GUEST COMMENT: How to get hired for a role bearing limited resemblance to anything you've done previously

In these competitive times, it's challenging enough getting on the shortlist for jobs for which you are a natural fit, let alone those which require a leap of imagination to see how you'd slot in.

Here are a few suggestions on how to convince recruiters of your suitability for roles which you're not obviously made for.

1) Give priority to any relevant experience

Even if you haven't done that particular job before, you may have done something similar. Therefore, make sure you include any experience that's directly related to the selection criteria for the job in your profile and the first half page of your CV. Do this, even if that experience is relatively minor or is less recent than something that's less relevant.

2) Add a smattering of keywords

If you're posting your CV online, it will be selected via a database search reports using keywords chosen by recruiters. If you don't mention the particular skill or qualification they're looking for, your CV won't be selected. To ensure your CV's not completely overlooked, you'll therefore need to ensure you include the keywords relevant to the roles you're interested in. For example, you might say, "My experience in ABC has given me in-depth knowledge of the required XYZ". At least your CV then has a chance of being viewed.

3) Identify the gaps in your experience and take action

If you've tried the two points above, and you're still not getting anywhere, it may be time to take more direct action. Are there any qualifications you could take, or work shadowing that you could do to fill in the gaps? Alternatively, is there another role that might act as a stepping stone to the jobs you've been applying for?

Corinne Mills is MD of Personal Career Management and author of the UK's best-selling CV book "You're Hired! How to write a brilliant CV!"