Create a winning CV
Making your CV stand out
There is much written about how to write and present a CV, which can be confusing and does nothing more than put you under pressure.
Searching for the ideal job can take up a lot of time and stress. Applying for a job can be a vital point in your life and requires careful consideration, as it is not something you do very often, sometimes just once in a lifetime, so doing it properly is very important. There are two things to be aware of:
First, the way you present and write your CV can be subjective, as what will appeal to one employer, may not to another, so you have to accept that to a degree, it can be pot luck. The way you lay out your CV in terms of type face and basic structure will either appeal to a prospective employer or simply direct it straight into the shredder. Imagine you are an employer and looking for your ideal candidate - what would appeal to you may be rejected by your competitor, or the other way around.
So this part of your application can be in the lap of the Gods!
Secondly, this is where some principles can make a difference. Most employers are busy people and may well have a large number of CVs to wade through. They will want to see all of them, to make sure they don't miss a good candidate, but won't want to waste any time, so your CV has to make its mark. Presentation will take its place as mentioned above, but content, and the way it is written, will always be influential in making your prospective employer take note. Those seconds may be the reason you get to secure a job of your dreams!
General
Whatever sector of the workplace you are in, don't go into swathes of fancy artwork or overzealous text. An employer won't be impressed by 'glossing up' your CV, but he will want to know what type of person you are and what you have been doing. For example, if you are applying for a position of graphic designer, don't do lots of graphics on your CV, that is the quickest way to go to the shredder! And if it is an editorial job you are after, don't try and 'flower up' the text. Whatever position you are applying for, employers can see right through all the tricks of the trade! What they want to see is substance, what positions, if any, you have held before and what you have achieved. Concise well written letters and CVs are essential. Below are some key pointers:
(1) When applying for a job, send in your CV together with a clear and concise covering letter.
(2) Use a clear and professional looking typeface, but nothing fancy (Times, Tahoma, Ariel, or similar, are all safe bets)
(3) Make sure your letter is well written and to the
point, and on one sheet of quality letterhead. Check spelling and grammar! Don't write volumes, just keep to the point.
(4) In your letter, start by saying you wish to apply for the job and enclose a copy of your CV. Short and sweet will do the job. Don't waffle on!
(5) Keep your CV to 2 to 3 sides of A4, possibly 4 if you have had a previous significant career. Your prospective employer will only want to know what positions you have held and not every day of your life in great detail. Just provide brief details that will whet the employer's appetite. He or she will delve deeper into your career at an interview, which is your first objective to achieve.
Writing your CV
Personal details
The first thing to include is your personal details: Name, address, contact details including mobile phone. Include your name, address, phone numbers and email address, if you have one.
Personal statement
Tell the world what sort of person you are. Most employers look for qualities in applicants like dedication, commitment, loyalty and stability. You could include something that links you to the job vacancy if relevant.
Work experience
If you have previous work experience, list the present or last job first. Then continue in reverse date order. Don't go into reams of what you have done but keep to short concise information and describe any important achievements.
Education
Make a list of your academic and professional qualifications and any other skills you have that might impress a potential employer. Applicants who are applying for their first jobs will, obviously, not have any 'work experience' as above, so academic qualifications will play a more important role.
Skills
State any specific skills you might have such as software applications or languages and any others that, although may not be relevant to the vacancy in question, may show initiative you have.
References
All you need to say is that you can provide references if requested. Good references from a previous employer are best as they will support your work skills. If you are applying for your first job, a reference from a school, college or university tutor would be good. Do not give a reference to a potential employer headed "To whom it may concern".
Hobbies
Hobbies won't necessarily sway a potential employer to give an interview, but may give a background to the type of person you are, which may help. If you have hobbies, list them briefly.
Good Luck and happy job hunting