Writing the perfect CV
Creating a positive impression to potential employers begins with your CV. This document is the foundation on which an employer’s first impressions will be based, so it is important to take the time to make sure that it accurately represents you - your qualifications, your experience and your skills.
Use your CV as a personal marketing tool. It serves as a platform from which to promote yourself to a prospective employer and, as your life is constantly changing and your career developing, you must consistently update this information. The most effective CVs are those that are tailored or customised to a specific occupation or application - an employer will only spend 20 to 30 seconds glancing at a CV, so you need to highlight your main attractions at the beginning.
It is important to remember that ultimately there are no rules to creating a CV, only conventions and guidelines. You must decide what you want to include that will reflect your good points in relation to the job requirements. This article aims to clarify some of the main steps to creating your perfect fit CV.
To make your CV as effective as possible, think about what skills and qualities they may wish to invest in and why. You can then organise and present your information in a way that is likely to interest the employer. For the full CV writing article, click HERE.
Writing a cover letter
As with CV writing, there are few firm rules for producing a cover letter, only suggestions and guidelines. Despite a range of different suggestions and advice for composing one, one thing that is agreed upon universally is that without a good quality cover letter as an accompaniment to your CV, the impact of your application can be severely limited.
It is important that you spend a sufficient amount of time writing your cover letter. This will allow you to highlight the most relevant parts of your CV - those that make you most suitable for the role and entice potential employers to read on. Remember that your cover letter should answer the question, “What can this person do for us?”
This doesn’t relate only to posted applications; if you are emailing your CV it is still crucial that you compose a cover letter that grasps the attention of its recipient. The style of an emailed covering letter should mirror that of a posted application (avoid the temptation to adopt a casual tone when emailing your CV) this will ensure that you create a professional impression from the outset. For more information on writing cover letters, click HERE.
Your job search strategy
Before you enter into the job search you need to clarify exactly what it is you are looking for and make a clear plan of action so you employ the right moves. In order to succeed there are some fundamental techniques you can use to set you on the right path.
The primary reason why most job seekers fail in their job search is that they are too focused on themselves. The job seekers who achieve success in their job search are focused on the needs of the organisation to which they are applying. Think about what they are looking for in a potential employee and what you have to offer.
This activity is all about selling yourself. What your talent is and how it can be used by an employer is known as employment value. Knowing this before you begin your search is crucial to finding rewarding employment. Do not expect employers to discover this value alone, know who you are and what you have to sell. To find out more about conducting an effective job search, click HERE.
