HOW TO WRITE AN OUTSTANDING CV

What is a CV?

Your CV is an essential career document needed to present yourself effectively in the job market. A good CV will considerably boost your chances of getting a face-to-face interview by highlighting relevant skills, experience and value to a potential boss.

There are no rights and wrongs when it comes to writing and presenting a CV and each document will be as individual as the jobseeker it belongs to. However, by following some basic principles you will be able to present the information in a clear, concise and persuasive way.

You may need to put together more than one CV if you intend to apply for different types of job across different sectors. This will enable you to emphasize the particular achievements, skills, experience and personality qualities that a particular employer is looking for. It is usually possible to tell what an employer is looking for from the job advertisement or job description; alternatively you may need to research the role and the company yourself to ensure that your CV has the right focus.

Why is good CV so important?

Your CV is the key that unlocks the door to an interview. Employers will make snap judgments as to whether to interview you or not, based on the appearance of the C.V. as well as the content.
Your CV will also highlight your strength and accomplishments and will be your sales and marketing tool to get you an interview.

How long should be the CV?

One page should normally cover your last ten years of experience. A maximum of two pages, occasionally three is permissible if an employer has specially asked you for a detailed CV, or you apply for a senior position or have more than 10 years of experience.

What Style to choose?

There are two main styles of CV, with variations within them.

Chronological
Information is included under general headings - education, work experience, etc., with the most recent events first.
Skills based
You think through the necessary skills needed for the job you are applying for. Then you list all your personal details under these skill headings. This is called “targeting your CV”, and is becoming more common, at least in UK.
But it is harder to do. So take advice on whether it is OK in your country and culture, and how to do it best.

Optional Extras
It can be good to start with a Personal Profile/Objective statement. This is a two or three sentence overview of your skills, qualities, hopes, and plans. It should encourage the employer to read the rest.
You could add a photo of yourself - either scanned in by computer, or stuck on. But make sure it is a good one. Get a friend (or a working photographer) to take a good portrait. The pictures that come out from automatic photo-machines usually make you look ill, like a prisoner, or a little "devil" or all of them!

Writing a CV

You can use this Format if you like:

o Name (bold type) and address
o Personal details including date of birth, address and telephone number, marital status, nationality
o Qualifications
o Career history (in reverse order, most recent position first)
o Leisure interests
o Referees

Name and Address
Put your full name and your home address including postcode if possible. Provide a phone number where you can be reached at all times with area codes. If you have an e-mail address write it down as well.

Education
Do not include details of your primary school and make sure you have all your certificates to present on request.
Further Education.
Professional or Occupational Qualifications.
Training Courses.

Work Experience or Career History
List all jobs held-full or part time, paid or unpaid. Begin with most recent job and list your jobs you had for the last 10 years. (1994 – 2004).
For each job you held don’t forget to identify the skills you acquired and used.
Make sure you list all Dates, Employed Employers’ Details, Job Title, Your Key Tasks and responsibilities. Ensure all dates link up; leave no suspicious gaps. If you were out of work for a period, or traveling, include it as a stage in your history.

Write employers' name and location in bold type. Employers often select for interview by identifying with companies that are known to them. Use your last title in each position, also in bold type. If you wish you can briefly describe the company's business and size, in italics.

Interests
This is optional for your CV.
Most employers are not interested in your personal interests unless it applies directly to the job you are applying for. Under leisure interests, demonstrate breadth of character by mentioning varied interests, energy with sporting interests. Don't fabricate interests as you may well be quizzed on them, particularly if the interviewer shares those interests. Don't worry the employer by listing contentious interests (shooting, foxhunting). Keep the list short: one artistic, one sporting and one unusual interest.

Awards
Another optional but a potentially vital category for your CV.
Make sure you list any awards that relate to the job you're applying for. List any scholarships, HND’s, City & Guilds, Special Recognition’s, and other Academic Achievements you may have achieved.

References
Never list references on your CV. State on your CV that your references are "Available upon request." If you require references prepare a separate list of 3-5 references, including name, title, address, and business phone number of each person who agreed to be a reference for you. If asked for them you can then send it straight away.

GENERAL RULES OF WRITING AN EFFECTIVE CV

DO:

• Use a confident tone and positive language
• Concentrate on your achievements not your responsibilities. This means listing things you have done - such as products launched, sales increase, awards won - not rewriting your job description. Quote figures whenever possible
• Make your most relevant experience and skills prominent to encourage the employer to read on
• Keep it to the point and concentrate on the quality of your achievements, not the quantity
• List other skills that could raise you above the competition such as languages, driving license, IT skills
• Be ruthless with yourself and keep it to a maximum of two pages. Only very senior, experienced, executives have more
• Check thoroughly for correct spelling and grammar - spotting errors is a quick and easy way of weeding out weaker candidates when faced with a mountain of CVs to read. Ensure all spelling is correct. Don't trust computer spell-checkers.
• Get a second opinion from someone you trust
• Include examples of your work, if appropriate
• Use good quality paper - white is usually best

DON'T:
• Leave any gaps in your work record - employers may assume the worst, for example that you were sacked
• Lie - many employers use information service companies or sophisticated new software to check CV details for accuracy, including educational qualifications, places of study and the veracity of job references
• List all the one-day training courses you have ever been on
• Include a photo unless you know the employer wants one
• Fax it without sending a copy in the post as well
• Use elaborate fonts, or colors – keep it simple
• Forget it’s just a tool for getting you an interview. The CV will not land you the job alone, the rest is up to you .