Get the Job You Want
Sort out your CV/resume in 10 easy steps
1. Make a first draft
Write down your current job title and list all the things you do and are responsible for on a day-to-day basis. Re-read what you've written and try to prioritise your responsibilities. Think about what skills you need to do what you do. What have you done in your current role that has made you most proud?
Asking yourself these questions will not only get you in a CV/resume frame of mind, it will provide you with all the information you need.
2. Choose a format
Now you've got the knowledge you need - it's time to decide how to package it. There are three standard types of CV/resume and each has its advantages.
The Chronological CV/resume
This is almost an industry standard. Use it if your work history is stable and each move has seen you climb steadily up the career ladder. This type of CV is not the best choice if you have had frequent job changes. |
The Functional CV/resume
For those who have experienced spates of unemployment or sporadic job changes. This CV/resume lists skills and responsibilities, rather than employment dates or company names. |
The Prioritised CV/resume
A format for those about to undertake a career change, or whose current skills are not directly relevant to the job applied for. This CV/resume prioritises the work experience which is most relevant to the job you want. |
3. Don't make it too long
Work to a maximum length of two-pages. No-one has the time to read overly long CV/resumes.
4. Or too clever
Choose your content and your words carefully. Treat your CV/resume as an outline of your job history. Highlight your strengths and abilities using active verbs such as "responsible" and "achieved", which have universal appeal.
5. Type it, don't write it
Type your CV/resume, using no fancy fonts or flourishes. This is a case of emphasising substance over style.
6. Tailor the content
Don't be tempted to send the same CV/resume to every potential employer. Make sure you tailor the content a little for each role.
7. Exaggerators beware
Don't exaggerate your achievements and, if your success was as a result of teamwork, identify it as such. It will make your claims more believable.
8. Spelling
Poor spelling and grammatical mistakes can cost you a role. Run the spell checker, read your CV/resume more than once or, better still, ask a friend to proof-read it for you.
9. Alert your referees
As a courtesy and to ensure contact details are still current, check your referees before you use their name.
10. And don't mention the money
Unless asked directly, it is advisable to keep your current salary to yourself. Otherwise, if you earn too little or too much, you will have ruled yourself out before you even reach the door.
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