Create a Standout CV

…and get noticed in a competitive market

Last month, we advertised for a Service Desk role in our Auckland office. We had a massive 560 applications roll in - a sign of just how competitive the tech scene is right now! After a good read through all those CVs, we’ve come up with five ways to make your application rise above the noise. Want to get noticed? Here’s what it takes:

1. Tailor Your CV to the Role
Generic CVs? They get lost in the shuffle. Make it crystal clear why you’re the perfect fit by aligning your skills and experience with the job description. If we list a specific skill, show us you’ve got it. Applying for fewer roles but putting in the time to make each CV targeted and intentional will get you further.

2. Tell Your Story - Own It
Every job application is a chance to tell your professional story, so make it a story worth reading. Be intentional about your narrative and align it with the role you’re applying for:

  • Keep it in Order: Start with your latest role, even if it’s not your most relevant. This helps us see your path clearly.

  • No Mystery Gaps: Address any time off directly. We respect honesty and value the context.

  • Boost with LinkedIn: Use your LinkedIn to fill in the blanks, like showing project work or recommendations that may not fit in your CV.

3. Show Us the Real You
Don’t just list hard skills; we want to know what kind of person you are. Mention traits and values that line up with the role, and show us what makes you, well… you.

4. Cover Letters that Don’t Blend In
A cover letter doesn’t have to be a novel - just make it real. Skip the AI-generated fluff; after reading hundreds, we can tell when it’s generic. Write a few genuine lines on why you’re interested in this role with this company. It’ll make you memorable.

5. Nail the Formatting
After 500+ CVs, a clean and tidy format is like a breath of fresh air. A few simple changes to make your CV easy to read and visually appealing will help it stand out above the rest.

Stand out, be bold, and show why you’re the one for the role.