bahattab
06-03-2008, 08:26 PM
Effective CVs
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While there is no universally accepted format, the most important attribute of a successful CV is that it clearly explains to the reader what it is that you can do for them. Elements you need to consider when putting together a CV are:
A well-presented, selling document
A source of interesting, relevant information
A script for talking about yourselfIs a generic CV a good idea?
The purpose of a CV is not to get you the job. Its primary purpose is to get you an interview, and - after your meeting - to remind the person with whom you met about what skills and experience you can bring to their organisation. The decision to recruit is like a buying decision on the part of an employer. This creates a very clear picture of what a CV must include:
It must meet the needs of the target organisation where possible. This means a single generic CV is not always likely to be sufficient.
It must highlight your achievements and how they relate to the job you are applying for. It must give the reader a clear indication of why you should be considered for this role.
General Tips
If you send a CV before seeing someone, its purpose is to act as a personal selling document - one that will get you invited to an interview or for a meeting.
A CV is not always the first step in the process to hiring someone - it may be your door opener but you may also use it as a follow-up tool after seeing someone.
People who receive CVs often use them for screening you ‘out’ rather than ‘in.’ Be aware that the first person to look at your CV for a specific job is not likely to be the person who will do the interviewing; the person screening out inappropriate CVs may only have a list of criteria to match. Your CV will have to get beyond this point to ensure you are considered for an interview.
When you get to the interview, your CV can act as the agenda for your discussion, giving the interviewer a springboard from which to launch the inquiry. Yes, it is acceptable to keep it in front of you but only refer to it as, and when, you need to.
Content
DO
DO use keywords that show you match the position requirements.
DO put your most important skills at the beginning.
DO keep a hardcopy version to hand for any enquiries.
DO keep the layout and design legible, consistent and easy to follow, with good clear headings, large easy-to-read typeface such as Times New Roman, Courier or Arial.
DO use good quality, plain paper. (Coloured paper or a fancy border does not add anything unless the position in question requires a demonstration of that sort of creativity - for example, the creative area of an advertising department.)
DO orientate your CV towards specific (and quantifiable) achievements rather than duties and responsibilities. It should tell prospective employers everything that might interest them and nothing that will waste their time.
DO write in clear, concise terms, using active words (e.g. accomplished, created, enhanced, launched, negotiated, etc). If you do not feel comfortable with this, write a factual statement such as: ‘Achieved sales objectives of 250 units per month’.
DO keep it succinct. Highlight particular personal achievements. For example: ‘During my period as Manager, turnover decreased by 120 per cent.’
DO put your work history and educational details in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. It is easier to follow.
DO be specific in your CV. Use numbers or percentages to illustrate your successes or the impact you can have.
DO check for spelling or typographical errors - whoever actually types your CV, errors are YOUR responsibility. Do not rely on an online spell checker. If you are not sure about a word, resort to a dictionary. Sloppiness and lack of care could be heavily penalised.
DO leave out information that is irrelevant or negative.
DO NOT
DO NOT send poor quality photocopies. It does not cost much for good quality reproductions - and this is your career we are talking about!
DO NOT exaggerate your experience to make it sound more impressive. If it cannot stand up to scrutiny in the interview, you will blow your chances of getting the job.
DO NOT claim complete responsibility for achievements; implying no one else deserves any credit, which is usually not the case.
DO NOT write a novel. It should concisely paint a picture of you and your job history. Key points should be highlighted to develop interest and excitement about you as a potential candidate.
DO NOT use a narrative style. Highlight your accomplishments in a bullet point format, then you do not need as many complete sentences. But be warned: brief points must be carefully thought out.
