Powerful CV Building Mechanism
It is absolutely vital that your CV is as perfect as possible and makes the optimum impact so that it stands out from the rest.
The main object of a CV is to get you selected for an interview. Busy employers limit the time to scan each individual application to half a minute.
In your covering letter do not simply write that you are applying for the job and are enclosing a CV. Look for the key words in the ad. Ensure each point is covered highlighting particular strengths and achievements, which show that you are the best candidate.
Explain why you are writing, where you saw the ad, what you can offer, how it could be of use, refer to your enclosed CV and highlight your most relevant feature. Demonstrate that you are really interested in the job on offer. Send to a named person (don�t use Sir or Madam). If you do not have a name then contact the organization. Print or type unless you are specifically asked to use handwriting.
Use a Chronological CV to list your experience and achievements, to emphasize continuity and career growth, in reverse order, starting with the current one.
Step One Contact information.
Step Two Brief summary of your main skills.
Step Three Experience and Achievements. The further you go back in time, the less likely your responsibilities and achievements are going to be relevant. Mention them briefly. Use words like achieved, saved, accomplished, succeeded in. Include evidence that you have kept up to date with modern technology and practice. Mention something intriguing - some unusual experience or achievement - which makes them want to ask you more about it.
Step Four Training relevant to industry
Step Five Qualifications including education, IT skills and memberships
Step Six Interests/hobbies. Include them if you have a genuine involvement with them and you could talk intelligently about them at an interview.
Step Seven Personal details
General Guidelines
Double-check consistency in the layout and in particular the spelling. Use short sentences and bullet points. If the company sends an application form rather than simply asking for a CV, then that is what they want. Fill in the application form fully and clearly to show you are keen to get the job. You are the final judge of what is relevant to include in your CV. carefully consider your reasons for including any of the following:
References. It is usually only after an interview that references will be taken up so there is little point in adding them to your CV unless it is specifically requested.
Leaving reasons. These may be explored during an interview but, whatever the circumstances, will not contribute towards your being selected for an interview - therefore leave them out.