What does your CV say about you?
Before you meet an employer, the initial introduction arrives by way of your resume. Your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume is the first thing a potential employer will see –
With job openings attracting dozens or hundreds of applicants, a poor CV will guarantee you a regret letter, while a CV that stands out will at least get you an interview.
It is helpful to know that most employers are as interested in a great “fit” with their existing team as they are in qualifications so be honest and open to learning what the company culture is as well. Everybody wants to be in a happy and healthy working environment.
How do you stand out from the crowd?
We have compiled a list of (10) things to remember when preparing your CV:
- Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors are an instant turn-off. You are not going to be hired if you cannot spell.
- Be professional: Make sure your CV reflects the professional image you want to project. Unusual, hard to read fonts, colors and formats do not have a place in a CV.
- Balance: Make sure your CV is of an appropriate length. Most employers do not have time to read a 12-page CV.
- Be honest: Do not leave out past employers even if you took leave from them, shall we say, unceremoniously. Gaps in your CV are an instant red flag for employers. If the employer finds out about an omission, you can forget about getting hired.
- Do not bury the lead: Your potential employer is going to be most interested in where you last worked, so make sure that is high up in your CV, not at the end.
- Sell yourself: If you were employee of the year, or doubled sales in your first year, say so.
- Keep it relevant: Include details about your education and past experiences that are relevant to the job you are seeking. If you want to be an accountant, you should not spend a lot of time discussing your summers as a lifeguard.
- Include hobbies and pastimes . Employers are usually looking for people who are well rounded and have shared interests with other staff already on board. Showing that you are a good fit in the workplace is often an important consideration for the employer. It can be a great icebreaker in the interview as well.
- Should you include a photograph? This can depend on the job you are applying for. If you do include a picture, make sure it is appropriate: This is not the place for inappropriate pictures and make sure all social media is presentable.
- Appropriate telephone and e-mail addresses: Your personal e-mail needs to be on your CV – make it one you can be proud of and, if you are truly keen to be available keep a close eye on your communications and reply timely and of course professionally.
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