CV Tips

Q. What is the objective of a CV?

To get you an interview. Thousands of CV’s are sent off everyday, by email, post and hand delivered, in the hope of finding a new career. CV’s vary in quality, quantity, presentation and content and it’s at this stage a large percentage are rejected! Thus, the candidate is eliminated from the selection process at the very first hurdle. Sadly, in many cases, the candidate doesn't’t receive a reply, informing then of the situation.

There are a number of reasons why CV’s fail to achieve their objective of obtaining their owner an interview:

A. Are you applying for the ‘right’ opportunity?

The first crucial decision you have to make before submitting your CV is very simple. Does your CV, your skills and your credentials match those of the advertised post? If the answer is yes, then apply, if not then seriously consider, ‘are you expecting to get an interview’! Well structured job adverts will tell you what the prospective employer is looking for – unless your profile matches at least 80% of the requirement, your chances of being invited for interview, let alone getting the job, are remote.

B. Match your CV to an opportunity.

Once you have identified the job you wish to apply for, taking into consideration the above, you have to construct your CV in relation to this role. A fatal mistake is sending the same CV for several different jobs. Every company, every job and every advert is looking for an ‘ideal’ match. Be realistic, does your ‘standard CV’ meet the requirements of all of the advertised jobs? It’s unlikely, unless of course, you are exceptional! Tailor make you CV for each different application and monitor your success in getting to the interview stage.

C. Content

We at FCP receive thousands of CV’s a year, unfortunately, a majority are too long, too detailed, don’t correspond to an opportunity, contain irrelevant information and sadly many are too plain. Companies want to see candidates who a) match what they are looking for and b) whose CV makes them want to interview them. Most importantly, your CV must outline your suitability for the role, including experience, skill sets, training, achievements and personality. All too often the first page of a CV fails to address these key areas. Secondly career achievements and exceeding targets are not highlighted.

D. Presentation

We recommend 2-3 pages, anymore and it’s overkill, you are trying to get the job on the basis of your CV – this does not work. Your CV should contain brief ‘tasters’ of your ability so that the interviewer wants to know more.

Does it look good?
Does it stand out?
Is it well presented?

Please don’t use photocopies on poor quality paper, this indicates to employers you lack of preparation and desire.

Do not submit handwritten CV’s

If you are going to write a covering letter, only do so if your handwriting is exceptional, otherwise, use a PC.

Make it easy for you to be contacted, include ALL contact telephone numbers address and email address.

E. And Finally

Now that you have re-worked your CV ask yourself and a colleague or friend:

Is it interesting?
Does it look good?

If the answers are yes, then you have a marketing tool which will lead to more interviews, as long as you apply for the ‘right’ opportunities. Remember:- Your CV is your marketing tool to get you that interview, once you have the interview, YOU are the sales tool.

1. Compose your CV to match the opportunity.

2. Make sure it highlights your experience and skills that match those required by the opportunity.

3. Highlight your relevant achievements. These three steps are the ones that help employers decide if they want to see you.

Good Luck!