CVs and Interviews

When a CV is not doing its job it may need additional work to make a greater impact. BUT what if it has been reworked and it still does not create the results you want? Perhaps you need to try to take the emphasis away from the CV. It is likely that you lack a key component for the job like a qualification, relevant work experience or relevant industry experience. Does this mean you should stop? Most will but you can do more. This is a recent article I wrote for RecruitIreland about strategies to get the job you want – “CV or not CV – That is the Question”.

CV Writing Services - BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE

I have just completed CV work for a client. This is normal as it is a big part of my service offering. Not this particular case though. You see this individual was coming to me straight from the arms of another CV competitor. They paid out for a service which did not get them any results. If you saw what was produced you would know why.

Now I am not saying that I am the best and I know some other very professional CV writing services across the country. What I will say is that jobseekers need to do some investigation before they fork out any money for CV or any other Career Service. There are many service providers popping up each day to service the demand for CV, Career and Interview advice. This choice is creating confusion.

Below are a few points to consider before you part with any hard earned cash.

Background & Experience – This is essential. There are many proclaimed experts with no background or experience to back this up. One professional said to me once if the company cannot put profiles of themselves or associates on a website – beware!! Recruitment & HR are two key popular backgrounds (Having said this I regularly write CV’s for HR professionals).

Online presence – This is a great indicator of reputation. Google the company or the professional (if they have revealed themselves on the website). Companies using Google Ads will be relevant BUT investigate them further. Does the professional or company have good online presence?

What others say – Get referrals from trusted friends and contacts. References on websites are fine but I have seen providers spring up recently with a lot of testimonials accumulated very quickly. You see this profession takes time and energy to build up a reputation and with this in mind I question the references on some sites.

Geography – Just because you live in Clare does not mean that you have to use a local provider. I do CV’s for clients nationally and in fact I refuse to meet clients for CV assignments (only Interview Coaching & Career Coaching). CV’s can be completed via phone and email. This should give you more choice of services.

Cost – I guess it all comes down to the dollar. Cheapest is not best BUT equally neither is the dearest. You want someone who will stand by their work and refund if individuals are not happy. On average I spend at least 2/3 hours on a CV. Anyone charging below EUR100.00 beware about the amount of time and effort they will put into the document. (A quick point – You may get less than EUR100 price from regional providers but certainly should not from greater Dublin providers).

Happy job hunting.

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CV Tips – Content is King!!

For me “Content in King”. CV content is critical and without doubt the most important aspect of CV writing. Most jobseekers fail miserably when it comes to developing content for their CV. (1) Most jobseekers write a CV about themselves and focus on information they think is important and ignore the fact that it should be information important to the reader that is important. Tip: CV is a marketing document focused on the reader. (2) Most jobseekers “can’t see the wood for the trees” and fail to communicate their duties and responsibilities effectively. Tip: If you are having difficulty outlining duties and responsibilities then brainstorm with some friends or cheat and review descriptions of similar jobs online (3) Most jobseekers fail to bring their CV to life with facts, examples and achievements. Tip: Back up any statements on your CV with facts.

CV Service Ireland – Get better results with your CV

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CV Tips – Help the recruiter find what they need!!

You will find mixed views about CV layout/format. Most CV “professionals” will tell you the exact information information to put in your CV and in what order. I find much of this information is dated. A CV is a marketing document and is fluid rather that tied to strict format or layout.  You should think of a newspaper when you consider a CV. With a newspaper the most important information makes headlines on the front page. This should be the same with your CV. I have created a CV with the References on the first page and another CV with the Hobbies & Interests section on the first page. Why did I do this? It was relevant information for the recruiter. You should never leave it to chance that the reader will review the second page of your CV. It is likely that they will only take the time to review the first page before making a decision to call you to interview.

CV Service Ireland – Get better results with your CV

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CV Tips – If it looks good chances are it will get read!!

The visual appearance of your CV is important and the impact of your CV will improve if it is easy on the reader’s eye. The visual appearance of a CV would not rank as my top priority but it certainly cannot be ignored. Think about it – visual appearance initially attracts us to most things – clothes, food and the opposite sex. Equally a sharp document will draw the reader to examine your CV. I do not mean “Bells & Whistles” like fancy paper, coloured paper or fancy designs. I am a fan of the “Clean & Simple” CV. I strongly believe that you can produce a professional document without extravagance. There does not have to be anything too fancy just effective us of white space, clear headings, bullet points, uniformity of font type and size.

CV Service Ireland – Get better results with your CV

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