A WELL PRESENTED CV

Author: M. Russell(Job Vision Support Team)
Date: 14-03-2010 13:20

An employer/recruiter may have several hundred enquiries about a single job; he or she will only choose a few people who appear suitable for interview.

Why having a well presented CV is so important

It is vital to understand the CV reviewing process and your recruiter's situation:

• As said, recruiters are dealing with many applications per vacancy
• They are normally under immense time pressures as working to tight deadlines
• In the main, they will make their first decision on your application by only scan reading your CV
• Most recruiters like to receive already filtered CVs. We do that for you and for them
• They are initially searching for just a few keywords in your CV via our search facility
• There is a job for everyone. Jobvision Team helps you find it

For most recruiters CV processing is very tedious, we are making their life easier so they should take a positive attitude towards you.

General

Provide evidence - tell the truth. Work out what qualifications, experience and skills are required for the position applied for and think of what you have done that matches those attributes. Be specific, focused and factual and give full explicit details and provide evidence for any claims you make.

Writing Style

Make sure the spelling is correct. Poor spelling reflects badly especially as we have the tools to prevent it. Get at least two people to check and read your CV.

Don’t Include

• Don't include any negatives or anything critical.
• Don't include poor grades, or unfortunate work experiences.
• There is rarely an advantage to include any personal interests or hobbies in your CV unless relevant to the job.
• Don't include references unless specifically requested - they can be requested upon interview
• Unless you are applying for a position as a model don't include a photograph.
• Do not include matters about your health or any disabilities you have.
• Do not include any trade union or political affiliations.
• Don't include children you have.
• Don't include humor or jokes
• Don't show your existing salary or expected salary unless requested.

Chronological

Keep to a reverse chronological format (dates in order of most recent first).
Do not attempt to hide any gaps as most of the time there is a perfectly good reason, such as getting laid off (it happens!), child birth, or illness that can be explained at interview. It’s VERY IMPORTANT to mention years and dates of your experience (e.g.:  2004 – 2006 Maputo Shopping Center – Driver …)

 

Personal Details

There is no need to include attributes such as gender, date of birth, photograph, children, weight, height, or marital status. You should include nationality.

Work History

• Don't re-write your current job description. Just briefly mention your responsibilities.
• Don't include reasons for leaving, it is better to be clarified during the interview.
• Include any voluntary or work placement activities. The employer will be interested in the quality of experience regardless of whether or not it was paid.
• When listing your various jobs, include details which illustrate exactly how they have given you the skills which will be useful.
• Don't belittle or undervalue your experience. It is up to you to demonstrate how and why they have given you useful skills.
• Most important! Include years and as much as possible dates for each period in your work history

Education

If you have little work history or are currently attending or due to finish school, college, or university then put education section above work history if possible but always detail it as much as you can.

• Include honors if awarded.
• Give more detail to the higher qualifications listed such as degrees and masters.
• Give full course details and dates.
• If you do not have a degree then show you successfully completed other educational courses or training such as night school, continuing education, seminars, or workshops.
• Write 'degree expected [month/year]' if you have not yet graduated.

If you have nothing to put in an education section then focus on writing the other sections of your CV, highlighting the skills and experience you have gained. Consider a school or college nearby that offers classes scheduled around the needs of working adults.

Other Skills/Sections

• Languages - make sure you include your level SINCERELLY.
• List your IT skills and include the applications you have used
• Published works
• Membership of relevant professional bodies, clubs or societies
• Make sure you list any other skills that will interest an employer if they are relevant.

The Jobvision Team will:

• Attract the recruiter to read the CV the moment your application is received & before other applicants
• Convey that you possess more skills than just what is described in the text of your CV
• Smoothly guide the recruiter to the relevant areas of your history
• Instantly give the recruiter a positive feel about you

Ultimately, we can get you an interview for your perfect job.

« Back to articles