Preparing a CV

Resume writing seems to be the part that gives people the most trouble.  It isn't that hard if you follow some guidelines. 

At some stage or another during your life, you will need to prepare a CV. If you are like most people, you will have many attempts at preparing your resume before you actually get anything decent together.  The problem is generally due to a lack in planning.

The key to resume writing excellence is in presenting it the right way.  Most people make the error of just listing their experience and qualifications, this ends up being a rather boring document.  A good resume should not only demonstrate your skills and experience, but should also give the reader a good indication of the type of person you are.  It needs to have personality.

Following are some helpful hints on getting started, Definition of a Resume and Types of CV's.

Getting started

Let's start at the beginning, what exactly is a CV and what is it's purpose.

The sole purpose of a CV is to show the reader what you are capable of. 

The CV is your selling document.  It needs to be able to show your prospective employer that you are the person that they are looking for.  This goes beyond experience, training and skills.  It needs to demonstrate your personal strengths, capabilities and the type of person you are.

It also needs to be a concise document.  Most employers will skim through all the CVs and put aside only 5-10 that might be worth reading.  On average an employer will only spend around 1-3 minutes on each CV.  In other words your CV has to stand out from the others.

This does not mean that the CV should be full of graphics, colours or printed on coloured paper.  Employers feel that if you have to use gimmicks to impress them, then you probably don't have anything to offer.  The CV needs to have a clean, professional look about it.  It needs to be easy to read and should look balanced.

The format or style you choose depends on the type of CV that you require, but no matter which one, the resume should always be easy to follow and read.

Types of CV's

The type of CV you decide on will depend entirely on the type of position you are applying for.  The key is to analyse what the employer will be looking for and ensuring your CV will sell you in the best possible way.

For example if you are applying for a Project Manager position, then the projects that you have handled in the past will be important.  Your CV needs to list the type of projects, your responsibilities and any achievements.  It is important to show the relevance of what you have done in the past as it relates to the position you are applying for. 
(See resume writing - Project CV's)

On the other hand, if the position you are applying for is more a "hands-on" type of job, then your CV needs to demonstrate your "hands-on" experience in these areas.  Again highlighting the relevance to the position. 

The Chronological CV is the easiest to write.  It should always be written with your current or most recent position first.  Showing your responsibilities and achievements that would be relevant to this position. 
(See resume writing - Chronological CV's)

If the job is more of a technical nature, then you need to prepare a "technical style" resume.  For instructions on this type of CVclick here.  There are other types of resumes, Graduates need to use a different approach, for information on this type of CVclick here. A different approach would be used for someone seeking a career change.

The style that you choose will depend on which one will serve you best.

If you require professional assistance, our professional resume writing service will be able to help.