| Length Try using space as liberally as possible. Do not clog your CV onto one A4 size page. Take two pages but give enough area for your track record! Style There are two main styles of CV, with variations in them. Chronological: Information is included under general headings - education, work experience, etc., with the most recent events first. Skills based You apply through the necessary skills required for the job. List all your personal details under these skill headings. This is called 'targeting your CV'. But it is best to prepare a CV, which suits the workplace environment and the nature of the people in the organization and country. Presentation You can present your CV depending on the company you are applying to. A big company would generally expect a formal CV on a white paper. But if it is a television production job, or a graphic designer, the paper could be less formal and the CV, a bit unconventional. A CV can be constructed on a Word Processor (MS Word, WordPerfect or Lotus). It has to be well laid out and printed on a good quality printer. Do not use bold and/or underline print for headings. Avoid using different font types and sizes. Use plenty of white paper and a good border round the page. Use a spell check on your computer and consider using 'bullets' to start sub-sections or lists. Imagine yourself as an employer and write a CV which is easy to understand, short and attractive. Covering Letter A Covering letter is required for reaching the CV to the person directly involved with handling the applications for jobs. It is important that one knows the name, designation (usually the Human Resource Personnel/Manager) of the personnel handling the applications. In the Covering letter, try to be subtle about your achievements and try not to boast about them. Do not say 'I would be interested in working for Param Technologies Ltd.' but say 'I believe my skills enable me to take up the responsibility of a Product Development Manager at Param Technologies Ltd.' Start your letter with an underlined heading giving the job title you are interested in. Use the style and pattern best suited to your culture and country. Be polite and the letter should only be on one side of A4 paper. Also mention when you are available for the interview and request for any extra information about the job you are applying for. To summarize, be unconventional and put across your character through different angles of your personality. Under no circumstances should he feel that you have put down irrelevant information about yourself. Be brief in explaining your achievements and try to control the desire of luring your employer with long list of achievements. Be subtle but yet forward about your thoughts. These principles and guidelines might not land you with the right job but at least they will make you realize how a great CV can make a big difference! MAY YOU BE SUCCESSFUL! |