CV Tips and Advice for Success
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- Summary
In a world dominated with the continual focus of presentation, quality and first impressions. The CV (curriculum vitae) has been for many years a benchmark for establishing an initial point of connection when applying for a work placement.
Whether, it is full time work or part time, an apprenticeship or internship, more and more in order to successful get past the first initial stages of the recruitment process a relevant and well structured CV and Covering letter is essential.
With each job application or internship vacancy that is posted these days there are often more than a ready supply of applicants for the position. With this in mind one must consider how to effectively structure a CV to provide the most clear outcome and perspective in selling oneself.
Tips for a Correct CV
Proof read the CV and Covering letter accordingly
Ask to have another person check and proof read the CV and Covering letter
Have a clear structure and focus
Be consistent with the writing style
Have the most recent information first
Be accurate and informative
Don't write too many lists
Be truthful about past experience and oneself
Adapt the CV to the vacancy applied for
Send an attached Covering letter
Breath some life into the CV, add a personal unique touch to the CV
For more advice on how to write a successful CV feel free to visit "CV Tips"
CV Mistakes and Errors
Write more than two pages
Write in multiple languages
Add in non relevant information
List poor grades or bad references
Use friends as references
Using non traditional fonts or symbols
Lie in the CV or break the law
Use Goofy emails (un-professional email addresses)
Have a poor descriptions (profile ) - this is one of the main selling parts of a CV and should be handled with care and consideration
Be too focused on job history
Spelling and grammar mistakes
Bad covering letter
Leave text for video link
For more advice on how not to write a CV feel free to visit "Unusual-Resume-Mistakes"
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While there are many different styles of acceptable CV's out there that can be used to highlight ones experience and skills for the most part most CV's should usually follow a similar structure as indicated below.
How to Structure a CV
- About: Contact Information (name and contact details)
- Profile: Short description of the applicant (this part should summarise the CV and express the main selling point of the CV)
- Skills: A breakdown of the main skills and competences that an applicant possess relating to previous experience and education that demonstrates ones ability to succeed in the applied vacancy
- Employment History: Starting with the most recent: a breakdown of the previous employment history tasks and duties carried out and main skills acquired
- Education: Summary of previous eduction most recent first highlighting final marks and degree qualification gained
- Achievements and Interests: Express any outstanding qualities or additional information that one may feel represents themselves and their abilities
- References: Used to support either past experience or qualifications to supplement a CV.
- Personal: Any other additional information such as languages spoken or driving licence etc
In conclusion a CV is an expression and summary of ones abilities and competences to demonstrate a certain level of aptitude and consideration. Most importantly a CV should be a truthful representation of ones self with the aim of selling and emphasising ones main qualities in relation to the vacancy applied for.
The advantage of developing a clear concise CV and Covering letter will help increase the chances of getting past the first hurdle in the selection process.
However, a good CV alone will not guarantee a job offer. For each vacancy that is posted up today in today's job market will have on average over a 100 different applicants. A good CV and Covering letter on average will help the recruiters screen off at least half of those who have applied leaving the rest to prove their value and worth in the next stages of the recruitment process.
For more information about how to prepare for an interview and to help guide the main points that a recruiter is looking for feel free to visit “Essential tips for an Interview ”