| First impressions count, and this is especially true of | | | | 'actively managed and led a small team to success' |
| CV's/resumes. A CV is a snapshot of who you are | | | | rather than just 'led a small team' |
| and what your main strengths and skills are. It tells | | | | * always say what you did and what the outcome |
| employers about your previous academic and work | | | | was using power words where necessary e.g. 'your |
| history and key achievements in your life and career. If | | | | sales technique accelerated the profits for your |
| your CV isn't top notch, then you may as well kiss | | | | company' rather than 'I have a good sales technique' |
| your next job application goodbye. Unless your CV | | | | * next list additional skills that you may have such as |
| stands out from the crowd, most prospective | | | | extra training or certificates etc |
| employers will just bin it. | | | | * finally have a personal profile about things you like |
| A friend of mine once asked me when I left university | | | | doing and your interests |
| 'how many interviews have you got?' and was | | | | * your profile should include a brief mention of |
| astounded when I replied that I had nine. He had none. | | | | particulars such as whether you drive and your marital |
| Why? Because if your CV isn't up to scratch, you will | | | | status |
| not even get a foot in the door. And it just so | | | | * keep these brief and to the point. Don't put divorced |
| happened that his CV was terrible. | | | | down on your CV - it is better not to mention your |
| Your CV should be broken down into sections which | | | | marital status than saying things like 'engaged' or 'living |
| are separated by white space or actual boxes. If you | | | | with partner' etc |
| have a lot of information, boxes may work best. The | | | | * always proofread and spell check everything |
| idea is to create a CV that has distinguished and easy | | | | * always check dates on everything - employers will |
| to locate sections. Here are some general tips on how | | | | catch you out if you have dates that don't add up |
| to write a killer CV: | | | | * avoid verbal diarrhea! In other words, keep your |
| * start with your personal details - name, address, | | | | writing tight and focused and don't waffle or volunteer |
| email and phone only | | | | information that is unnecessary |
| * next write your profile - this is an overview of your | | | | * use clear headings and subheadings - your CV |
| main skills and should be a bullet point list | | | | should be easy to read and easy on the eye |
| * the next section depends on whether you have | | | | The above tips will hopefully give you an overview of |
| work experience or not. If not, then this next section | | | | what is needed to turn a good CV into a great one. If |
| should be your qualifications - most recent first going | | | | you are struggling to get started, it is always |
| backwards, and then go on to work experience | | | | recommended that you have one done professionally |
| * if you have lots of work experience, you need to | | | | - after all, a CV sells who you are and if it isn't any |
| start with your employment history, most recent first | | | | good, employers will never give you a chance at an |
| and working your way backwards, and then your | | | | interview, regardless of how good you are. |
| academic background | | | | An agency can be expensive, but I recommend that |
| * use bullet points to list all roles and duties in your | | | | you approach a freelancer to do this for you - it is a |
| workplace | | | | cheaper and more personal service (usually! |
| * always use power words where possible - so you | | | | |