CVs and Interviews

I reviewed a CV WRITING article on IRISHJOBS website today titled “EIGHT EASY STEPS TO A PERFECT CV”. After reading this article I would say that it should be titled “EIGHT EASY STEPS TO A CV FAILURE”. Ok there were a few valid points but more schoolboy errors. Below are the eight steps outlined and my comments. Obviously you will take what I have to say on board

1. Include the following sections, and preferably in the following order: – Personal Details, Personal Profile, Education and Qualifications, Any other relevant qualifications, Employment History & References

Yes you will have these sections on your CV but I totally disagree with the fact that the layout must follow the exact order outlined above. Let’s say you were applying for a sales job in the pharmaceutical sector. The job description asks for 10 years Pharmaceutical sales experience and a Degree in Chemistry. You have the 10 years relevant experience BUT only a Diploma in Chemistry. Why would you place your qualifications at the top of your CV? I would rather let the hiring manager read about my excellent experience before they realise I don’t meet educational requirements. The above point is what text books will tell you about CVs BUT reality is very different. You need to get the relevant info onto the first page of your CV an tying yourself to rigid rules as outlined in point one will not enable you to do this.

2. Ensure your CV is concise, preferably no more than 2 A4 pages

I agree in principle but have a funny story. Back in 1997 I worked in recruitment and this was era before email when we used fax to send CVs. A candidate sent me a 9 page CV and I politely told I him it was cr*p. Due to time pressure I submitted CV as was and he got an interview with the company. I phoned him after interview seeking feedback and he proceeded to tell me that the hiring manager told him he loved the CV. Egg and Face. Generally it is expected that CVs will range between 1-3 pages but I always tell jobseekers if their first page does not make an impact forget about the rest!!

3. Choose your words carefully to provide maximum impact – especially in your personal profile where you really need to highlight your skills and knowledge.

This is true and a valid point. I don’t like this whole idea of a “profile” and personally lean towards a targeted value statement. Yes words can make an impact BUT not as much as quantifiable data such as achievements and results.

4. List your Employment History with the most recent job first.

No No No!! – This is text book stuff and again it will limit your ability to market yourself effectively. I have written CV’s that have thrown this rule out of the window. Remember my point that if it doesn’t make first page it may not get read. If your work experience is most relevant let the chronological rule force you to place it towards the end of your CV.

5. If you do not have any work experience then substitute this section for, ‘Personal Successes’ and describe your achievements and the skills required e.g. voluntary work or sporting achievements.

Good point – It is essential to get relevant information, skills and competencies across to the reader.

6. Make sure your CV is tailored to suit each job you are applying for, focusing your attention on the skills that job specifically requires.

True!!

7. Do not include any clip art or photographs.

Again 99.9% of the time I would agree BUT there was one occasion when I did put a picture on a CV but there was a valid reason for doing this.

8. Check your CV to make sure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.

YES U SHUD CHEK UR SELLINS AND GRAMMMER.

Measurability — CV Writing Service delivering Interviews and Interview Coaching delivering job offers.

Tags: Advice, CV, CV Writing, CV Writing Service, CVs, Dublin, Ireland, Tips

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 6th, 2009 at 3:45 pm and is filed under CV, CV Examples, CV Expert, CV Format, CV Layout, CV Tips, CV Writing Service. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.