In the very competitive world of professional recruitment, creating an effective CV could well make the difference between getting the job or not. Your CV is a very important document; with it rests your hopes and dreams for the future, that next step up the career ladder, a better position, more money, new challenges, etc. Your CV has to represent the best that you have to offer if you do not want to miss out on that job which is right for you.
In today's world employers often receive hundreds of CV for each advertised vacancy, so your CV has to stand out from the crowd to get you that important interview.
You need to take your time to produce the right CV which sells your skills and inspires a potential employer to take you on. A well produced CV can also have an influence on the potential salary you can demand, and help with the negotiations when discussing the wage for the vacancy.
To be sure that your CV is the one at the top of the pile, the front runner, it has to be a fantastic and awesome CV, that stands out and shouts confidence, personality and excellence.
You should include a profile of yourself, highlighting your achievements making sure they are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Most CVs are way too long, they should be a maximum of two pages, and if you can make it one page all the better. Make it look and read professional, but avoid it being boring. Read it out to yourself, you should be inspired by it. If you cannot inspire yourself with it, what chance do you have to impress a potential employer.
Your CV must not contain anything negative, and always be positive focussing on your best points.
Make sure it's focussed on the particular job you are after, you must not use the same generic CV for every position you apply for. Make your most relevant achievements stand out. They should be highlighted and very visible. Include any lessons you have learned together with your achievements.
It must be interesting and include a section about you as a person. Character is as important as competence and experience.
Never lie or over exaggerate on your CV. Most people who lie on their CVs are found out eventually. Be proud of who you are and your achievements, there is no need to lie if you believe in yourself.
With every job you apply for you only have one chance, so give it your best shot and make your CV stand out from the rest.
Below are a few keywords you may consider using to describe you and your personality:-
| Determined and decisive | Determined and decisive |
| Reliable and dependable | Pro-active |
| Results driven | Excellent Interpersonal skills |
| Good communicator | Self-motivated |
| Self-driven | High integrity |
| Diligent and conscientious | Decisive |
| Good team-player | Well organised |
| Flexible | Gets things done |
| Systematic and logical | Good listener |
| Results oriented | Tolerant and understanding |
| Calm and reliable | Enthusiastic |
Your CV must contain the following sections:
Your name and contact details
A profile of you
Your professional expertise
Your recent achievements
Your employment history
Qualifications/Education
Personal Details