Human Resource Knowledge

Write a CV to differentiate you from the pack

Thinking of changing jobs? And to the point CV really does count, says the experts. But how does one ensure that his/her CV is exact? How does one ably sum up all that needs to be there on the results before it reaches headhunters or prospective employers? How does one ensure that the resume conveys the current role with brevity?

Whichever vacancy you have chosen to apply bear in mind hundreds of others will have he same goal. You need to write a CV to differentiate you from the pack. A CV demands you not only to think about your future, but also think about your past. Does it sound confusing? Your resume should answer a lot of questions namely: What have been the turning points in your career? What have you really contributed? What will each organization remember you for? What new experience did you gain in each role? Remember your CV needs to be a good list.

Another issue is how many CVs do you need? If you are considering very diverse roles, for example, telemarketer versus front office executive you may need two CVs. Both will, of course preset the facts but each will have a different slant and will emphasize different aspects of your career. What you leave in or out will determine the whole flavor of the CV and ultimately the perception the reader will have of you. You need to analyses that first and then decide on the elements of your broad experience to highlight. Start with the easy bits; clearly laid out personal and contacts details. If your education is a highlight mention it first, or put it at then end. Next write a short punchy profile and this should include no subjective knowledge. If in doubt, it is safe to remove all references to interpersonal skills or your views on your own abilities. A good job profile should only consist of objectives facts that clearly differentiate you from the others. You may choose to include information as diverse as:

1. International experience
2. leadership of very large teams
3. Management of large budgets
4. Delivery of business transformation.

How to pen you Employment History?

Employers want it see how your experience will be useful to them, so be brief about it that are totally different from the one you are applying for. Relevant jobs should be listed in more detail showing not only main duties and responsibilities but giving examples of the skills you used and what you achieved. Relate your skills and experience to the job description and what the employer is looking for. Also include any relevant temporary or unpaid work. Avoid unexplained gaps in your employment history as employers may think you have something to hide! If you have worked in a number of well known companies, it is advisable to put a summary of the company date and role. However, if you have hopped from one role to another don’t rub in the eyes of the employer by including their summary. Remember your next role will probably be an evolution from your current one. So be careful in adding details about your past work experiences. It is a thumb rule to avoid too much detail since if you are long winded, it’s impossible to make an impact.

The best way to judge your own CV is to read the whole document and ask yourself. Is this an honestly written document that will grab attention and immediately compel the reader to call me? If your answer is in the affirmative you have a winner. If not, you need to re-look at ways in which you can make it more appealing.

Labels: General

posted by Paresh @ 9:57 PM