If you want the most suitable CV, you will need to get organised. A winning CV needs to have a special kind of writing style. Sarah Berry, professional CV Writer London and best selling author of Write a Perfect CV in a Weekend has this advice to offer you: “If you are currently in any doubt about your CV get it reviewed straightaway”.
Let’s take a closer look at CV writing
Having a pretty good CV nowadays may not be enough and you may need to reassess improving your CV. Many things have changed in the last few years concerning CVs most notably the change to loading and searching for your CV online. You may be straight out of college or university and searching for your new job or mid-career and seeking a change in job or career move, either way to are seeking to generate employment leads and opportunities. Recruiters base their decision to invite you to interview based only on what you present in your CV. Have you got the sales strategies right for the level of job you are choosing? Are you considering in terms of what the employer is looking for and chosen to rewrite your CV accordingly rather just add new information to the existing CV? Have you taken time to update your CV writing skills in light of the latest transformations in the employment market?
A lot of people worry about accuracy in their CV, staying clear of such things as spelling errors. However, it is generally the structure and content of the CV that let’s most job seekers down. They may not seem like much to worry about, but when you think that most personnel managers get hundreds of applications for one job, it’s obvious that a good CV can make the ultimate difference. Some candidates spend more time planning an interview outfit than writing their new CV. Adopt the right approach from the beginning. Your CV and the quality of your CV are key to the future success of your applications. The fact is your CV is key to your success!
What are the most common CV writing mistakes
Listed below are the most common pitfalls; if you would like more advice on how to develop your CV, consider ordering a full and comprehensive CV review from Career Consultants. Make sure you avoid the simple mistakes that so many people make on their CV and you are guaranteed success.
Not tailoring the CV. In the last decade it was alright to have a general CV, however in today’s competitive job market, you need a CV that is targeted towards the job that you want to apply for. A standard CV conveys the message that you are desperate to find any job. A CV that has been tailored towards a specific job shows that you have thought carefully about how you can benefit the prospective employer. With time and effort spent on selecting your capabilities and by focusing on the company and not yourself, you will convey your sales message.
Ignoring the demands of the job advertisement in terms of what the employer is looking for. It is too easy to skip the questions because you are in a rush or you want to see if you can get away with not doing it. Many people think that they can expand on things when they get to the interview without considering whether they will get an interview. Take time to read the advertisement in detail and pick out and answer the employer’s requests. What can you sell in terms of your personality? What capabilities are needed for this job? Has the employer asked for specific factual requirements? Have you identified them in your CV? Does your CV answer all of the prospective employer’s requests? Waffling too much. How long is your CV? The ideal length is two to three pages and one page for the covering letter. If you have just left college you will have less to say, but don’t pad your CV out with waffle. One page of useful information is undoubtedly worth far more than two pages of irrelevant facts.
Putting information in the wrong order. Your introduction is one of the most important parts of the CV. So many job hunters hide their personal details at the end of the CV and others often omit details like age, marital status and contact details. The sell is vital in terms of CV writing but most candidates choose to bombard the reader with personal profile sections, career history and education. Candidates forget to mention what they have for sale. Hence the most important part of the sell is the capability section. What have you put up for sale on your CV? Have you clearly identified your level of expertise and competence? Have you done everything you can to convince and reassure your reader that an investment in your skills is a good choice?
Focusing too much on your education. Your educational qualifications should help you to pitch your CV at the right level but should not detract the employer from your skills and employment record.
Making reference to irrelevant information. The employer is interested in how you can benefit the organization rather than what you do at weekends. It is essential that you keep your CV focused on job related matters.
Take one last look at your CV. Does it sell your benefits to the prospective employers? Does it read like an proposal rather than just a long list of past achievements? Will it help you to secure a new position? Do you feel that your CV sells how you can add value to an organization?