Creating a strong, solid CV involves several steps, which, when taken together, prove fruitful for an improved CV. Simple enough in themselves, it is important to actually go through and check that all the elements needed for a strong CV appear. First of all, an aesthetically clean, grammatically correct, and clear CV is a must. This indicates a well-educated and polished individual. The CV must be well organized and focused to be considered. In other words, include only previous employments that apply to the new job which you want in most relevant order. In the process of polishing up your CV, be sure that it stays interesting to the perspective employer. Your CV should be specific to each job to which you are applying, and your CV should speak for you as to why you are the right candidate. Your CV represents you, so the impression your CV makes is the impression that you have made. With these points in mind while writing and revising your CV, you shall end with a strong, attention-grabbing CV.
Language is indispensable to us and we use it constantly, but grammar, spelling, and writing style have taken a back seat for the majority of us thanks to computer technology which corrects for us. All too often though, these corrections leave much to be desired. In other words, it is still up to the writer to ensure that what he has written is well written. Any blatant spelling or grammar errors jump out at the reader, and your strengths and talents take a far back seat to the minor spelling mistakes. Revisions must be done on CVs, and the first revision should check for correct grammar and spelling. Having someone else proofread is wise, as it is always easier to see others’ mistakes rather than our own. CV builder websites specializing in optimizing and improving CVs are also a great idea to help you avoid the pitfalls of CV writing. These specialists will view your CV objectively and will notice mistakes, both of grammar and good CV form.
Clarity and conciseness are also important in the CV. The fewer unnecessary words and the more direct your phrases are, the easier it is to read through your CV. Keep in mind that CVs are not read, they are merely read through. They are glanced at, or at best skimmed, so the clearer and more concise you are in expressing yourself, the larger portion of your CV will be noticed. One page CVs are preferred as they are concise and help you focus. This focus forces you to choose and include only your most important jobs and achievements.
When writing a CV, never lose focus. Remember the point of the CV: the key to securing interviews. Thus, make sure that every point included in your CV indicates to the CV reader why you are the one who should get the interview and, eventually, the job. Don’t include extras in your CV. If they have nothing to do with the skills and talents you will need for the job you want, they do not belong on the CV. Again, keep in mind that CVs are only skimmed over, and so should contain only that information which applies. If you have a life experience that is so unique and interesting that you have to put it on your CV, tie a skill learned from it with the job you hope for. The unique activity will be noticed, and the fact that you learned from it in a way that will help you at future jobs will be viewed as a plus.
In keeping organized and focused, state your work experience in relevant order. Hopefully, and most likely, your most recent work experience is most relevant to your future job. If you are fresh out of college, you will likely want to prioritize your education, as presumably you will not have a meaty employment section at this point. On the other hand, if your college graduation is an old, fond memory at this point, start your CV with work experience.
Following the above tips will help keep the attention of your prospective employer. Keeping the interest of those reading your CV is vital, since these are the people who will be contacting you for an interview. Clearly indicating your career goals is a wise choice. It is an immediate indicator if yours are compatible with and conducive to the company you are applying to. The use of words indicating action, initiative, and energy is an intelligent move. Such words will help you focus on what you have done personally, and make your CV specific and unique.
It is wise to have a template CV from which you format specific ones for each job that you apply to. This way, you will never have a generic CV, which will naturally impress potential employers. When you take the time to personalize your CV, you show that you want the job more than others who are not willing to input this time and energy into theirs. A specific CV will wax the interest of the CV reader, and give rise to questions they will want to ask upon meeting you. In other words, the reader will want to interview you. There are CV builder services that you can utilize on the web to help ensure your CV is polished and professional. Shop around to find one that best suits your needs.
Investing time into your CV will lead to an investment of time by those reading it. The CV is the first impression you make on a potential employer, so use it to your advantage, and compose it carefully to separate yourself from other applicants. While it is important to use a standard CV format, it is not important, and even discouraged, to base your CV on the ‘standard’. The only result will be an average CV, and you want anything but. So focus your CV on your personal achievements and goals in a well-written, organized, focused, and interesting presentation. Once you send out this well-prepared CV, make sure your phone stays on as those phone calls start coming in.