Are recruitment agencies ignoring you?

Growing unemployment is resulting in an increasing demand for every IT job out there. Recruitment consultants receive record numbers of CVs on a daily basis, and have to scan through hundreds before they come across the right candidate for a job.

The IT Job Board, www.theitjobboard.co.uk, has interviewed a number of recruitment consultants , and – following the feedback – has collated some tips on how to make sure your CV (and you) stand out from the crowd.

Timing
A common myth is that the quicker you apply for a job, the better chance you have of being put forward. We spoke to various recruitment consultants and the general consensus was that there is no right time to send in an application. If a job has been advertised for a couple of days, then call the consultant first, to ensure the vacancy is still open. If it is, then take time out to gather as much detail about the role and the company before you submit your application.

Technical and non-technical experience
Make sure your CV fully highlights both your technical and non-technical skills, it is important to show that you have commercial understanding and business acumen.

Tailoring your CV
Recruitment agencies look for the extent or degree to which the CV demonstrates a candidate is suitable for a particular role. Avoid slipping through the net because you didnít tailor your CV to suit. If you do feel as though your application has been overlooked then follow up with a phone call to find out whatís happening.

Length of CV
CVs can vary in length, and you would expect to see most technical ones being between one to three pages long. Remember to only provide detailed information about the most recent roles held, any work prior to that should just be listed.

Learning ability
Candidates rarely demonstrate the link between their learning ability, practice and work experience. For example, it is useful to show that you have learnt something from scratch and reached a high level, and then produced a workable IT solution – all within a relatively short timeframe. Adding information like this is sure to give you an edge.

Donít assume
IT professionals often make assumptions about the people reading their CV, by assuming that daily jargon, acronyms and references will be understood. Recruitment consultants might be clued up on the job they are recruiting for, but this doesnít mean that they are expected to know every piece of jargon across all industries.

Build relationships
Building relationships with recruitment consultants can often help your application. As a first measure pinpoint the recruitment agencies that can be of most benefit to you. It is always best to meet with the agent face-to-face, and when you do, aim to make the best impression you can. This will help to keep you top of mind, if a suitable role does arise.

Teresa Sperti, head of international marketing at The IT Job Board, commented: ìCandidates are now having to go that extra mile to impress IT recruiters. Competition is fierce, and it is vital they focus on making their CV work as hard for them as possible – only then will they be first in line for the jobs that come up.î