HOW TO WRITE A CV

While there is no universally accepted format, the most important attribute of a successful CV is that it clearly explains to the reader what it is that you can do for them.

Elements you need to consider when putting together a CV are:

· A well-presented, selling document

· A source of interesting, relevant information

· A script for talking about yourself

Is a generic CV a good idea?

The purpose of a CV is not to get you the job. Its primary purpose is to get you an interview, and - after your meeting - to remind the person with whom you met about what skills and experience you can bring to their organisation.

The decision to recruit is like a buying decision on the part of an employer. This creates a very clear picture of what a CV must include:

· It must meet the needs of the target organisation where possible. This means a single generic CV is not always likely to be sufficient.

· It must highlight your achievements and how they relate to the job you are applying for. It must give the reader a clear indication of why you should be considered for this role.

General Tips

· If you send a CV before seeing someone, its purpose is to act as a personal selling document - one that will get you invited to an interview or for a meeting.

· A CV is not always the first step in the process to hiring someone - it may be your door opener but you may also use it as a follow-up tool after seeing someone.

· People who receive CVs often use them for screening you ‘out’ rather than ‘in.’ Be aware that the first person to look at your resume for a specific job is not likely to be the person who will do the interviewing; the person screening out inappropriate resumes may only have a list of criteria to match. Your resume will have to get beyond this point to ensure you are considered for an interview.

· When you get to the interview, your CV can act as the agenda for your discussion, giving the interviewer a springboard from which to launch the inquiry. Yes, it is acceptable to keep it in front of you but only refer to it as, and when, you need to.

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Content

· DO use keywords that show you match the position requirements.

· DO put your most important skills at the beginning.

· DO keep a hardcopy version to hand for any enquiries.

· DO keep the layout and design legible, consistent and easy to follow, with good clear headings, large easy-to-read typeface such as Times New Roman, Courier or Arial.

· DO use good quality, plain paper. (Coloured paper or a fancy border does not add anything unless the position in question requires a demonstration of that sort of creativity - for example, the creative area of an advertising department.)

· DO orientate your resume towards specific (and quantifiable) achievements rather than duties and responsibilities. It should tell prospective employers everything that might interest them and nothing that will waste their time.

· DO write in clear, concise terms, using active words (e.g. accomplished, created, enhanced, launched, negotiated, etc). If you do not feel comfortable with this, write a factual statement such as: ‘Achieved sales objectives of 250 units per month’.

· DO keep it succinct. Highlight particular personal achievements. For example: ‘During my period as Manager, turnover decreased by 120 per cent.’

· DO put your work history and educational details in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. It is easier to follow.

· DO be specific in your resume. Use numbers or percentages to illustrate your successes or the impact you can have.

· DO check for spelling or typographical errors - whoever actually types your CV, errors are YOUR responsibility. Do not rely on an online spell checker. If you are not sure about a word, resort to a dictionary. Sloppiness and lack of care could be heavily penalised.

· DO leave out information that is irrelevant or negative.

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DON'T

· DONÂ’T send poor quality photocopies. It does not cost much for good quality reproductions -and this is your career we are talking about!

· DON’T exaggerate your experience to make it sound more impressive. If it cannot stand up to scrutiny in the interview, you will blow your chances of getting the job.

· DON’T claim complete responsibility for achievements; implying no one else deserves any credit, which is usually not the case.

· DON’T write a novel. It should concisely paint a picture of you and your job history. Key points should be highlighted to develop interest and excitement about you as a potential candidate.

· DON’T use a narrative style. Highlight your accomplishments in a bullet point format, then you do not need as many complete sentences. But be warned: brief points must be carefully thought out.

· DON’T use initials and jargon. Write so you are understood. There is a general consensus by good interviewers that people who really know their subject, write and speak clearly and do not try to complicate issues.

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