Writing a CV or Resume

Like many things in life, one CV is rarely enough.

This is especially true in times of recession, when large numbers of people will be applying for every vacancy and to make the first cut is in itself an achievement.

Your submission will therefore need to closley reflect what an agency or employer is looking for.

You should prepare a variety of CVs so you can provide a targeted response when a suitable vacancy appears.

Format

There are many styles and formats for your CV and you should check what best suits your business sector or area of expertise. 

Most follow a chronological order if possible, with your most recent achivements listed first and in greatest detail.

You will need to find out what works best in your circumstances and this is where good feedback can be invaluable.

For all the fancy formats, remember that your CV is about you, what you have done and what you can do. 

Try to challenge and excite the recruiter.

This is a tall order and just how much excitement you wish to generate will depend greatly on the role.  Remember: the real excitement that a recruiter seeks, is believing that they've found the person they're looking for.

  • This is vital if you have several versions that you send out.
  • Expect to be challenged on anything that you've written. 
  • Make sure that you can support and talk about any claims that you make because this may be exactly what your interviewer is seeking.

Content

Your CV must include as much relevant detail as you can muster.

  • Check your dates: employers, exams etc.
  • Be consistent and readable,
  • Put roles in context, your job title means lots to you, but others may need help in understanding exactly what you did.
  • What are you bringing to the party: experience, knowledge, people skills? If you're unsure, then how will your employer know?
  • Responsibilities are what you were paid to do, achievements are what you actually did.
  • It's always great to be specific about results, but be sure and claim only that credit to which you are entitled. Prospective employers will surely seek more information on exactly what part you played in a particular successful outcome, so be able to demonstrate your actual involvement.
It is a matter of preferrence, but generally personnal information, including hobbies etc., should be kept to a minimum and can be relevent or display diversity.

Conclusion

What you say in your CV is often all that agencies and prospective employers know about you. 

When reading it people will be trying to get a picture of what you are like and of what your capabilities are.

Reading CVs can be a chore and many are not read right to the end, so be sure to get the most relevent information in as early as possible.

Expect to be challenged on anything that you claim so be sure that you can answer any questions relating to what you have said.