Employers and recruitment agencies often express surprise, even shock, when they see the latest batch of CVs offered up. "Don't these people even read the job description?" said one frustrated dental practitioner looking for a new dental nurse. "We specifically said, 'relevant experience essential' but most of the people who responded didn't have any knowledge or experience relevant to the job."
Targeting what you put into your CV so that it meets the job description is a first essential. While composing a standardised CV means you have a useful template to work from, you must tailor it for each application you offer up. Refer to the company name either within the CV or in a covering letter and make clear that you have taken the trouble to find out something about the firm you are approaching.
Think about the skills you have accumulated. These may be specific, quantifiable skills such as foreign languages or driving or they may be transferable skills like group training, leadership or counselling. Now match them against the job description so that you can directly connect your presentation to those requirements.
A CV needs to start with a strong profile that highlights the very best of your abilities and how this makes you the ideal candidate for the job. Remember though, it is not a wish list and should be backed up by evidence further on in your CV.
Many job applications are made online and employers or recruitment agencies often carry out targeted searches to find the kind of recruits they need. It's important, therefore, to include appropriate keywords to improve your chances of being found. Identify the right keywords by analysing the job descriptions relevant for your skills and picking out the words that recur. Knit these into your CV opening profile.
Whether you're sending a hard or a soft copy, don't be tempted to use gimmicks like brightly coloured paper, photos or bits of clip art. They don't impress and usually irritate. Keep your language specific, tight and punchy. Don't waste limited space on vague, wordy statements. You are not writing an essay. You are giving a neat synopsis to encourage your recipient to invite you for interview.
Now is not the moment to show off how many rare words you know. Be concise and to the point so that what you say matches you so well to the job description, they feel compelled to interview you.
Less is more. If you did a temporary job as a wine waiter ten years ago and you're now looking for a post as a primary school teacher, don't waste space including that history. Stick to what relates to the job but don't leave gaps of long periods.
Focus on your successes at work rather than just offering descriptions of your old jobs. A situation-action-results (SAR) formula will help you to focus. Bring out examples of where you analysed a problem, carried out the appropriate action and got the desired results. This will hold true whether you were charged with sorting out the company filing classifications or building a new bridge.
Put yourself into the shoes of the person judging these CVs. He or she has to use consistent selection criteria. Make sure you will make the match.
Have a clear, coherent structure to your CV. There are hundreds of templates and samples available online that will help you to get this right. The usual shape is to put your personal and contact details first followed by your qualifications then your employment history from the present day running backwards. It is useful if you can include two or three referees.
Don't be tempted to tell lies or exaggerate grossly: being found out is very damaging and potentially not only for that one job. Affiliated companies or those in the same sector often share HR information informally even though they aren't really supposed to do so. Word gets around.
Generally, unless the application procedure expressly forbids it, include a covering letter. That gives you scope to offer a brief distillation that summarises the most significant match factors between you and this job. It also allows you space to give a very positive, upbeat and enthusiastic introduction to you and your skills portfolio.
Written Words is an international media consultancy offering strategic solutions for the world's press, companies, international agencies and the public sector. Additional services include media skills and presentation training, speech writing and tailored public relations solutions. We also offer a full ghost-writing and book editing service to publishing standard. Call us on +44 131 667 8282 or e-mail: maggie@writtenwords.co.uk
