CV Writing Tips for Job Seekers
The following CV writing tips highlight features of an effective CV
For most job seekers, the job market is a buyer’s that is, an employer’s market.
With so many talented people in the job market, the onus is on the candidates to sell themselves to the employer. Firstly you need to decide – is it going to be a CV or a resume?
A CV is similar to a resume in that it provides more details about one’s professional qualifications, experience and education. However, the term “Curriculum Vitae” most often called CV, typically carries a different meaning depending on whether one distributes the CV within the US, Canada or internationally (external to the US or Canada) or is seeking a faculty, academic, research, clinical or scientific position.
You can turn your updated resume into a CV by adding relevant detailed information and expanding the descriptions of your educational and professional experiences.
The general rule for all types of international CVs is –“so shorter it is so better results are”. Check how long CV.
One of the most important features of an effective CV is that it looks forward rather than back and addresses the needs of the job being applied for. Many CVs, by contrast, are more concerned with what the job seeker has done, instead of what they want to do next.
Focus your CV. Ideally, a CV will have a clear and well-defined objective that fits well with the position sought. In such a way, it is far more likely that the candidate has a carefully thought out career plan and that the position sought fits into their long-term goals. Customize it for a particular position: if you have done both R&D and manufacturing but you are looking for a position in manufacturing, emphasize your manufacturing experience.
Another aspect of focus in the CV is the exclusion of irrelevant material, especially past experience. However, should be matched to the key accountabilities, requirements or key competencies required.
In addition, quantify your experience wherever possible. Cite numerical figures, such as monetary budgets, funds saved, sales target or budgets achieved, projects completed, time periods, efficiency improved, lines of code written/debugged, numbers of machines administered/fixed, etc. which demonstrate progress or accomplishments due directly to your work.
An effective CV will highlight the candidate’s skills, knowledge, attributes, competencies, professional approach, achievements, qualifications and experience described in terms of what the job seeker can do to solve the employer’s problem.
Experience generally weights very heavily and should be emphasized over education.
An executive summary on page 1 (whatever the title may be – Key Strengths, Professional Competencies etc.) should bring to the employer’s immediate attention the candidate’s best selling features in relation to the position.
To boost your chances of getting past the screening process, follow the first rule of marketing: “Give’em what they want”. Here, you can try to reflect back on the very words (keywords) they have used in their ad. Also, give specific examples of how and where you have done the things, they are asking for.
Finally, this is not the time to be humble. Include as many relevant points as possible, without going overboard (save a few trump cards for the interview).
Professional, eye-catching presentation demands no errors in spelling or grammar, well-organized layout, consistent use of fonts and styles, and lots of white space!
So, when you have written a first attempt at your CV, get someone else to look at it and tell you how to make it better. What you have written may seem simple and obvious to you, but not to an employer!
Check the spelling and grammar of your CV and cover letter. Use the word processor’s spell and grammar checker. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation and usage errors in English or other language or if you need help in organizing your job application, CV or cover letter send it to a professional for assistance.
You may run your job search right now, but when you find some suitable jobs you must apply immediately with your current CV or resume and cover letter.
Remember that your CV must be targeted, scannable and generate hits. If you have difficulty with your CV writing instead of staring at a blank piece of paper, use CV samples and CV templates.
Most recruiters expect to receive a cover letter together with your CV. So, prepare a cover letter convincing the reader why you are the best candidate for the interview using cover letter writing tips.
Other CV Writing Tips Info
To be successful in your country job search and get the jobs you want, you need to prepare a cover letter and CV or resume which you must email instantly to the prospective employers selected during a job search.
When you receive an invitation to the interview, you may apply for a visa and work permit. Then prepare yourself and take a look at the dress code because how you dress is one of the most important attributes in being hired.
Check the job interview dos & don’ts, job interview tips and other job search skills pages. Find out why people are not hired for available jobs.
In addition, on international job search, visas, work permits, cover letters, CVs & resumes, job interviews and dress codes pages, you will find very useful tips for many different countries.
Good luck with your CV writing Tips!
