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1. Preparation
By working through this step-by-step
workshop you'll cover all aspects of the CV writing process, from
initial self-assessment, through to customising, checking and
dispatching your CV for a particular job.
Before you begin, you need to have a
clear idea of what you are aiming for. It may have been several years
since you last wrote out your CV, since then the industry and your own
goals and ideals may have changed considerably. Even before you begin
creating your new CV, it's important to establish what your ideal new
job would be and what information would need to appear on your CV.
So, to start off let's take a few minutes to lay the basic
foundations. |
1. Preparation
Who am I really?
The basics
The modern CV
2. CV Wizard
The summary page
The contents
Customising your CV
3. Proofing and Checking a CV
Facts and fiction
Minimising negatives Checklist
4.Writing a covering letter
Dispatching
Auxiliary material
5. An expert's opinion |
Who am I
really?
Part of your job hunting, or career change process should be a
self-assessment. This may sound long-winded but without a clear idea
of your strengths and weaknesses, a realistic idea of what you can
expect or step up to, and confidence about your own unique selling
points, you may never find an ideal job. Remember, you can't be all
things to all people and your CV needs to be tailored towards a
targeted sector. Why not spend five minutes sketching down a few notes
about your professional profile to date? Here are a few guidelines:
* What are my strengths?
* In which areas did I excel in my previous position?
* In which working environment would I thrive?
* How can I minimise my weaknesses?
* What are my mid to long term professional goals?
* Which areas of past experience are no longer of any relevance?
* Can I define exactly what it is I do, professionally?
* Do I have a proven track record?
* What personal attributes can I bring to the role?
* How motivated am I towards this change?
The basics
Your CV is a reflection of your professionalism. It needs to state
quite clearly that you are the man or woman for the job. A good CV
should contain:
* An attention grabbing summary page
* A clear, uncluttered layout
* Active and precise description
* Job specific information
* Articulate, concise language
* No mistakes
* No more than two/three pages
Throughout this process we'll be considering what the recruiter would
like to see on your CV. Further on in the workshop we'll be discussing
customising individual CVs for each application, but at all times you
should consider the following points which recruiters look for in a
CV:
* The right skills and quantifiable experience
* Suitable interpersonal and communication skills
* The ability to flourish in the company's environment
* The competence and confidence to adapt to the job
The modern CV
With the advent of word processors, the visual impact of CVs has
improved dramatically. Attention to layout not only reflects your
sense of professionalism but, more importantly, makes it easier for
the recruiter to browse through. Bear in mind that they may be
shifting through dozens of CVs and may not take the time to notice the
important details. You should aim to effectively impart a limited
amount of information which will ultimately secure you an interview.
The most significant change is the introduction of a summary page.
Although there are several popular styles which we will be discussing,
the summary page is the first and last selling point of your CV. It
outlines your professional profile, key skills and experience, and
strengths and achievements. We will look more closely at this in the
very next section. If presented effectively, it could land you an
interview, at the very least it will prompt the recruiter to look
further at your CV.
And finally….
Here is a list of assets which every employer looks for when filling a
professional post, your aim is to include as many as possible in your
CV.
* Competence and experience
* Relevant skills and the ability to adapt them to the new role
* Strategic thinking
* Creativity and problem solving ability
* Leadership
* Interpersonal and communication skills
* Personal management skills
* Integrity
2. CV Wizard |
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