Writing
the Perfect CV
The first question to ask yourself is, what can my C.V. do
for me?
It is the entry ticket, your foot in the door, to a new
career full of promise and potential life changing opportunities. What will
make your C.V. stay on the recruiter’s desk and rise to the top of the
interview pile, rather than being consigned to the pile of no-hopers? Or, even
worse filed in the bin!!!!
There is no mystery surrounding writing a successful C.V. It
really is easy when you know how. All you need to achieve in writing a good
C.V. is to take all of the skills you have developed over your previous
experience and tailor them to the job that you are applying for.
What do you need to include?
There is no perfect way to write a C.V. and everyone should be different, but there are some essential sections that should always be covered:
- Personal and Contact Information
- Education and Qualifications
- Work History and/or Experience
- Relevant skills to the job you are applying for
- Interests, Hobbies and Achievements
- References
How should you present your CV?
Your C.V. should be clear and easy to read, use White A4
paper and envelopes. People will always look for a good first impression so
make sure that you have a clear front page which is easy to comprehend, put
important information towards the top and centre.
Keep it Short, Keep it simple.
There is no need to produce a lengthy document which
describes every qualification you have and all that you have done in an
exhaustive fashion. Remember, you are using the C.V. as a tool to get your foot
in the door, you need to make an impression that will register with the
recruiter quickly and make you memorable. Give the information that is relevant
to the job that you are applying for.
Read the Job description you are responding to
It’s no secret the clue is in the Question! The Job advert
gives you the clues to what the recruiter is looking for. So, use the Advert,
address the points raised and ensure that you relate your experience to the
role as explained in the advert. If you find that you lack skills or experience
in one area try adapting the skills and experience that you do have. Ensure
that you identify areas of transferable skills which you have and describe how
they relate to the position in question.
Fit the C.V. to the role
Create a unique C.V. for each job role that you are applying
for. There is no such thing as a generic C.V. ensure that you tailor each
approach to the job role adapting your skills and experience to cover each
aspect of the role sought.
Explain why your skills are appropriate
Let the recruiter know about each of your skills, whether you
use them in your current position or if you use them in a volunteer capacity.
Mention what skills you have Computer skills, Working alone on own initiative
and as part of a team, Communication skills both written and verbal, foreign
language skills and Problem solving. All
of these are essential to a business and they more you can demonstrate then the
greater chance you have of being hired.
Tell them about your interests
Here you can demonstrate such skills that you have that the
employer might be looking which you have gained through your outside interests
be that sporting volunteering or unrelated employment activity. Everything is
relevant that might be capable of utilisation within a work environment. Try
and make yourself sound interesting and outgoing someone who is good to be
around.
Describe
your Experience
When you are
explaining the level and quality of you experience be sure to use positive and
assertive language, this will give the reader the impression that you are an
achiever who has a ‘can do’ attitude. Explain what experience was gained and
just what valuable skills you have gained from each of your previous
employments.
Include
References
Always try
to include two and ensure that they are from someone who has employed you and
can vouch for your level of skills and your relevant experience.
Update
Your C.V. regularly
Always keep
your C.V. under review, add to it regularly explaining new skills and new experience
gained. Keep reviewing the tasks you have exposure to and remember that
potential employers are always looking to find people who are willing to be
creative and continue their learning journey.
