Tips and Advice - CV Tips

Your CV | Your Success Starts Here. Your CV has one main function — to be impressive and intriguing enough to get you an interview. A CV reflects the choices you make, and the way you present information is nearly as important as the information itself. Keep in mind that CVs are always changing (for instance, e-mailing CVs is now more the rule than the exception). The best way to stay current is to consult the most up-to-date resources. Your Representative is always a direct line to questions you may have about your CV.

Creating Your CV

• Take the time to identify your skills, interests, and career goals before creating your CV.
• Write clearly and concisely. Use power verbs like 'achieved', 'conceived', 'coordinated', 'created', 'developed', 'led', 'prioritized', 'secured', and 'supervised'.
• Be specific when you list dates, making sure to mention months as well as the years.
• Always spell-check and thoroughly review your CV.
• Never lie on your CV. Even one embellishment can jeopardize your chances of getting hired.
• Honesty does not mean boring—highlight and detail those achievements that are most relevant to the position you are applying for.

Customise Content

• Using your sets of skills and experiences, customise your CV and yourself to fit the position. Remember, interviewers are trying to match the person with a specific job.
• Your CV must reaffirm in a tailored way, before and after your interview, how hiring you solves the employer's problem.
• Use search-friendly words. Many employers use electronic scanners that search for key words in CV. Review the job description or requirements to determine which key words to use.
• When submitting a printed CV, make sure to use paper that has a scanner- friendly color and texture. Use white or very light-colored paper and avoid using stationery with designs. Printing your CV on somewhat thick, lightly textured paper can help it stand out in the pile.

CV Tips

• Remember your audience. Tailor your CV to each specific job or employer you submit it to. Feel free to move or replace elements to highlight information that is most relevant to the specific employer you are sending your resume to.
• Make sure to bring several clean, presentable copies of your CV to your interview.
• Instead of simply writing "Dear Hiring Manager," or worse, "To Whom it May Concern," find out the name of the person to whom you are sending your CV. This not only increases the chances of your CV being seen by the right people, it also gives you the advantage of addressing the person in your cover letter.
• Always provide your Representative with an electronic copy of your CV.

Preparing a Professional CV Appearance:

• Look Polished and Professional
• Overall appearance should look clean, organized and easy to read.
• Keep it to one page and edit so the information is complete yet concise.
• Margins should be at least an inch wide on each side.
• Fonts should be a readable size. Avoid playful or fancy fonts like Comic Sans.
• Choose a format that highlights your suitability to the job.
• Use the Chronological format to emphasize Work Experience.
• Use the Functional format to emphasize skills.
• Use high-quality paper; the lighter the color and texture, the better.
• Name, address, email address, and phone number should be clear and distinct.
• Always double-check for spelling, grammatical or punctuation errors.

Content: Sound Concise and Results-Oriented

• Make an impression within 5 seconds.
• Give a good description of the scope of responsibilities.
• Convey that you are accomplishment-oriented.
• Use action words to communicate results.
• Edit strategically to eliminate unnecessary information.
• Demonstrate your ability to produce and succeed.
• List certification/membership/participation in pertinent organizations.
• List relevant skills such as software proficiencies.