the caring professions for example.

What sort of job are you looking for?