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New Year, New You, New Job!
The New Year is a time when people re-evaluate and reflect on their lives; some make New Year resolutions to “keep fit, start a dance class, stop smoking…” If you’ve been reflecting on your career and have decided that you need a change, then it’s the perfect time to update your CV and ensure that you’re selling yourself in the best possible way.
2010 promises to be a busy time for employers and employees alike, with predictions of an upturn in the market across most sectors and potential job losses in others. One thing is certain, the CV will play an important role by employers in identifying new talent to join their organisation.
A CV is viewed by employers as an extension of the person they may later wish to consider for their vacant post.. An average employer will sift through around 20 CV’s for anyone vacancy; in times of recession and depending on the type of job advertised, this number could be significantly more. So, how do you make sure your CV gets the time and attention it deserves and more importantly gets you that all important first interview. As it’s often said, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
CV Top Tips
First Things First!!!
When you are job hunting particularly in the current climate, it is easy to adopt a scatter gun approach to your job search, by applying for all and any job under the sun. Employers can often spot a candidate who is just seeking a job from one who is seeking a career with their organisation. Most job adverts will set out what the employer is looking for, and if you’re in doubt, phone up and ask. It will save you time and effort in the long run instead of applying for several jobs and getting nowhere. Be self aware – Ask yourself:
• Do I have the skills that match the requirements for this role?
• What is the employer looking for?
• How does my previous experience fit with the job I am applying for?
Think broadly. If you have been out of work for a period of time, perhaps raising a family or studying, you may think that you don’t have the right experience to apply for the job. Sometimes your experience may be drawn from activities that take place outside of a work setting. Are you a church organiser? Are you a class representative at your children’s school? ; Or the treasurer of a club? Scout leader? Use your experiences in these roles to demonstrate your organisational skills, time, management and budgetary skills.
Personal Statements
Most people have a personal statement at the start of their CV. The statement tells the reader something of interest about you. It provides an initial impression about you and what you have to offer a potential employer. Your personal statement has to be captivating and engaging, and at the same time focus on what makes you the best candidate for the job rather than just a list of your personal attributes. The key thing to remember here is to keep it short and to the point – a personal statement that exceeds 5 lines in a CV is too long!
Tailor your CV
We all know that applying for jobs can feel like a full time job in itself. However, an employer still wants to think that you have written your CV just for them. A CV that is too generic and does not point to the specific skills required for the position you have applied for is less likely to get you that interview.
Short & Simple
A good CV should be short and to the point and no longer than 3 pages – the ideal is 2 pages. Remember that the employer may have 20 or more CV’s to sift through, if you have not managed to grab their attention on first page you are unlikely to get it later. Your CV is there to whet the employer’s appetite and provide you with the opportunity to tell them more at an interview.
Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
So many people send in CV’s without giving it a final read through. An employer is likely to view this as a lack of attention to detail and an indication of your future performance. If you can’t make the effort to send in a good CV, why should they take the time to interview you?
Photographs
You want an employer to be interested in you for your skills not your looks. A picture attached to your CV can sometimes distract from the focus of what you have to offer a future employer. Focus on providing information that will get you through the door.
It’s important to keep motivated and fix your mind on success and not give up! Keep in the forefront of your mind what you want to achieve and imagine yourself in your ideal job.
A great CV will help you to get your foot through the door and not leave you standing on the doorstep!
If you decide to opt for a professional to revamp your CV contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for further advice.
About the author
Name: Yvonne Akinmodun
Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: http://www.thepeoplefactor.co.uk
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