What are Employers Looking for in a CV? How to get Noticed
Crafting the perfect CV is crucial for securing your dream job. In the hair and beauty industry, where skills and experience are key, knowing exactly what employers are looking for can make all the difference. A well-organized and tailored CV is essential for standing out in the competitive job market. This blog will guide you through six critical elements that employers in the New Zealand hair and beauty industry value most in a candidate’s CV.
1. Tailored CV for the Job Role
Employers highly value candidates who customize their CV for each specific job. A generic CV may get overlooked, but one that shows you understand the company’s needs and highlights your relevant skills in relation to those needs can help you stand out. For instance, a candidate applying for a senior hair stylist position should emphasize their experience in service spcialisations, overseeing salon operations, and maintaining client relationships.
Tailoring your CV to reflect how your past roles align with the responsibilities of the job makes you a more appealing candidate. Customization demonstrates that you’ve put thought into how your skills match the employer’s expectations.
We recommend: Research the company’s values and tailor your professional summary and experience to align with their culture and goals.
2. Clear and Concise Formatting
Presentation is critical. Employers appreciate a well-formatted CV that is easy to read and properly structured. Using headings, bullet points, and simple fonts creates a clear, professional look. In industries like hairdressing, where creativity and presentation are essential, a visually clean CV demonstrates that you are organized and have attention to detail.
First impressions matter, and a cluttered CV can be a turn-off. Where possible, consider keeping some more word-heavy information for your cover letter and only keep the essentials on your CV. Visual appeal shows attention to detail, which is crucial in client-facing roles within the New Zealand hair and beauty industry.
We recommend: Keep your CV to no more than two pages (but ideally one), and ensure each section is easy to navigate. Bold headings and bullet points help highlight your key achievements and responsibilities.
3. Skills That Stand Out to Employers
Employers in the hair and beauty industry in NZ look for a combination of hard skills (technical expertise) and soft skills (interpersonal qualities). Hard skills in hairdressing include precision cutting, coloring techniques, and knowledge of the latest styling trends, while soft skills like client communication, customer service, and teamwork are equally crucial.
For example, if you’re applying for a hair stylist NZ role, it’s important to mention not only your technical skills but also how well you work with clients. Highlighting your customer service experience and ability to build relationships with clients will set you apart from other candidates. In a client-focused industry, interpersonal skills can be as valuable as technical ability.
We Recommend: Make sure to highlight how your skills have developed during each stage of your career. If you’re just starting out, be sure to mention your soft skills alongside your certificates and achievements.
4. Achievements and Certifications
Certifications and measurable achievements can help elevate your CV. Employers want to see qualifications that demonstrate expertise, such as hairdressing certifications NZ or other relevant industry qualifications. Including certifications from recognized institutions shows you have formal training and have met industry standards.
Certifications are great but being able to show off achievements in a salon setting is just as important! Be sure to list specific accomplishments that highlight your contributions to previous employers, such as growing a client base, increasing revenue, or improving operational efficiency. For example, mention if you helped increase bookings by implementing a new scheduling system or trained junior stylists to improve salon performance.
5. Keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many companies in New Zealand use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. To ensure your CV gets through this initial stage, include the right keywords that match the job description. ATS systems are programmed to look for specific industry-relevant terms, so it’s important to carefully review job listings for recurring keywords.
For example, if you’re applying for a hair stylist NZ role, include phrases like “hairdressing,” “client consultation,” and “senior stylist.” Using the right industry keywords NZ increases your chances of passing through the automated filters and ensures your CV lands in front of an employer.
We Recommend: Research job ads in your industry to identify common keywords. Look for repeated terms in job descriptions, and mirror the language used by potential employers to ensure your CV gets noticed during the screening process.
6. Professional Summary: Your Elevator Pitch
A well-crafted professional summary at the top of your CV is like your elevator pitch. This section should be short (3-4 sentences) but highlight your experience, skills, and unique selling points. Employers often glance at this section first, so it’s your chance to make a strong impression quickly!
For example, if you’re applying for a senior stylist role, your summary might say, “Experienced senior stylist with over 7 years in the industry. Skilled in team leadership, client retention, and driving salon profitability.” This concise statement grabs the employer’s attention and encourages them to explore the rest of your CV.
Conclusion
Building a CV that grabs an employer’s attention requires a combination of tailoring, clean formatting, and a balance of technical skills and personal qualities. By focusing on these six key elements, you can create a CV that stands out in the competitive New Zealand hair and beauty job market. Remember to adapt your CV for each role, incorporate industry-relevant keywords, and showcase your certifications and achievements. With the right approach, you’ll position yourself as a top candidate for your dream role.
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