By: Vanessa Dolan | Senior Recruitment Consultant at Safety People

You might have exactly the experience an employer is looking for. You might use the right software every day, understand the relevant industry systems and hold all the required qualifications.

But is that information actually on your CV?

If it isn’t, you could be missing opportunities before you even get the chance to speak with a recruiter or hiring manager.

Today, CVs aren’t necessarily reviewed by humans alone. Recruiters and employers may use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), recruitment databases, keyword searches and AI-assisted tools to help identify candidates with relevant experience.

That makes one thing increasingly important: If you have the skill, system experience, licence or certificate, make sure it’s clearly listed on your CV.

Don’t Just Say What You Do – Name the Programs You Use

Candidates often describe their responsibilities but forget to mention the actual programs and systems they use to perform them.

For example, saying: “Experienced in records and document management systems” doesn’t tell the whole story.

One of the CVs I reviewed specifically listed experience with Objective, RecFind, Nemo, SharePoint, Solv, Elumina and TRIM, as well as the WorkSafe programs ACCtion and Novus. That’s valuable information.

If a recruiter searches a candidate database for someone with Solv or Novus experience, those specific words can help make that candidate’s relevant experience easier to find.

Don’t add programs simply to increase the number of keywords on your CV. Only include systems you have genuinely used and can confidently discuss with a recruiter or hiring manager.

Technical Skills and Standards Matter Too

Programs aren’t the only terms recruiters may search for.  Your industry-specific skills, standards and areas of expertise should also be clearly identified.

For WHS, HSEQ and compliance professionals, for example, that could include ISO 45001, ISO 9001, AS/NZS 4801, NATA, APAS, SWMS, risk management, incident investigation, auditing, contractor compliance and return to work. These are all examples appearing across the CVs reviewed.

If you’ve worked with ISO 45001, don’t assume that writing “experienced WHS professional” tells a recruiter that. Write ISO 45001. If you’ve prepared SWMS, write SWMS.

If you’ve conducted incident investigations, risk assessments or audits, say so.

Specificity helps people – and technology – understand what you can actually do.

Keep Your Certificates and Qualifications Current

Your qualifications section also deserves regular attention, for example:-

• Diploma of Occupational Health & Safety
• Certificate IV in Occupational Health & Safety
• Return to Work Coordinator Certificate
• Recruitment Consultant Certificate
• First Aid / CPR
• Mental Health First Aid
• Health and Safety Representative Training

If you’ve renewed your First Aid or CPR – update the date.

If you’ve completed a new Return to Work qualification – add it.

If you’ve gained a higher qualification – include it.

Why Does This Matter for AI and Recruitment Technology?

Imagine an employer wants someone with SharePoint experience. You’ve used SharePoint for four years, but your CV only says “Experienced in electronic document management systems.”

A recruiter who speaks with you might discover that you know SharePoint, but will you get that conversation?

If a recruitment database or AI-assisted tool is being used to identify candidates with relevant experience, having the actual terminology on your CV can make your experience easier to identify.

Before You Apply – Do This Five-Minute Check

Put the job advertisement next to your CV. Look at the programs, systems, technical skills, licences, certificates and qualifications the employer is requesting.

Ask yourself: Do I have these skills?

If yes: Are they actually written on my CV?

If you’ve used the program, name it. 

If you hold the certificate, list it. 

If you’ve renewed it, update it. 

If you have experience with the standard or process, make it clear.

Your CV should grow as your career grows.

Every time you learn a new program, start using a new system, complete training, renew a certificate or gain a qualification, take a few minutes to update it.

Don’t assume you’ll get the opportunity to explain what’s missing later. You need to get to the recruiter and hiring manager first.

Your experience is valuable.  Make sure it can be found.

Not sure your CV is showcasing your experience?

Our recruitment team sees what employers are looking for every day. If you’re considering your next career move, explore our job board or get in touch with Safety People to discuss your experience and current opportunities.