The write way to get that interview!
The way you prepare your CV is crucial says Philip de Belder.
Maybe you’ve been made redundant, or perhaps you’re looking to secure the next stage of your career. Either way, if you’re looking for a job, whether it’s in response to a ‘Sits Vac Ad’ or it’s a ‘cold’ enquiry, the first step is to write your CV. As someone who has read literally thousands of these documents I can tell you that there are good one and bad ones, and there is a right way and a wrong way to prepare them. Here are a few tips.
The first point to remember is that the purpose of your Curriculum Vitae is not to get you that job. It is a selling document designed to secure an interview, and as such it needs to be thoughtfully written and well presented. Never forget – you only get one opportunity to make a good first impression – and your CV is it!
The ground rules are easy. Your CV must be truthful, accurate, provide details of your career in a logical sequence and have no gaps in the chronological order of events. It must provide full details of your current or last position. But above all it must be concise!
Prospective employers may receive scores of hopeful CVs so they need to be able to assimilate the facts quickly before they decide ‘reject’ or ‘worth taking a closer look’.
Here is a list of the key points I would recommend you bear in mind when preparing your CV.
• Keep it concise. No more than two pages.
• The first section should contain your personal details so the recruitment consultant or
employer can contact you easily.
• Choose a format that is easy to read and that enables you to headline career achievements
and personal attributes.
• When listing your career history do it chronologically starting with your current or most
recent job and proceed backwards.
• Don’t ramble on. Achievements should be brief and to-the-point. Bullet points are good for this.
• If you have attributes that demonstrate your suitability for the position, highlight them early on to enhance your chances of being short-listed.
• Don’t be afraid to detail how you have met challenges and show how you did this.
• Be ruthless. Leave out information that is irrelevant or negative.
• List your qualifications, training and any professional memberships.
• If you are providing references, make sure they know about it before you put their name on your CV.
Your CV should always be accompanied by a letter. Keep it short on one page. If in doubt,
talk to a reputable, globally based search, selection and recruitment agency.
