Writing a CV 2

Doing a reassessment of the Clinic, i decided to do a re-write on the topic Writing a CV. I believe there is more to be said and more to be punched. I did a little research and i was able to get something good from the Internet so we can end this topic.


A Short Guide to Preparing your CV
CV's are called a variety of things such as curriculum vitae or resume. There is no commonly agreed format and what follows is a general guide for you to prepare your CV.
The most important feature of a successful CV is that it clearly explains to the potential employer what it is that you can do for them. Therefore, you should write your CV from the perspective of the reader by putting yourself in their shoes and thinking about what it is they are looking for and what you have to offer.
Your CV should be:
• A well-presented, selling document
• A source of interesting, relevant information
• A script for talking about yourself.


The Purpose of Your CV
The purpose of your CV is not to get you the job. Its purpose is to get you an interview, and after your meeting to remind the person you met about you. Think of the decision to recruit as a buying decision on the part of an employer, with you as the potential purchase!! With this in mind, your CV should:
• Meet the needs of your target employer where possible - this may mean that a single generalist CV is not sufficient; you may want to consider modifying your CV for each job application you make.
• Highlight your achievements and how they relate to the job you are applying for. It must give the reader a clear indication of why you should be considered for this role.
Guidelines for writing your CV
To decide what to include in your CV and where, follow these principles and guidelines:
• Generally, the document should contain no more than 2 pages.
• Your CV should be honest and factual.
• The first page should contain enough personal details for the potential employer to contact you easily.
• Choose a presentation format that allows you to headline key skills, key achievements or key attributes.
• Your employment history should commence with your current or most recent job and work backwards.
• Achievements should be short, bullet-pointed statements and include your role, the action you took and a comment on the result of your action.
• Where information clearly demonstrates your suitability for the vacancy you're applying for, and enhances your chances of being short-listed, include this information near the beginning of the CV.
• Leave out information that is irrelevant or negative.
Include details of recent training or skills development events you have attended which could be relevant.
• List all your professional memberships and relevant qualifications
The most common contents of a CV include:
• Personal Details
• Skills and Career Summary
• Key Achievements
• Qualifications
• Career History


Guidelines on setting out your CV
When you submit your CV it is likely to be the first thing your potential employer sees or reads about you. Therefore, you need to present your CV well and make it user friendly. For example:
• Lay your CV out neatly
• Don't make the margins too deep or too narrow
• Resist writing lengthy paragraphs - be concise
• Careful use of bold type can be effective
• Typefaces such as Times New Roman or Arial are fairly standard
• Do not use a type size less than 11pt.
• Check for spelling or typographical errors - whoever actually types your CV, errors are YOUR responsibility. Don't rely on a spell checker. If you're not sure about a word, resort to a dictionary. Sloppiness and lack of care could be heavily penalised.


Summary
Always remember:
• You must feel comfortable with your CV. It's yours – you need to feel you own it.
• Always take a copy to an interview.
• If possible, tailor each CV for each job application.
Don't forget: The ultimate test of YOUR CV is whether it meets the needs of the person making the buying decision, and whether YOU feel comfortable with its content and style.


Reference: Scott Wilson