Tuesday, July 21, 2009

What Should Go Into A CV?

By Glenn Hughes

A recruiter looking through a pile of CVs needs to see information in a certain way. In the same way, when we look at a menu in a restaurant, we expect to see starters, main courses, desserts and beverages laid out in a particular way. Failure to meet the readers expectations leads to confusion. Most people will put that CV straight into the "no" pile rather than waste their time trying to pick out information that should have been readily available

Your first and second name should sit prominently at the top of your CV. There is no need for second (or more) names to be added). Leave it as plain and simple as you can and avoid pretense at all costs. A shortened version of your Christian name is increasingly acceptable, for example, Fred not Frederick is very normal nowadays. Using the name with which you answer the telephone will be fine

Basic contact information need to have a prominent place at the top of the CV. Your name, full postal address including postcode, your land telephone line and mobile number as well must all be included. Please make sure that they all are easily readable at the top of your CV

A career statement and personal profile is expected of you. The employer needs to know what sort of job role you have done/ or are capable of fulfilling. They need to be aware of the sort of level of seniority you have, the geographical area in which you want to work, and also some pointer towards your track record. The industry sector(s) is which you are able to work are also very important. Effectively, you are showing what you can do, at what level, for who and where.

Career history. This needs to highlight your achievements in each of the jobs you've done over, say the last 8 years. Work experience further back in the past should be included in an "other" work section towards the end of the document. Work from your most recent achievements in reverse chronological order (work back)

Academic qualifications are different from professional qualifications. academic qualifications are gained at educational institutions like schools, universities, etc. Start with the highest level of qualification (which is usually the most recent as well), work through your qualifications and list them appropriately

There is some confusion about professional qualifications- people think that all qualifications are the same, whether they are academic (gained through educational institutions) or professional. Professional qualifications are usually gained through a company, service provider or perhaps an individual. Make sure they are listed in order of level of importance. This can be a little subjective but try and put the most important/ most relevant first given the type of job for which you are applying

The last section of your CV is made up of hobbies, interests, other information, etc. This information is a bit like the relish on a burger- not much use without the main ingredient, but it can make the difference between a memorable meal or just another snack. Your interests should be factual. Never put your actual date of birth on your CV. There are far too many people who may want to make use of this valuable personal information who may wish to use it to steal your identity

About the Author:

0 comments: