The process can be really overwhelming for any applicant, especially when you’re trying to secure a new job that you really want or because you’ve recently been made redundant. I’ve recently changed my job role somewhat, meaning I need to recruit someone for my team. Tackling the job application process from the perspective of a recruiter is very different from what I thought, and now that I’m on the other side of the table, I wanted to share my top tips for success when applying for a new role.

Your CV is your shop window

This is by far the most important piece of advice I could give you. Before being on the recruiter’s side, I knew how important CVs were but I don’t think I realised how important. We’ve received some really strong CVs for the position but formatting is everything! I know industry to industry is different but particularly in the marketing sector, your CV needs to look professional and formatted correctly.

So what do I mean with formatting?

• Please don’t just use black and white. Make your CV interesting to read by using other neutral colours like grey, navy and dark green. I use Canva to ensure my CV looks as best as it can.
• Make sure your name stands out at the top, that’s the only way you’ll be remembered.
• Please use spacing correctly. There is nothing worse than having continuous text on page. Would you want to read a full page of text in a book? I’m guessing not.
• Please don’t waste valuable space on your CV with GCSEs. You might not have a shiny degree but GCSE’s don’t define who you are, the way you present yourself and display your experience does.
• When it comes to marketing, interviewers are interested in you as a person so please demonstrate who you are as a person. E.g. your personal brand.
• Please don’t use AI. It’s so obvious when it’s used and makes your whole CV look really unauthentic.

Research the company when applying for a new job

I’ve experienced quite a few interviews where the candidate hasn’t fully researched the company. Again, it’s so obvious when something is blagged. Look at the company website, social media profiles, companies house records and reviews on Google. Find out as much information as you can – the more the better! You really want to impress the interviewers. So when the question ‘Why do you want to work for x company?’ is asked, your response isn’t generic but specific to the company.

Highight results and achievements, not just roles and responsibilities for this job

What interviewers are really looking for is to see that you can deliver results. Think of it from the business’ perspective. You’re an investment for a company as it’s not just your salary the business pays but insurance, your pension and more. You need to demonstrate that you joining the company will prove a return fore the business. Even if you can’t prove this, just showing an interest in the day to day business runnings or commercials of the business will go down well.

Of course interviewers are interested in your roles and responsibilities but share more of your achievements and results during your next interview and it will automatically make you seem more confident

Your online presence is important

Just remember that recruiters can review your online presence so make sure everything still looks reasonably professional. It can be a useful tool for recruiters to really understand who you are so just remember that.

Hopefully the above tips are useful for you when you apply for your next role. The most important thing to remember is to be yourself as if the company/job is right for you, you won’t see the interview as an interview.