CVs and Interviews

Would you pay for a CV Distribution Service to recruitment agencies?

I just viewed a website in the US that offered a CV distribution service for $87.00. Interestingly the website takes jobseekers through a number of steps and actually names the identified recruitment agencies to allow jobseekers the option to deselect. Anyone with initiative could take this list, Google the agencies and apply directly. Just saved $87.00!!

Are jobseekers that use this service lazy or just time poor?

I could be either or it could be that they do not have the country or regional knowledge. But whatever the reason this seems to be a legitimate service. Jobseekers pay for this knowledge and ease of CV circulation.

Do you lack the time to source suitable recruitment agencies?
Do you lack the knowledge of the Irish job market?
Or are you just too lazy?

CV Distribution Service Ireland – Contact for more details

Preparing a cover letter

I believe formal cover letters are becoming like the dinosaurs. There is less emphasis on them for a number of reasons. Firstly change in technology means that most applications are online application or emailed applications. Therefore cover letters are now in the form of a few lines to support the CV. The other reason is that most cover letters resembled solicitor letters rather than sales pitch documents. Most jobseekers used standard letters and language regurgitation their CV.

Cover letter for impact

Having said all of this I still deal with employer who put emphasis on cover letters. It is important to use them properly. I rarely read a cover letter because of the second point above. I find them all the same and very boring to read. I normally go straight for the CV but I guess that is because I have review millions of the applications over the years.

A cover letter is an opportunity to get your personality across and to provide information not appropriate for the CV. You can get as risky as you need but this will depend on you and your circumstances. For example if you have sent off many applications without any response you might try a riskier or creative strategy. I heard of one jobseeker that crumpled up his cover letter before he put it in the envelope. His opening line on the cover letter was “I took the liberty to crumple up this cover letter to save you time before you threw in the bin”. I like it!!

Cover Letter Template

Below is an idea about what you should include in the body of the cover letter. Please not that I am not providing information on the layout, salutation etc. You will see that the middle paragraph is your license to get creative.

Cover Letter – Opening Paragraph
You should state the reason for writing the letter (try and catch the eye)
You should state the position / type of work you are applying for.
You can mention how you heard of the position or company.
Mention the enclosed CV

Cover Letter – Middle Paragraph
This is your opportunity to sell yourself.
Your CV has the detail so just point out key skills and unique selling points.
Explain why you want to work there (try to mention something relevant about the organisation – i.e. recent market performance, new product or its recent expansion).

Cover Letter – Closing Paragraph
Indicate your availability for interview with times when you can be contacted.
State when you will follow up.
Thank the reader for the time and consideration given to your application.

CV & Cover Letter Writing Service – Antrim, Armagh, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Derry, Donegal, Down, Dublin, Fermanagh, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Tyrone, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow

CV Writing

CV writing can throw up the dilemma – do you lie on your CV? It is well know that most CV’s contain some lies. The dog in the street knows this and interesting most hiring managers expect lies on CV’s. In some ways it seems to be an accepted part of recruitment. The best example of CV lies was on the recent series “The Apprentice”. The winner was caught out real bad during the interview part of the show. He lied about his qualifications on his CV and guess what – he got found out. Surprisingly this did not go against him and he went on to win the show and land a 100k job with Sir Alan. So lying pays!! Read on as it does not pan out like that in real life.

Common CV Lies

CV lies vary but most common include; lying about your qualifications, increasing importance with job title and sexing up responsibilities. You can therefore expect recruiters to verify these areas through the interview process and references. Qualifications seem to be the area that makes most headlines and in the last year quite a few high profile people lost their jobs in Ireland as a result of fabrications on their CV. And it is even believed that an ex-politician lied about his qualification on the party website.

Should you lie on your CV?

Personally I steer individuals away from CV lies. Yes it can help you get a foot up in the job market but quite often when found out it ends in tears. I have witnessed too many jobseekers that lost out as a result of lying on CV’s. The chain of events witnessed in “The Apprentice” rarely happens in the job market. When an employer unearths lies it casts a shadow over your application and normally ends in rejection.

Read more CV articles on this site including this article about CV Layout.

Functional CV – CV Format

Functional CV’s are common in the Irish job market but they are not as popular as the chronological CV. The Functional CV dissects your work experience into functional areas – like IT experience or Sales experience. A Functional CV can benefit there are gaps in employment or if you have changed jobs frequently. Functional CV’s are also useful when recent work experience is not relevant to the job in mind. The main issue with Functional CV’s is the suspicion they can generate with recruiters. They can also frustrate recruiters in that it can take time to get the information that they require.

CV Format is a key ingredient for CV design in the Irish job market or any job market. Ignore CV Format and you may miss out on interviews. As outlined there are two popular formats – Chronological CV & Functional CV but I recommend jobseekers take a fluid approach to CV format.

CV Services for jobseekers in Ireland

Need professional help to design a Functional CV or a Chronological CV?

Measurability offers expert CV writing services for jobseekers in Ireland.

Another useful post on the topic – CV Format

CV – Curriculum Vitae – Resume

CV is one of the key ingredients for job hunting success but sadly 90% of CV’s fall short. These CV’s fall down in many areas – CV format, CV layout and CV content are common issues BUT the main problem is that most CV’s lack focus. A poor CV will mean less interview invitations and missing out on that dream job. A CV has 30 seconds to make an impact so you need to get it right.

Professional CV Writing Services

Many jobseekers choose to have their CV designed by a professional. A professional can offer expert knowledge and expert results. Most jobseekers do not understand the recruiter, what they are looking for in a CV or how to construct a professional CV. It often amazes me how jobseekers undersell themselves. They have great experience but the paper does not tell portray this.

Need help with your CV?

Measurability offer professional CV writing services for professional and executive jobseekers across Ireland – Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and all other counties. Paul Mullan is a leading Irish CV expert working with many jobseekers across job functions and industry sectors. Paul has a vast experience in HR, Recruitment and Career Coaching – view his profile. Measurability also supports Interview Coaching and Career Direction.