DO NOT use initials and jargon. Write so you are understood. There is a general consensus by good interviewers that people who really know their subject, write and speak clearly and do not try to complicate issues.
http://jobs.china.hudson.com/node.asp?kwd=effective-cvs
Your location: Home (http://jobs.china.hudson.com/) » Career Support (http://jobs.china.hudson.com/node.asp?kwd=career-support) » Career Advice (http://jobs.china.hudson.com/node.asp?kwd=career-advice) » Effective CVs
While there is no universally accepted format, the most important attribute of a successful CV is that it clearly explains to the reader what it is that you can do for them. Elements you need to consider when putting together a CV are:
A well-presented, selling document
A source of interesting, relevant information
A script for talking about yourselfIs a generic CV a good idea?
The purpose of a CV is not to get you the job. Its primary purpose is to get you an interview, and - after your meeting - to remind the person with whom you met about what skills and experience you can bring to their organisation. The decision to recruit is like a buying decision on the part of an employer. This creates a very clear picture of what a CV must include:
It must meet the needs of the target organisation where possible. This means a single generic CV is not always likely to be sufficient.
It must highlight your achievements and how they relate to the job you are applying for. It must give the reader a clear indication of why you should be considered for this role.
General Tips
If you send a CV before seeing someone, its purpose is to act as a personal selling document - one that will get you invited to an interview or for a meeting.
A CV is not always the first step in the process to hiring someone - it may be your door opener but you may also use it as a follow-up tool after seeing someone.
People who receive CVs often use them for screening you ‘out’ rather than ‘in.’ Be aware that the first person to look at your CV for a specific job is not likely to be the person who will do the interviewing; the person screening out inappropriate CVs may only have a list of criteria to match. Your CV will have to get beyond this point to ensure you are considered for an interview.
When you get to the interview, your CV can act as the agenda for your discussion, giving the interviewer a springboard from which to launch the inquiry. Yes, it is acceptable to keep it in front of you but only refer to it as, and when, you need to.
Content
DO
DO use keywords that show you match the position requirements.
DO put your most important skills at the beginning.
DO keep a hardcopy version to hand for any enquiries.
DO keep the layout and design legible, consistent and easy to follow, with good clear headings, large easy-to-read typeface such as Times New Roman, Courier or Arial.
DO use good quality, plain paper. (Coloured paper or a fancy border does not add anything unless the position in question requires a demonstration of that sort of creativity - for example, the creative area of an advertising department.)
DO orientate your CV towards specific (and quantifiable) achievements rather than duties and responsibilities. It should tell prospective employers everything that might interest them and nothing that will waste their time.
DO write in clear, concise terms, using active words (e.g. accomplished, created, enhanced, launched, negotiated, etc). If you do not feel comfortable with this, write a factual statement such as: ‘Achieved sales objectives of 250 units per month’.
DO keep it succinct. Highlight particular personal achievements. For example: ‘During my period as Manager, turnover decreased by 120 per cent.’
DO put your work history and educational details in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. It is easier to follow.
DO be specific in your CV. Use numbers or percentages to illustrate your successes or the impact you can have.
DO check for spelling or typographical errors - whoever actually types your CV, errors are YOUR responsibility. Do not rely on an online spell checker. If you are not sure about a word, resort to a dictionary. Sloppiness and lack of care could be heavily penalised.
DO leave out information that is irrelevant or negative.
DO NOT
DO NOT send poor quality photocopies. It does not cost much for good quality reproductions - and this is your career we are talking about!
DO NOT exaggerate your experience to make it sound more impressive. If it cannot stand up to scrutiny in the interview, you will blow your chances of getting the job.
DO NOT claim complete responsibility for achievements; implying no one else deserves any credit, which is usually not the case.
DO NOT write a novel. It should concisely paint a picture of you and your job history. Key points should be highlighted to develop interest and excitement about you as a potential candidate.
DO NOT use a narrative style. Highlight your accomplishments in a bullet point format, then you do not need as many complete sentences. But be warned: brief points must be carefully thought out.
DO NOT use initials and jargon. Write so you are understood. There is a general consensus by good interviewers that people who really know their subject, write and speak clearly and do not try to complicate issues.
http://jobs.china.hudson.com/node.asp?kwd=effective-cvs