The Power of Presentation [Guest Blog]

Having the right skills, the right experience and the right qualifications are all important in finding your dream job. But, there is one key element of the application process that is all too often overlooked: presentation.

It all starts with your cover letter and CV. The content is, of course, important but the layout, formatting and font are also key. At this stage of the process more applicants are weeded out than at any other stage so you should be doing everything you can to get yourself noticed.

CVs can be difficult to lay out in a way that is practical but also looks professional and presentable so starting with CV templates, which are available for free online, can be a huge help. Some reports suggest that a recruiter will only spend 15 seconds reading a CV on their first look, so during this stage a CV that looks good is extremely important.

Presentation is important throughout the entire application process, particularly when you have your interview. What you wear will depend on the job you’re applying for but, as a rule of thumb, you should always dress smartly. It may sound obvious but pressing your clothes will help to create a smarter look. You can’t go wrong with a simple, neat suit.

A recruiter sorting through responses to a newspaper ad will have hundreds of CVs and cover letters to whittle down to just a handful of applicants, so presenting yourself well can help to separate you from everyone else.