We’ve all heard the saying, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” In today’s job market, your CV often has to make two first impressions.
First, it has to beat the AI gatekeepers—the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan and filter your CV before a human ever sees it. Only then does it get a few precious seconds to impress a real person in HR.
This guide will give you the tips and tricks to do both.
At Glass Octopus, we’re a network of people who have “been there and done it.” We’ve seen thousands of CVs and helped countless ambitious individuals find roles that fulfil their purpose. We know what works, and we’re here to help.
Part 1: How to Beat the AI Gatekeeper (ATS)
Many companies use ATS to manage high volumes of applications. If your CV isn’t formatted correctly or doesn’t contain the right keywords, it’s rejected before it even begins. Here’s how to get past the robots.
1. Tailor Your CV for the Job
This is the most important rule. A generic CV will not work. Every job is different, and so should every CV.
- Action: Read the job description carefully and mirror its language.
- Keywords: If the ad asks for “experience in digital campaign management,” your CV needs to have the words “digital campaign management.”
- Relevance: Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to this specific position at the very top.
2. Keep Your Formatting Simple
Fancy fonts, columns, text boxes, images, or graphics might look good to you, but they will confuse an ATS.
- Action: Use a clean, professional font (like Arial, Calibri, or Garamond).
- Structure: Use standard headings (e.g., “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills”).
- File Type: Always submit as a PDF or .docx as requested.
3. Test Your CV
Don’t guess if your CV is ATS-friendly. Use a free ATS checker to see how it gets parsed by the software. This site is a good place to start: [https://www.zipjob.com/blog/ats-resume-test/]
Part 2: How to Impress the Human Recruiter
Once you’re past the ATS, a human has to decide if you’re worth interviewing. This is where you show your value and personality.
1. Write a Powerful Personal Statement
This is your 3-4 line “elevator pitch” at the top of your CV. Don’t just list your skills; summarise your goals, experience, and why you’re the best candidate for this role.
2. Use Active Language & Highlight Accomplishments
Don’t just list your duties; show your impact.
- Instead of: “Responsible for managing a team.”
- Write: “Managed a team of 8 employees, achieving a 96% retention rate.”
- Instead of: “Increased sales revenue.”
- Write: “Increased sales revenue by 15% (NZ$50k) within six months by implementing a new outreach strategy.”
3. Describe Key Projects Using the STAR Method
For any key projects, show the employer you can deliver results.
- Situation: What was the context?
- Task: What was your specific responsibility?
- Action: What steps did you take?
- Result: What was the (quantifiable) outcome?
4. Keep it Concise
Your CV should be two pages at most. Use bullet points to make it easy to scan. If you have decades of experience, your first 10-15 years can be a simple summary. Focus on the most recent and relevant roles.
Part 3: CV Templates & Final Checks
Should you use a CV template?
A template can save you time and ensure your CV is well-organised. Just remember to choose an ATS-friendly one. Avoid templates with heavy graphics or columns.
Here are some popular template sites:
- [Canva]
- [Novoresume] (Optimised for ATS)
- [Zety]
Final Checklist
- Education & Certifications: Are all your relevant qualifications included?
- Proofread: Did you check for spelling and grammar?
- Proofread Again: Did you get a friend or colleague to read it? Top of Form
Your Next Step Starts Here
In today’s competitive market, a strong CV is the first step toward finding a role that truly fulfils your purpose. By following these tips, you’re well on your way.
Glass Octopus is dedicated to helping ambitious job seekers like you succeed. We’re not just a platform; we’re a network of people who’ve been there.
So, what’s next?
- Ready to apply? [Browse all open jobs] on our platform with your newly polished CV.
- Want to be found? [Join our talent platform] and let purpose-driven companies find you.
If you want more career tips, follow Tom Shaw and Glass Octopus on Linkedin. If you already have some experience, you may also find the right role on our jobs platform.
