subject: A Good Cv Or Resume Will Help You When Job Searching [print this page] Is your CV doing its job properly or do you need help writing a professional CV or resume? If you are actively job searching, your CV is one of the most important tools you will need to get you the job you are seeking. Surprisingly, many people place a low priority on how important securing a job is reliant upon the quality of their CV.
The first thing a job seeker should ask themselves is, "What is the purpose of a CV?"
When writing a professional CV, it is important to remember that a CV does not get you a job; that is generally decided at an interview. However it should be impressive enough to get you interviews and consequently put you in the position where you can land a job. With that in mind make sure not to give information that might reject your application.
Concentrate on positive statements and your suitability for the role; in short make the reader want to see you.
When you write a CV, you must always remember it is a personal marketing tool. It should be designed to:
1. Get you an interview or get you an invitation to meet a prospective employer for an informal chat.
2. Sell your skills to a prospective employer.
Writing a professional CV is vital in gaining interviews. Many people let themselves down by not paying attention to the content and layout of their CV. The truth is if your CV is doing its job, then you will be getting lots of interviews when you send it out.
When was the last time you updated your CV's format, style and content? Are you using words that are general that do not give the reader a true picture of you? It is all well using generic terms such as 'a good team player' because you think that is what all employers are looking for, but if your job roles involve working on your own; then the phrase can look pointless.
Your CV should be professional, but it should also reflect you. Include information that will give the reader a clear picture of you. It should sell your skills, qualities, experience and convince the reader that you are a candidate to be invited to an interview.
If you give the reader the right information, make it easy to read and relevant to the post; you will greatly increase your chances of success.
When writing a professional CV you should ensure that:
1. It is targeted and tailored for the job. If possible don't just write A CV. Have a different CV for each role you may apply for.
2. It clearly shows that you are able to do the job. Demonstrate concisely your skills and capabilities. Highlight the important information so that the employer notices them immediately and doesn't have to read through reams of paper before realizing that you can do the job.
3. It should show you have a personality and get across what sort of person you are (both professionally and personally).
4. It should reveal your outlook in a clear-cut, positive and professional manner.
5. It should be brief and to the point and only contain relevant information. Personal details should be kept to a minimum. Your nationality or marital status should not be an indicator of your ability to do the job.
6. It should address what the employer wants to know about you. Do not ramble on make it attractive and to the point.
If your CV is not doing its job - think of how to improve it. You are the one who can make sure that your CV is well constructed, that it can sell you in a positive manner, deliver results and help you to get the job that you have applied for.
Before sending out your CV check for the following:
Attention to detail
One of the most common reasons for a CV being rejected is spelling and grammatical errors. Even if you use spelling and grammar checks remember they are not perfect; get a family member or friend to check your CV.
Not enough information
In most cases a CV needs to be concise, but it also needs to give information for the reader to make an informed decision as to your suitability. Not every applicant will be invited for an interview, so in order to get yourself considered for the shortlist; provide them enough information not to reject you. A standard CV should be enough to fill two A4 pages, try to keep it to that length; assume the reader is a busy person who doesn't have the time to read five or six pages of your career history. If you can convince them to give you an interview in 2 pages your CV has fulfilled its purpose.
Using clichs
Do not construct a list of phrases such "Excellent communication skills", "Enjoys working under pressure" or "Works well in a team". If you want to demonstrate these skills or attributes, the best way to do so is describe them in your roles or in a key skills section where you can say just how you have used these skills e.g. "Excellent communicator responsible for training new members of staff."
Lying
This might seem obvious, but many people still lie on their CVs in the belief that they can get away with it. That is not part of writing a professional CV. Do not do it. Just imagine how you would feel if at interview the lie was discovered! If you say something on your CV make sure you can back it up if asked.
Contact Information
Surprisingly some people are reluctant to give out their telephone number or cell phone number and then wonder why they aren't getting any results from their CV. Check that you have given your correct, current contact details. When writing a professional CV include an e-mail address, but remember this is a professional document, do not use what you think is a funny address your prospective employer might not like sending an e-mail to fluffybunny@rabbithutch.com! Simply get a new email address in your name.
