CVs and Interviews

CV Layout for success in the job market.

CV Layout causes much debate and there are many views about the layout of the CV. Many experts advise that a CV contains the following headings – personal details, education & training, work experience, hobbies & interests and references and in this order. The potential problem with following this set layout is that the structure and rigidity goes against my view that a CV should be a fluid document. I feel that this standard layout is flawed by limiting the ability to market effectively and it also forces many jobseekers to fall into – the one CV fits all jobs trap. You cannot argue that what you say (the content of a CV) is important but where this information is placed in the CV is equally important.

CV – What is the purpose of a CV?

Jobs vacancies arise to help an employer solve a problem or capitalise on an opportunity. The purpose of a CV is to act as an initial communication (marketing material) and say to the potential employer “I can solve your problem” or “I’ll help you capitalise on opportunities”. Your CV must make an impact and sell you effectively to provide you with the opportunity to sit in front of the client at interview. The CV is not an excuse to list everything you have ever done under a set of predetermined headings.

CV Layout – the job specification has the answers.

With this in mind the employer, the position and the job specification should determine not only the content of your CV but of relevance to this article CV Layout. There is no point hiding important information and the end of your CV. In a skills shortage market there are less CV’s to read so you may survive the bin but in an over-supply market those sifting the CV’s may not take the time or even have the time to get to the end of your CV. So if you want the job don’t take any risks. The below scenario may help to get the message across more clearly.

Conclusion

CV Layout is important!! If your goal is to get to interview then be creative in your quest to achieve the goal. Your CV has 30 seconds to make an impact so ensure that the reader in getting the relevant information as quickly as possible. Don’t limit yourself believing that there is a standard CV layout. A CV is a fluid document with the reader in mind when you are designing content and layout.

Need help with your CV, CV Layout and design? Leading CV Expert in Ireland.

Need help with interview preparation? Leading Irish Interview Coach.

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.

Interview Coaching can support Interview Preparation

Interview preparation is the key to interview success. Get this right and you will improve confidence and your performance at interview. Success at interview could mean landing your dream job, an end to a long commute, increased job satisfaction or increased salary. Many jobseekers choose to work with a professional to support interview preparation. Interview Coaching will improve your performance at interview in many ways

Interview Coaching will help you improve confidence and overcome nerves.

Interview Coaching will help you understanding the employer.

Interview Coaching will help you understand yourself and your CV.

Interview Coaching will help you identify your unique selling points.

Interview Coaching will help you deal with difficult interview questions.

Interview Coaching will help you prepare for competency interviews.

Interview Coaching will help you improve body language.

Interview Coaching will help you chase feedback and negotiating salary.

Interview Coaching can support jobseekers in many ways. One jobseeker highlighted the benefits of coaching “The interview coaching session highlighted the key areas to concentrate on before and during interview. I would recommend one to one coaching to those who want to give themselves every chance to get the job.”

Interview Coach in Ireland

Measurability offer expert Interview Coaching services to jobseekers across Leinster – Dublin, Meath, Louth, Kildare & Wicklow. Many jobseekers travel from across Ireland to avail of the services. Paul Mullan is a leading Irish Interview Coach. He is a Career Doctor for Irish Independent, Sunday Tribune and writes for many online recruitment sites. Read his interview coach profile. If you require expert Interview Coaching and would like to work with a leading Interview Coach visit Measurability. Measurability also supports CV Writing and Career Direction.

Interview success is all about the preparation. Jobseekers who cut corners on preparation will reduce their impact at interview. There are unlimited resources online that offer a wide variety of interview tips and advice. Below are a number of excellent articles with free interview advice. These articles cover a range of important points that will support your interview preparation.

Interview advice – important points to cover

This article describes interview preparation areas to cover including understanding yourself and the potential employer. It is also important to research the employer and interview preparation tells you how to do this effectively.

Competency Interviews / Behavioural Interviews

Competency Interviews differ from the traditional interview and therefore your preparation will also differ. Find out all about how to prepare for competency based interview preparation.

Mistakes to avoid at Interview

I see common interview mistakes every day at interview or as part of interview coaching sessions. Interview coaching – interview mistakes outlines common interview mistakes. If you do make a mistake then don’t give up. Read interview preparation advice about how to turn an interview around from the brink of disaster.

Closing the interview

Interview Coach – Closing interviews is about closing out an interview.

Professional Interview Coaching and CV Writing Services

Need professional interview coaching then visit Measurability. Measurability- Interview Coaching offers professional interview coaching services to jobseekers in Ireland. Need CV support?

A strong CV is essential for success in the job market. Unfortunately most CV’s I review lack impact and do not sell the owner. I have outlined a number of articles that will help you to improve your CV writing skills. Improve your CV and you will increase the number of interview invitations and this should make it easier to land your dream job.

CV Format & CV Layout

CV Format and CV Layout are very important. CV Layout Advice outlines some of the basic points to consider. Take these on board when writing your CV.

CV – How many pages?

A question I am regularly asked by jobseekers is “how many pages should a CV have?” CV Preparation will help answer this question.

CV Mistakes to avoid

I stated earlier that most CV’s I review are flawed. Here are two articles which outline some of the most common CV mistakes that you should avoid. CV Advice – Mistakes and CV Preparation – Mistakes.

Professional CV Writing Service in Ireland

Do you require professional help to write your CV? Measurability offers professional CV services to jobseekers across Ireland – Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Meath and all other counties across Ireland. Need Interview coaching?