If asked to choose between a Porsche and a Ford Pinto you are likely to choose more powerful, flashier of the two. The same applies to CVs. Employers will always, always, always select the applicant who appears strongest on paper. Therefore, the task of sitting and actually composing such a masterful document can be a daunting one. But it does not have to be.
This guide from ScotJobsNet will guide you through basics of writing a CV, and help make your next application process a breeze.
What is a CV?
CV is an abbreviation of the Latin term ‘Curriculum Vitae’, a phrase which translates to ‘Course of Life’. A CV, therefore, should provide a condensed version of your life, skills and experience, relevant to the position you desire. It is a document which should “sell” you to an employer; an application which proves you are a unique asset.
How long should my CV be?
A CV should be no longer than 2 sides of A4. Any more than that and an employer will usually disregard it entirely, significantly less and you are not showing your full potential.
What should my CV contain?
Within your CV, there is some vital information you should include. This tends to fall under a number of subheadings, as listed below.
• Personal Details/Contact Information:
This is the information which an employer will use to contact you. You should include your full name, address, telephone number and email address. Sometimes you will be urged to include your date of birth but this is not always necessary (and not including it can negate age discrimination).Do not waste your word count writing screeds and screeds.
• Personal Statement:
This should be the opening paragraph on your CV. It is a concise, no more than 200 words, statement designed to give a solid first impression and truly begin selling yourself. With a limited space, you should only talk about what matters. Mention a few skills you posses, achievements you have gained, and your goals. Also leave space for a comment on education.
A personal statement cannot be copied and pasted between CV’s. Each one should be tailor made for the job to which you are applying, since different skills are needed by different employers.
Here is an example of what a good person statement might look like:
“My name is John Smith, and I am a hardworking English graduate with three years experience as a journalist with The Newspaper. I have excellent team management and communication skills, developed through my handling of a small group of employees previously. I am looking to further develop my skills in English by pursuing a career as a teacher”.
• Education/Qualifications:
Here you will discuss the extent of your education. If you are a University or College graduate, you should talk about your degree and the skills which it helped you develop. The same should be applied to High School only if you are a recent leaver and moving straight into employment. Once you have talked briefly (no more than four or five sentences, if not one or two) about education, you will then list your qualifications.
Do this in the form of a table. Qualifications should be listed in descending order; with the most recently earned at the top.
If there is a particularly poor grade, a fail, or something completely irrelevant and you are struggling for room, then do not include it. You are selling the best version of yourself for this job.
• Work Experience:
This is where you talk about previous places of employment. Discuss the duties your previous jobs entailed, the skills you developed during that time and the achievements you gained.
This is an opportunity to set out your best qualities with accompanying proof. So, rather than just claiming to have good customer service, you can exemplify a time when this was the case.
Try only to discuss relevant skills. This usually means skipping across the routine day-to-day. If you mopped floors at a toy store and now are applying for a teaching role then there is no need to mention the cleaning duties.
It is not just about discussing skills. It is about relating them to the job you are applying for now. Convince an employer that your skills make you more suited to this job than the next applicant.
• Achievements:
Achievements are those moments in your life that have particular relevance. For a CV, it is best to keep them work related; perhaps a promotion or leading a team. Sometimes there will be an opportunity to write about non-work achievements. When doing this, ensure that the success displays a quality or skill which is valuable to your employer.
• Interests/Hobbies:
This paragraph should be short, sweet and, above all, relevant. Avoid the clichés such as socialising, reading and watching movies. Any hobby or interest mentioned should be applicable to the job. They should show you as a varied, interesting person. Think outside the box too: the most unusual hobby might be the difference between you and the previous applicant.
• Skills:
This is a chance to list the skills which make you right for the job. Only choose those which represent you as the ideal candidate. Make sure to provide accompanying proof of the skill (such as where you have used and developed it previously). This list only needs to include four or five strong examples. Importantly, as with anything on your CV, you absolutely must not lie!
• References:
References can be included in the work experience portion of your CV. It is here that you will provide names and contact details for previous employers.
It is not necessary to claim that these references are “Available upon Request”. The employer knows this, so telling them again throws away your valuable word count.
What are the final checks?
Before submitting your CV, there are a few final steps which must be completed; things which can increase your chances of gaining the job. They are:
• Spelling and Grammar Checking: These can easily be ironed out with a computer programme. Having these mistakes will reflect poorly on your ability for obvious reasons.
• Removing Excessive Buzzwords and Clichés: Have a look at this previous article for tips and suggestions -on how to avoid Buzzwords on your CV.
• Organising a Suitable Layout: Your CV should be concise and easy to read. This means creating a simple layout. Before an employer even reads your CV, the layout will be their first impression of you.
• Ensure It Is Tailored to The job: CV’s are not transferrable between different jobs. Make sure that the CV you submit is suited to the job you are applying for.
Follow this simple guide and you will have the basis for a really great CV. Of course, this is not enough. What is vital in a CV is you, and making you shine. That is something that only you can achieve.
