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Trends and fashions
change from year to year, but some CVs that we and potential employers
receive look like remnants from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. If your
CV looks dated, it will reach the recycle bin within moments. This
simple guide will help you to revitalise your first and biggest selling
point.
CVs and their
covering letters are the first impression you make on any future employer,
particularly if sent directly to the organisation, as this will determine
whether an interview will be set up.
Both CV and letter
must be checked for grammar and spelling. It's best to ask someone
else to proof read them. When you've been immersed in text and
working closely with the document, it's hard to spot the errors. Don't
just rely on the spell checker, design terminology isn't always found We've lost count of how many resumes have their
headings misspelled, CIRRICULUM VITAE is popular, so is CURRICULUM VITA.
Covering Letter
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When
writing in response to an advert directly to the company, make sure
the advert title, reference number, date and publication is mentioned
at the beginning. Then follow with a paragraph highlighting your
skills and experience relative to the job on offer. Refrain from
overselling and being too confident. They do not want a shortened
version of your CV, they just need a short letter telling them why you should be considered for the job.
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If
you are sending a circular, don't make the mistake
of making it sound like one. Personalised letters show you are
serious about their company. Make sure you are sending it to the
right person and adapt each letter so it is relevant to that particular
company. This is virtually impossible if you are sending out 100
in one batch. So don't. Send out say, 10 at a time, making sure
each letter shows that you know about their company. You can then
realistically follow up the letters with a call before sending
the next 10.
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The
covering letter to a recruitment consultancy should be brief.
Mention any advert you are replying to and if more of an inquiring
letter, then in a few lines tell us about the type of job that would
interest you. Also let us know your current salary and benefits
package (including pension, car, health insurance, bonus etc.),
would you prefer to commute or are you willing to relocate?
Also let us know what your availability is, i.e., your notice period
or whether you're not currently in work. All these particulars should
be in the letter, not on your CV.
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Remember
that e-mailed letters are equally important and equally scrutinised.
People seem to assume that it doesn't matter if the spelling or
grammar is bad if it is sent electronically. A great many covering
notes e-mailed to us, are of extremely poor layout and quality.
Paragraphs and margins should still be adhered to. Most WP packages
have a help facility to assist in letter writing. If you're not
sure, use it.
The CV
We
prefer a two page rather than a one page CV. The latter tend to be
too brief and not informative enough. By all means go onto a third page
if necessary, although this is more applicable the more experience
you have. Avoid too many gimmicks or trying to be too different. Luminous
green paper might stand out but will give the reader a headache and
end up in the bin. Avoid designing your CV like a small notebook or
a large flip chart, particularly when sending to a recruitment consultant. If they do not fit in the reader's file then they
may be put aside. Recruitment consultants generally prefer A4 CVs
for ease of use, copying and faxing. An electronic copy is even better.
Examples of your work can be included but only if the copy quality
is good and is a reflection of your abilities. If unsure, leave out.
Here are some further pointers.
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Use an easy to read font, pleasing to the eye.
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Leave
a border all round for the recipient to make notes.
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Use
capitals and bold text to emphasise headings and different sections
of your CV.
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Don't
borrow someone else's style of CV, try to create your own, but keeping
it simple and easy to follow.
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Begin
with personal details, qualifications and courses attended. Then
outline your work history chronologically with your current employer
first. Include the dates, your title, responsibilities and successes,
bearing in mind the job you are applying for. Don't just list duties,
try and include achievements or promotions. Your most recent experience
in your current or last position should be more detailed than experience
gained in previous jobs 5 or 6 years ago.
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Ensure
you have no gaps in your work history. Missing years will always
be noticed. A month or two out of work is understandable but if
you went travelling or took a break include this in the section
with dates and a brief outline of what you did during this time.
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Interests
are fine as long as they are interesting and don't take up a whole
page. An unusual interest may give a good talking point during the
interview. Avoid trying to be witty or listing socialising, pubbing
and clubbing, unless you know the employer is going to look favourably
at it.
- If you want
to include a paragraph at the beginning outlining your skills, avoid
entitling it 'Profile' or 'Summary'. Too many standard
CVs start with this. Instead use a paragraph such as 'Skills' and
make sure you include IT, CAD (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Microstation, 3D Studio Max, Viz, SolidWorks etc.) and any other software packages such as Adobe Photoshop and
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, Outlook etc.) that
you are familiar with. Also mention your familiarity with the internet.
- Bullet points
are useful and can draw attention to the information, but don't pepper
the CV with too many and likewise too many headings and graphics.
- Finally, don't
be afraid to show it to your friends to get their first impression.
They might have some constructive criticism or they may surprise you
by complimenting you on an excellent CV!
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