Everyone needs a CV (Curriculum Vitae). Especially now, when jobs are at such a premium, it makes sense to have a CV or résumé and keep it updated. CVs are useful, not just for finding a job or winning promotions but also for keeping track of career progression. But what’s the secret to making a CV a good one?
Avoid the temptation to write too much
A CV should be no more than two pages, preferably one if you’re young or have less experience. There are few exceptions to this – one is an academic or medic with a string of research papers, another is a director with a strong portfolio of companies to his or her name. For most people two pages is definitely the limit. Employers don’t have time to read a whole life history – it’s quality not quantity that counts.
Use a Curriculum Vitae template
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Most CVs follow a standard format and that format is out there – on the web, on CD or in books. What’s important is to take the basic Curriculum Vitae template and make it your own, a unique résumé with your own information and in your own style. The final document should reflect you and the post applied for.
Go for clarity
To begin with, write down anything and everything – so long as it’s relevant. Then prune ruthlessly, leaving only the most important points. A CV should have lots of white space. Every word needs to make a point and earn its place.
Tailor a CV
A CV should be tailored to the job. It’s fine to prepare a generic CV, this can then be adapted to suit the position. Most people have a range of skills, but not all skills will be relevant to any one job. Above all, the content should be honest, and never include skills or experience that the applicant doesn’t have. But it makes sense to highlight relevant expertise – the individual skills of most value to this particular post. That means homework – researching the job and the company and using words that match the industry.
Layout and design
A CV isn’t an essay – break up the text with categories (Education, Employment, etc) and bullet points. That way the crucial information stands out. Curriculum Vitae templates provide advice on this. Use standard fonts: Times New Roman or Arial and avoid images (such as a photo), colours or anything fancy. The only exception is for those applying for creative jobs like artists and graphic designers. Here the CV is part of a package, showcasing what the applicant can do. It might not even look like a CV at all. If you’re not a creative, go for the professional look – clear and business-like.
Prioritise the content
The most relevant categories should be nearest the top. Applicants with recent work experience should put Employment before Education. Then, within Employment, put the most recent experience first. If the most recent experience is not the most relevant, still put it first but give more coverage to the relevant post/s. Then emphasise the most relevant ones in the covering letter.
People with little work experience, or for whom Education is the greater strength can put Education before Employment. People with excellent qualifications and plenty of work experience might want to think about having a Key Skills section and put that first under the Personal Profile. The Key Skills category emphasises significant expertise that cuts across individual positions, eg,Twenty Years’ Experience Teaching 14-16 Year Olds; Ten Years on Several Boards of Governors.
Applicants should stress their ‘people’ skills
Most jobs involve interaction with others even if it’s not an specific part of the role (like sales or help desk work). Increasingly, employers are looking for staff who can communicate effectively; team skills are also highly valued. Most people have some experience in this area, even if it’s on a personal level, such as through sport, voluntary work or managing a family.
Ask someone to look at the completed CV
Before submitting a CV, ask someone to look at it. A fresh eye can pick up small mistakes in spelling and punctuation, apart from any more serious errors. Ideally, ask a professional – someone who works in recruitment, career guidance or the job seeking sector, rather than a colleague or friend.
Also consider first whether the particular person chosen is an appropriate choice, and whether they’ll be unbiased. Could there be a competitive element or potential conflict of interest? If in doubt as to someone’s suitability, choose someone else.
The covering letter
A CV isn’t enough on its own. It should be sent with a short covering letter which introduces the applicant, explains why they’re applying and indicates suitability. Like the CV, a good covering letter involves considerable thought and can make a big difference as to whether the application goes through to the next stage.
It’s not just a CV
A CV or résumé and the associated covering letter is the first introduction an employer has to an applicant. Before submitting the CV, applicants should ask themselves whether it highlights their education, skills and expertise honestly, and in the best possible way? If not, some fine tuning might be needed.
At the interview, expect to be questioned on the information included and prepare accordingly. Good preparation (researching and rehearsing one’s own experience and the job applied for) increases confidence and improves performance. It may make all the difference.
Ellie Stevenson - Ellie writes on history, travel, careers & the arts. Her novel, Ship of Haunts (http://tinyurl.com/cyryp2m) is on Amazon as an ebook.
Join the Conversation