How to Write a Great First CV

8/20/2019 How to Write a Great First CV

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How to Write a Great First CV

(Resume)

Norman Creaney


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Interchangable Terminology

Curriculum Vitae

"a brief biographicalrésumé of one's career and

training, as prepared by a person applying for a job."- Dictionary.com

More common term in theUK

Résumé

"a brief written account of personal, educational, and

professional qualifications andexperience, as that prepared byan applicant for a job."- Dictionary.com

More common term in the USA


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Why do I Need a CV?

Many employers will askfor one

Think of your CV as a

brochure designed topromote you

Take some time and effortand create a really greatCV - it will be worth theeffort

In an application form youare limited in what youcan say about yourself -you can only answer the

questions that are asked

In your CV, you are incontrol. Take advantageof this and show yourselfin the best possible light


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Your CV is a Work-In-Progress

Keep a master CV, which isupdated cumulatively as youprogress in your career:

add to it only when you havenew experience orachievements to record

delete from it only as olderitems appear less significantin the light of newexperience

Each time you apply for a job, make a copy of yourmaster CV:

edit the copy to reflectthe specific requirementsof the job you areapplying for

keep careful records ofwhat was submitted forwhich vacancies


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What Should I Put in my CV?

The pasthow have you spent your life so far?what have you achieved?

The presentwhat are you currently doing?what have you learnt from what you have done in the past?

The Futurewhere do you want to end up?how do you plan to get there?


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The Past

How have you spent your life so far?schools and colleges attended (with dates)qualifications attained (with dates and grades)employers and job titles (with dates)student/vacation work (with dates)

What have you achieved?

Do you have any sporting achievements?Do you play a musical instrument? Do you play in a band or orchestra? Are/were you a member of any student clubs societies?Have you undertaken any voluntary work?Have you ever won any prizes or awards?Have you taken a leadership role or position of responsibility with respectto any of the above?


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The Present

Subject or industry specific skills:

For an IT professional you might list the programming languages that youhave used - indicating your level of experience in each.If you are a school teacher you might list the subjects and levels at whichyou have taught.

Generic or transferable skills:

Can you write well?Can you communicate effectively on the telephone?

Can you fit in to their team? Are you reliableCan you be trusted with money?

Do you have any leadership ability?


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Which Candidate Impresses you more?

Candidate 1:

"I gained considerable experience indealing with the public during my

summer job as receptionist for the Ramada Hotel, Portrush. Thisinvolved responding to enquiries onthe telephone and registering guestson arrival. I feel much more confidentin dealing with the public now."

Candidate 2:

"I am good atdealing with the

public."


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Can You Describe a Situation WhenYou Have Demonstrated any of the

Following Qualities?

Hard working

Good attitudePleasant personalityPunctualReliableLeadership QualitiesInitiativeCommon Sense

Honest

FlexibleFocused

AmbitiousSelf motivatedOrganisedResponsibleEnthusiasticResourceful


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The Future

It is good to have a career goal. It indicates that you areambitious and are taking your career seriously.

Your goal should be ambitious but achievable.

You should be knowledgeable about what your goalentails, and be prepared to discuss it at interview.You should have a realistic plan for achieving your goalThe job for which you are applying should be part of thatplan.


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Which Candidate Impresses you More?

Candidate 1:

"I want to spend four yearsworking in web design and

development to getexperience of thetechnologies and thebusiness. After that I intendto become an internetentrepreneur."

Candidate 2:

"I'm not really sure what Iwant to do. I thought about

web design but then I didn'tknow if there would be any jobs. Maybe I'm more suitedto management."


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How should I Organise my CV?

Use bullet point - or short paragraphs - within each of thesesections.

Personal Details - simple, factual information.Career Goal - this section is optional but if you decide to include it, be

prepared to discuss it at interview.Educational History - bullet point your progress (with dates)Employment History - bullet point your progress (with dates)Skills and achievements - say when & how you have demonstrated theseReferees - make sure you ask their permission firstLeisure Activities - this section should be kept fairly short unless you have

something very interesting to say.

Within each section, put more recent items above older ones


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The Person Reading your CV is Busy

... so use structure, layout and formatting to help him.

Keep the structure, formatting and layout simple, logical andconsistent.

Use layout such as white space, indentation and bullet lists:to emphasise important information such as datesto enable the reader to scan quickly to the information he isinterested in.

Keep the text of each item brief but self contained.

Your CV should normally be no longer than two sides.Do not use a font that is smaller than 11 point Times New Roman(or equivalent) - 12 point is even better.


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Write, Read, Revise ... Repeat ...

Writing is an iterative process that may include multiplecycles of proof-reading and revision.It is very difficult to proof-read your own writing so it is bestto get the help of a friend.

If you cannot get a friend to help then it may help to:

Read your writing aloud to yourself - this often uncoversproblems that would otherwise go unnoticed.Do not try to do everything at the one session - leavesome time between writing and proof-reading.


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Ac-cen-tuate the Positive

In all communication with apotential employer:

1. Clearly indicate yourpositive attributes –emphasising those that aremost relevant to thevacancy.

2. Say nothing about yournegative attributes – unlessyou’re specifically asked.

3. Be truthful – do not tell anylies.

Mister In-Between~ Johnny Mercer & Harold Arlen

"You've got to accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative. Latch on to the affirmative. Don't mess with Mister In-Between."


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Related Materials

How to Write a Great First CV (Resume)

http://knol.google.com/k/-/-/1hzaxtdr9c09g/12#

How to Write a Great Cover Letter

http://knol.google.com/k/-/-/1hzaxtdr9c09g/24#
http://knol.google.com/k/-/-/1hzaxtdr9c09g/24#http://knol.google.com/k/-/-/1hzaxtdr9c09g/12#

Documents

How to Write a Great First CV