The Winning CV
Keeping your CV up to date is important when you are job seeking. Knowing the dates you have worked in certain jobs and when you attended training sessions helps you to write out you curriculum vitae. It also stays fresh in your mind if you get questioned about past experiences in an interview.
Some people get scared of writing a resume. They either feel unsure of where to start with it, or feel uncomfortable selling themselves.
Even the modest person can show what they are capable of in their CV and cover letter. It’s best to show you are keen and able, rather than cocky and arrogant.
How to Begin
There are different styles of CV but the basic layout of what to include in the same across the board.
Always bear in mind who you are giving your CV to when writing it to keep you focused on the job. That way, everything you include will show relevant skills to the job you are applying for.
Your basic layout will include your full name and address as a header on the page. Put your contact details underneath (telephone numbers and email address). Make this stand out by changing the font and size. Ensure it is clear and looks professional. A modern CV may include a profile picture of yourself (looking presentable), but you do not have to do this.
The CV tends to be laid out paragraph by paragraph with a header for each. The order may be for example:
Personal Profile
Education
Subjects passed and Grades
Other Qualifications and Certificates
Career History
Hobbies and Interests
There are no set rules to how you set out your CV. You may want to juggle it about to suit you, depending on your experiences. If you have more ‘life’ skills than academic ones, then be sure to emphasize of these. Add your education at the end so that your potential employer sees the most important points first.
You can add two to four referees at the bottom of your CV if you wish, showing their names, position, relation to you and contact details.
Remember, employers have many resumes to get through, so they don’t want heavy text and pages of your job history. If a CV is too long (try your best to keep it to one side. Two maximum) it will just get tossed aside.
Keep your job history within the last ten years if you can (depending on your age of course). Put in a brief description of your position title and duties, showing off your skills the best you can.
Your Personal Profile needs to be a short paragraph about yourself. Explain what you are currently doing and where you want to go next. Show that you are keen to work in the field you are applying for.
If your CV looks bare because you have limited qualifications, or you have gaps between your employment, be sure to include any volunteer work. If you don’t think you have done any, think about any time you have helped out at your child’s school or scout group, church groups or local library.
Also make your hobbies look impressive to reflect your personality. If you read physics books, go mountaineering or holiday in unusual destinations, include them. Avoid mentioning you go to pubs and clubs. It will put you in a bad light.
Cover Letters
When you send your curriculum vitae off to employers, include a cover letter too.
This is to explain a little bit about yourself and the skills you have.
Your cover letter will be more direct and more detailed than your CV, although keep the letter quite short.
Show you have a positive and willing attitude, explaining briefly your experiences, skills and training and where you next want to take them. Show a keen interest in the company you are applying for, and be positive about the position you’ve gone for.
Your CV and cover letter need to stick out for your chance of an interview, so be bold and don’t be scared to sell yourself.
