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tips for writing a CV or résumé
(In American
English, a summary of your work history is typically known as a résumé;
however, in British English, the word CV (the abbreviation of curriculum
vitae) is preferred. For the purposes of this article, we will use the word
CV to refer to both.)
First impressions are
crucial. When you meet people, you weigh them up within seconds. Are they
organized, dynamic, trustworthy? Employers reading your CV effectively
‘meet’ you for the first time. They ask themselves the same questions about you
and make their decision within seconds.
That is why making the right first impression with
your CV is crucial.
1 Make your CV easy to read
Research shows
that one thing recruiters expect in
a CV is ease of reading. By making yours easy to read, you are demonstrating a
valuable transferable skill from the outset: the ability to present information
in a coherent, appealing manner. Ways
of making your CV easy to read include:
· short sentences and paragraphs
·
good
use of bullet points
·
appropriate typefaces
2 Use language employers want
to hear
The key points
you write about your experience and skills must match those required for the
job as advertised. Mirror key terms used in the ad, but avoid repeating word
for word what the ad says. Find the right ‘tone of voice’. Your language does
not need to be overly formal—but do not be too informal either. And avoid unnecessary jargon.
3 Presentation is
everything
Think of your CV
as an advertising brochure: it is advertising you. It should be as
visually attractive as you can make it. At the very least, it has to be neat
and tidy. Using lots of different typefaces will make it look cluttered and
untidy. Choosing the right type size is
also important.
And never print your CV double-sided.
4 Be concise yet
informative
The standard
length for a CV is two pages (on separate sheets). If you write more than that,
for most jobs it is unlikely to be read. However, if you have more than 10
years of work experience, your CV may be longer. Your challenge is
to condense your
experience, career history, skills, and talents in the most effective way.
Every word you
use has to count, has to have a purpose. In a CV, short is good.
Short words, short sentences, short paragraphs.
5 Edit your CV with a
fine-tooth comb
Employers
automatically reject a CV containing spelling mistakes or typos. This is fact,
not just a myth invented by teachers and lecturers. That means you must make
sure your CV is absolutely typo-free and has correct grammar.
And do not rely
on spellcheckers. They accept
things like ‘there responsibilities include’ instead of ‘their
responsibilities’.
6 Dynamic verbs make a
good impression
Your CV should
make it clear what you have achieved to date. That will give employers a clue
about what you will be able to achieve. Active, dynamic verbs put the
emphasis on your achievements.
For example, ‘I
devised and implemented a new system’ makes your active role very
clear. Writing ‘I was responsible for a new system’ would be ambiguous: did you invent
it, or did you merely manage it?
7 Know what to include,
what to exclude
There is no set pattern for CVs, but they all must
include certain things, such as personal details and skills and qualifications.
·
You are not obliged to include your interests, though
people usually do.
·
However, if you can present them in a way that
highlights skills relevant to the job, including them is beneficial.
·
It is not necessary to state your nationality.
·
You do not have to give the names of referees at this
stage, unless the ad specifically requests them.
·
Depending on the level of job applied for, if you have
already had a couple of jobs or so, you do not have to elaborate on your
performance at university or college.
8 Decide what type of CV
suits you
There are three main types:
1. Chronological, which lists
your career history in reverse chronological order, with your current job
described first.
3. A one-page
summary, which condenses your career history and dynamicallysummarizes your
key strengths.
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