HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CV
Until your interview you are only as good as your paperwork,
and perhaps your telephone manner. This makes your CV
and covering letter crucial. They are essential tools
in most job searches. Like any marketing document, a CV
should help you to sell yourself.
What should your CV include? Think about your skills,
achievements, qualifications and experience. What are
your unique selling points and strengths?If you are replying
to a specific job advertisement review, what key words
and tasks were used in the advertisement. Which of these
words applies to you? Use these words in your CV.
Remember that you want your CV to be read and responded
to. Tempt the recipient. Include just enough information
to stimulate interest, but not so much that you bore the
reader. Three pages maximum is preferred. Every word must
contribute to the overall message - so keep if brief and
make sure that the contents are relevant to the job you
are looking for now - not your last one.Ensure your CV
is well structured; this gives the impression that you
think logically and makes it easier to review. A CV that
is hard to read is often put aside and forgotten. When
writing the CV, remember self opinion is best avoided.
Aim to include someone else's opinion (e.g. from last
appraisal), facts or even evidence.Pay close attention
to reply instructions in advertisements (e.g spelling
of the contact's name). Have someone check your spelling
and grammar. Use white paper, never coloured, as it does
not photocopy well.
This should contain your personal details (name, address,
telephone numbers, education and qualifications) and a
brief general overview of your skills, experience and
the nature of work sought. If you are seeking temporary
or contract work, do not forget to include availability
and preferred locations.
Here you should highlight your employment history in the
past 5 years. Present this in reverse chronological order
(i.e. last job first). If you have worked for only one
company, break it down with an entry for each position
or projects dealt with. For each position held, describe
the work undertaken, duties, and responsibilities. Do
include achievements, not just tasks. If you can, quantify
them in sales, financial or production terms.List your
hobbies and interests in no more than three lines if they
are relevant. Any voluntary, charity or external posts
you have e.g. school governor are worth including. Avoid
listing anything too controversial. It is recommended
that two referees be given - including the referees' official
titles, addresses and telephone numbers.
CVs are seldom used alone, they should always be introduced
by a letter or a telephone call. The letter should earn
readership for the CV. A good letter should be used to
pick up points which modesty or space prevented you putting
in the CV (i.e. to highlight your key strengths relevant
to that job). An introduction letter can save you from
having to rewrite the CV each time you want to target
your application to a specific advertisement or sector.
Nevertheless keep your CV up to date. Using an out of
date CV looks lazy at best and may exclude you from consideration.
|
