A Good CV can open doors for you!
Your first contact with the employer is your CV. If it is just right, you are ‘in’, and the rest of the process follows smoothly. This is not to say, that the interviews and evaluations that follow are not important, but there you have the advantage of thinking on your feet, changing and adapting, using facial expressions and the tone of your voice to influence the situation. This is a luxury not afforded to you when emailing a CV.
A CV is impersonal. In most instances the employer will receive your CV in amongst many other keen applicants for the same position. The employer will almost certainly be time pressured as has become the norm in the modern world. Your CV has to make the right impression, an impression that ensures your CV is chosen above others.
It is improper to set parameters, as to the format, number of pages, fonts or colours. However, a CV has to be appropriate. It should serve the purpose and have the greatest possible impact. Let me share some of the features which I would look for in order to choose or discard a CV.
If the CV is lengthy, too many pages, attachments I did not ask for, or unnecessary details, it sure puts me off. An ‘odd’ CV will have to be outstanding to capture my attention. Why not make it a bit more personal by adding your photograph. I like to look at the face of a candidate, it can tell you a lot.
When I look at a CV, I need to know how serious the candidate is about the position applied for. I evaluate neatness, structure and how well balanced the layout is. Not too gaudy and not too simple. Was the CV tailor-made and specifically written to the needs of this position? Or was it a generic document sprayed to as many employers, agencies and job boards as possible?
Many positions are advertised with certain prerequisites, i.e. qualification, location, languages etc. The same should be easy to identify in the CV. It is not wise, and most probably a complete waste of time to apply for positions where one does not meet the essential criteria.
As to the content, choose words and construct sentences wisely, emphasising the qualifications and experience required. Time will be pressured for the reader so long paragraphs will not be read and not appreciated. Do not claim to be something you are not, and always be honest. This is very important. It is very unlikely that you will be able to get away with it anayway.
An executive summary should not be more than half a page, preferably even less. Highlighting your career path, achievements and experience. Do not be repetitive. Personal details and qualifications are best left out of an executive brief and included in the main CV.
A good CV is a well written, drafted and crafted by the author. Remember this is the first stage, there will be many more to go. Do not show yourself as something you are not, and anything less than what you are.
Best of luck.
This Blog was created for Mood Group by a leading industry specialist who is a director of one of the largest packaging groups in the region and a person that we have immense respect for. During his significant career he has employed or been involved in the employment decisions that will have shaped many candidates careers and indeed their family prospects and fortunes. We are very grateful for his contribution as our guest blogger.