Your Job Search Edge: What Recruiters Really Want to See

In today’s competitive job market, standing out is no longer optional—it’s essential.

With record-high numbers of applicants per role, recruiters are often overwhelmed by sheer volume, and candidates need to rethink their approach to rise above the crowd.

But how do you make an impression when your CV is one of hundreds in a recruiter’s inbox?

How do you rise above the crowd and stand out in this competitive job market?

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Anna Murray, a recruitment expert with over 20 years of experience, on my Life Leadership Podcast.

She shared invaluable insights into the current job market, the mistakes many job seekers are making, and actionable strategies to stand out. Whether you're actively looking for a new role or simply want to future-proof your career, her advice is a goldmine of information.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation, along with actionable tips you can implement today to unlock your career potential.

🔵1. The Reality of the Job Market

Anna painted a stark picture of the current job market. “Vacancy numbers in the UK are at a low level and have been dropping steadily since late 2022,” she explained. While this can feel disheartening, it’s important to understand that the challenges aren’t personal—it’s a tough market for everyone.

“Vacancy numbers in the UK are at a low level and have been dropping steadily since late 2022”

However, there is a silver lining. “Niche skills, particularly in tech, remain in demand,” Anna noted. This means that tailoring your approach to highlight specific skills and expertise can make a significant difference.

💥Action Step:

Evaluate your skills. Are there niche areas you can emphasize or develop further? If you're in a field where demand remains steady, double down on showcasing your expertise.

🔵2. Tailor Your CV: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

One of the most impactful pieces of advice Anna shared was about CVs: “It’s not enough to dust off an old CV and send it out for multiple applications. Each CV needs to be tailored to the specific role.”

"Each CV needs to be tailored to the specific role.”

She emphasised the importance of ensuring that your most relevant experience appears on page one. Recruiters spend only a few minutes—or even seconds—on each CV, so your key skills and achievements need to be front and centre.

Anna also highlighted the “so what” factor: “Every bullet point on your CV should tell the recruiter what you achieved and the impact it had. Don’t just list responsibilities—quantify your results.”

💥Action Steps:

Tailor your CV for every role. Highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the job.

Use metrics and results wherever possible (e.g., “Delivered a 25% increase in sales within 6 months”).

Avoid generic personal statements. Instead, use a short, compelling summary that shows what you’re looking for and how you can contribute to the role.

🔵3. LinkedIn: Your Personal Brand Online

A CV isn’t the only tool recruiters use to assess candidates. Increasingly, LinkedIn is becoming a critical part of the job search process. Anna shared that recruiters often cross-check LinkedIn profiles alongside CVs to build a fuller picture of the candidate.

Build Your Personal Brand Online - including LinkedIn

“Your LinkedIn profile needs to be aligned with your CV,” she said. “Ensure that dates, roles, and skills match up. Also, take advantage of LinkedIn’s skills section—recruiters use these to search for candidates.”

Anna also advocated for using the green “Open to Work” banner. While some candidates worry it might make them look desperate, Anna explained, “As a recruiter, I’m more likely to approach someone with the banner because I know they’re actively looking and more likely to respond.”

💥Action Steps:

Update your LinkedIn profile to match your CV.

Add relevant skills to your profile and keep them up to date.

Use the “Open to Work” banner to increase visibility.

🔵4. The Power of Networking

“Networking is often overlooked as part of the job search process,” Anna said. Yet it remains one of the most effective ways to uncover opportunities.

"Networking is often overlooked as part of the job search process”

Many roles aren’t even advertised publicly, so building connections within your target industry can help you access the hidden job market. Anna emphasised the importance of cultivating relationships before asking for help. “If you’re going to reach out to someone for a favour, make sure you’ve put in the effort first—have an updated CV, a polished LinkedIn profile, and a clear idea of what you’re looking for.”

💥Action Steps:

Reconnect with your professional network. Let people know you’re exploring opportunities.

Use LinkedIn to identify mutual connections at companies you’re interested in and ask for informational interviews.

Engage with posts and updates in your industry to increase your visibility.

🔵5. Interview Like a Pro

Interviews, whether in person or virtual, remain a critical stage in the hiring process. Anna shared tips for succeeding in both formats:

Virtual Interviews: Test your tech beforehand. Ensure your lighting and sound are clear, and position your camera so your face is centred in the frame. Virtual interviews lack the rapport-building opportunities of in-person meetings, so it’s even more important to be personable and prepared.

“Your interview starts the moment you walk through the door”

In-Person Interviews: First impressions matter. Anna shared that some interviewers even ask receptionists for feedback on how candidates behaved when they arrived. “Your interview starts the moment you walk through the door,” she said.

💥Action Steps:

For virtual interviews, check your setup in advance and eliminate potential distractions.

Prepare a few anecdotes or stories that showcase your skills and align with the role.

Research your interviewers on LinkedIn to find common ground you can mention during the interview.

🔵6. Authenticity in Leadership

Finally, Anna spoke about the importance of authenticity, both in the job search and as a leader. Reflecting on her journey into leadership, she shared how stepping into her own style transformed her confidence. “Initially, I mirrored how others managed, but it wasn’t until I embraced my own approach that I felt truly effective.”

Being authentic isn’t just for leaders—it’s a trait recruiters value in candidates too.

Being authentic isn’t just for leaders—it’s a trait recruiters value in candidates too. Whether you’re writing a CV, attending an interview, or networking, being yourself is key to building genuine connections and standing out.

💥Action Step:

Take a moment to reflect on your personal brand. Are you showing up as your true self in your CV, LinkedIn profile, and interviews?

🔵Final Thoughts

The job market may be tough, but by tailoring your approach, showcasing your unique strengths, and leveraging tools like LinkedIn and networking, you can stand out and secure the role you want.

As Anna Murray so eloquently put it: “Recruiters want to help, but you need to make it easy for them to see why you’re the right candidate.”

"...make it easy for Recruiters to see why you’re the right candidate.”

Check out my full interview with Anna Murray on the Life Leadership Podcast 🎙️

#176: Anna Murray - On Job Search Challenges: Pro Tips from a Recruitment Expert