CV's, e-CV's, Keywords, CV database mining and IT contractors.
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Keywords in your CV - The single most important thing you should do to your CV!
There was a time when a well laid-out CV that didn't have any spelling or grammatical errors plus a handful of achievements and a well written cover letter, was all that was needed to secure that vital first interview. Well, that's no longer the case!
More and more employers are using job boards and recruitment site CV database search facilities to find candidates. If your CV doesn't include 'scannable' keywords and industry buzz words for your particular industry, your CV might not be found, despite the fact that you might be the best person for the job/contract.
The use of CV keywords has now become an essential part of good CV construction, especially in the ultra competitive contractor industry. In our experience, talking to contractors, it is no longer good enough just to have keywords buried within your CV, you need to be far more overt in your use of them.
How many CV's have you seen that have a 'keywords section'? It's such a simple idea but having a separate keyword section on your CV ensures recruiters and potential employers can find your skills and experience easily when data mining CV's.
Maximising Scannability
Use jargon and acronyms specific to your industry that you think recruiters may search under.
Question is how do you know what keywords to use?
Search online for example job descriptions and vacancies in the type of jobs you're interested in; talk to people in the industry and visit websites of the companies you'd like to work for. A simple method is to just type a few keywords into Google like "Java, Oracle, SAP, Cisco, online marketing, project manager etc and see what associated words come up.
Use the "Properties" feature in MS Word to boost the keyword searchability. This feature, found under Word's File menu, enables you to insert keywords, comments and a link to your web-based CV if you have one.
You can use the "Comments" field to enter geographic and relocation preferences.
For web based CV's use meta titles, meta descriptions and meta keywords.
Finally, what have you called your CV? I hope it's not - 'cv.doc'!
Imagine how many CV's agencies and employers receive called 'cv.doc'. Use your name and date as part of the file name for your e-cv. for example: rachelrymerCV281107.doc or even rachelrymer_CV_281107_javaprogrammer.doc
If you are thinking of becoming a contractor / freelancer or have any questions about working through your own limited company please call our New Client Services helpdesk on 0500 152 500 / 01442 275789 or e-mail rachel@sjdaccountancy.com
Further information
Have you downloaded SJD's Contractor Guides yet? If not, find below links to the key guides:
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting through your own Limited Company.
Comprehensive Contractors Guide
Contractor Guide to Expenses
Still working through an Umbrella company? - Limited vs Umbrella guide
You may also find that these case studies make interesting further reading:
Becoming a Contractor - Moving from permanent employment to contracting
Thinking of contracting - A collection of contractor thoughts
SJD Accountancy
SJD Accountancy are the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to contractors; we've been acting for contractors across the UK since 1992 and have more than 11,000 clients.
We are the only National specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also have more qualified staff than any other firm in our market with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. You’ll also be pleased to know that we are one of the lowest priced as well.
SJD have also won every relevant industry award possible, including:
- Best Contractor Accountants - Contractor UK 2011 - 2007
- Accountant of the Year - The British Accountancy Awards 2011
- Best Professional Team of the Year - UK Customer Experience Award 2011
- Customer Commitment Award - Institute of Customer Service 2011
- National Chamber of Commerce Award 2010
- Medium firm of the Year - Finalist Accountancy Age 2010
- Excellence in Customer Service - Finalists National Customer Service Awards 2009
- Sunday Times Best Small Companies - Award 2009 - 2007
- Small firm of the Year - Accountancy Age 2007 & 2004 and finalists in 2010 and all years since 2003
- Deemed PCG accredited accountants and fully MSC compliant
We offer all clients:
Free face-to-face meetings. This is another unique service, only SJD offers free face to face meetings - tax is complicated and sometimes only a meeting will do.
Unlimited access to your own dedicated accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no automated call handling. Simply telephone, e-mail or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
Money back service guarantee. All your telephone calls and e-mails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee's.
Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.
All inclusive low cost monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns.
All this for a fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market. And most importantly, in a recent survey 98% of our clients rated SJD as 'better than other accountants' - we are working hard to convince the other 2%!
If you have any question about contracting or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our new client services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or e-mail rachel@sjdaccountancy.com.
Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!
You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:
Take home pay calculator - How much could you be taking home
Contractor FAQ - All your frequently asked questions and their answers
First time Contracting or Freelancing? - A summary of the alternatives along with pros and cons
Choosing an accountant - For a full review
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting - Download a FREE copy of our guide
Limited or Umbrella? Can't decide? - We help you decide which is best for you
Guide to Contracting - All the best guides to contracting in one place
Expenses Guide - Know exactly what you can claim
Umbrella company guide - Everything you ever wanted to know about umbrella company services
IR35 Guide - A great plain English guide to IR35.
