CV Writing – Why Others Always Seem To Get The Job They Want!

If you have just started on the road to changing your job one thing that you have probably gathered already is that everyone has an opinion on how to write an effective CV. The internet is packed with masses of conflicting information. Some of which has been around for years when all CVs were sent by post and only the computer geeks had heard of e-mail. So how do you know where to begin?

Firstly, you need to know how to avoid some of the biggest mistakes that job seekers make on their CV, which at best might cost them an interview and at worst could lead to missing a life-changing career opportunity.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is your CV too short?

This may be a surprise to you as so much advice is geared towards keeping your CV within one page in length. Actually, two pages long is about right. If your CV is only one page with lots of space to spare, even if this is your first CV, you probably haven’t provided enough detail to interest the reader. Consider fleshing out your skills and experience.

2. Is your CV too long?

Your CV needs to be a length that can be scanned easily by a recruiter so that she can pick out the relevant information in the shortest amount of time. Do not list everything you have ever done – the recruiter simply will not read it. She will move on very quickly to the next candidate.

3. Is your CV targeted?

This means writing a slightly different CV for each job application. Each employer is different, which means you need to highlight different skills according to their requirements.

4. Have you written in the third person?

This means writing your CV as if you were talking about someone else. Do not use I, my or we. Your CV will sound more objective, businesslike and professional.

5. Is the layout of your CV clear and easy to read?

The employer needs to be able to pick out your skills and experience within seconds. A cluttered CV with too much text, or a complicated format with several different fonts is simply too much trouble to read. Keep it simple.

Keep in mind the 5 questions and take a look at your current CV!

By: Mike Hewlett

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