Writing An Effective CV

Learning objectives By the end of this session, you are expected to: Identify key skills and qualifications to be included in the CV Position yourself correctly in the job market Understand how recruiters and headhunters search for candidates Understand how to make your CV attractive

What are CV types Chronological Functional Academic

Chronological Resumes The most common resume type. Experience and qualifications are sorted in a chronological order starting from the most recent. Activities are summarized by job or employer. It fits recruiters’ templates.

Functional Resumes Doesn’t follow chronological order Suitable for executives, career changers Skills and qualifications summarized by function, for example: A candidate might write “Marketing Experience”, then lists titles and positions held, projects managed, etc. Can be a powerful tool to present functional expertise, but it is not very popular. Doesn’t fit recruiter’s standard templates; and may discourage short-listing

Academic Resumes An academic CV focuses on academic qualifications of the candidate. It refers to previous research; and research areas of interest. It includes reference to publications, memberships and affiliations of professional and academic bodies.

What information should be on your CV Identify Yourself Education Continuing Education Work or Professional Experience Volunteer Experience Activities & Interests Computer Skills Professional Affiliations & Memberships Optional Sections Objective Special Skills and Abilities Reference Statement

CV Writing Essentials (1 of 2) Tell the truth Check spelling and grammar Beware of typos Use formal language Make it readable Less is more User white spaces Use bullet points or short phrases Use industry standard labels or keywords Use easily read formats, fonts and styles Keep the design simple Minimize use of abbreviations

CV Writing Essentials (2 of 2) Focus on your skills & qualifications Use action words to express results and accomplishments; for example perform, manage, etc. Make it short; 2 to 2.5 pages maximum Avoid irrelevant information; including irrelevant work activities and inappropriate person information Produced on a computer No spelling or grammar errors Neat, clean, and professional looking Avoid the use of different colors or fonts Margins at sides and bottom Information is logically and chronologically recorded Quantify your results whenever you can

Where to start Identify where you are? Identify what you want to be? Focus on relevant experience, and useful information Avoid being emotional Employers

What recruiters do Recruiters search for key words; make sure you have all of them on your CV Recruiters give 10 to 20 seconds for a CV; make sure you have a neat eye-catching presentation of your qualifications

Common mistakes (1 of 3) Typos and Grammar Slips “Great attention to detail.” “Proven ability to track down and correct erors.” “Am a perfectionist and rarely if ever forget etails.” Accomplishments: Completed 11 years of high school.” Don’t use “I” or “me”

Common mistakes (2 of 3) Leaving gaps! Everyone faces unemployment at certain point in his career. Avoid leaving gaps. Solution: Either return to education, or Volunteer

Common Mistakes (3 of 3) Don’t be emotional! Don’t be emotionally attached to certain achievements or interests not relevant for the job.

Writing A Cover Letter A cover letter is a “letter” Some employers require CVs to be accompanied by cover letters. A cover letter is an opportunity to tell what is not shown on a CV. Possibly to express enthusiasm, confidence, interest, skills, etc. Mention the person who referred you if appropriate

Cover Letter Structure Header Section: Your address, city, state, zip, and telephone number. Date Name, title, company, address, city, state, and zip of person you’re writing to. Greeting, followed by a colon. Paragraph 1: What you want How you know about the organization Mention enclosure of your resume Paragraph 2: Concise overview of work history and skills that will help you perform the job. Paragraph 3: State confidence in your ability Give information on how you can be contacted Paragraph 4: Express appreciation Closing: signature, and typed name

Applying for jobs Recruiters receive 100’s of applications for every post, make sure you apply for the right opportunity only. Avoid annoying recruiters with emails. Recruiters can no longer give feedback to hundreds of applicants, if you don’t hear from the recruiter then you were most likely not selected.