4 TIPS for a STANDOUT CV

A good CV is a vital part of applying for your next role. Lollie Hancock asks leading beauty recruiters what makes a candidate stand out

1 Tailor it to the role

Of course, experience is important for employers to know about, but Sara Orme, Eden Hall Day Spa’s leisure and spa manager, recommends choosing which elements of your experience to include dependent on the role you’re applying for.

“Pull out the skills from your current role that would be useful in the role you are applying for. Always keep it relevant,” she advises.

Make sure you do your research. “Look at the treatments the spa provides and highlight the skills needed,” Orme adds. “Don’t focus on treatments that are not provided.”

2Talk about training

Don’t forget to add in information about any training you have undertaken.

“This can be in addition to your therapy skills, for example, training courses or qualifications in customer service or dealing with people with learning difficulties or physical disabilities,” shares Tara Moore, head of spa operations at Galgorm.

Like many managers, Moore encourages her team to continue to expand their knowledge. “I am passionate in encouraging continuous learning and development so this is something that I would be interested to see in an application.”

3 Don’t forget a cover letter

Cover letters are a great way to introduce yourself and your experience to a potential employer. They should include two main topics: why you’re passionate about the role and company you’re applying for, and why you’d be the perfect candidate.

Keep it short – no more than a side of A4 – and use it to allow your potential employer to get to know you. Natalie Wood, owner of The Pink Shed, which won Professional Beauty’s Employer of the Year 2022 award, always looks for a cover letter when screening applicants.

“It should be a short, snappy, bespoke response to why they have applied to my business and why they would be a great addition,” she advises.

4 Add a personal touch

When applying for a competitive role, remember it’s the little things that help you stand out from the crowd. “If you’re applying to a local business, pop in and make yourself known to the manager,” suggests Wood. “Immediately you can get a feel for someone, and it’s made clear that they are keen.

“I’ve even occasionally had phone calls with the therapist introducing themselves and saying they have sent their CV over,” she adds. “This shows confidence.”

Another way to add a personal element is by including information about why you’re passionate about the industry – this can be through an “about me” section on your CV or included in your cover letter.

For Moore, the “why” is important when screening potential hires. “Tell the recruiter or manager why you have made the decision to train in this profession,” she says. “Not only will this help an employer understand your passion for the industry, it is also an excellent opportunity to weave in elements of your personality.”