How to Write a Professional CV

There are four common types of resumes, namely, a chronological, a functional, combination, or a targeted resume. The position you are applying for will influence the type of resume you select.

A resume is essentially a summary of your CV which aims to grab the reader’s attention, whilst providing relevant information only. It should clearly indicate why your skills and experience will benefit their organisation, and what solutions you can offer to their current situation.

A resume is most commonly used when the candidate has a lengthy CV, often as a result of extensive experience.

Regardless of whether you are writing a CV or a Resume, always attempt to state characteristics or skills which will distinguish you from other candidates.

7 Steps to drawing up a winning CV

 1.         Short and simple

 A CV should generally be no longer than two pages. Most often you will find that employers take little time to go into CV’s in great detail. It is therefore critical to have a catchy cover letter and ensure your CV stands out from the rest. Avoid obvious characteristics such as, ‘excellent communication skills’. Rather opt for “I was Salesmen of the Year as a result of my excellent closing skills – or something similar. This will grab the attention of the reader.

 2.         Have an Objective

Providing there is a job description or a company name included, it is always recommended that you create a cover page specific to the position being offered. It may sound like a time-consuming process, however, employers receive hundreds or perhaps thousands of CV’s at a time. If your cover letter relates specifically to the position and briefly states why your skills are best for the position, and how you go about resolving issues relating to the job, you are sure to be placed in the “yes” pile.

   3.         Be Accurate

When writing a CV, be sure to add in all your previous experience and training courses. If an employer feels you have gaps missing or have lied on your CV, it will guarantee you are excluded from the short list. It can also get you into trouble. Rather focus on the positions relating to the job and provide additional information there.

  4.         Presentation is Critical

A CV must always be well-presented. Firstly, there should be NO grammar or spelling mistakes. If possible, ask someone who has an eye for detail to proof-read it for you. The font should be a plain typeface i.e. Arial, Calibri, Verdana or Times New Roman (which is becoming slightly old-fashioned). Size 10 –12 as long as the font is standard throughout your CV.

• Use Bold to make headings or titles stands out … But don’t over use it.
• Number all pages
• Do not use graphics
• Avoid adding a photo of yourself, your dog or your kids.
• Align all headings and bullet points neatly
• Do not underline words

Your CV should be presented on clean, good quality, white paper and should not be folded. Place it in an new lightly coloured plastic folder (so you can see the documents you need to access) and then inside a smart black folder with any other supporting documents you may need. Take 2 certified copies of your ID, certificates, qualifications, and achievements. Go prepared and give yourself the best possible chance of getting hired. Employers quickly spot people who are organised and professional.

  5.         Keep it Relevant

Regardless of whether you are looking to change jobs, your CV must be kept up-to-date at all times. Regularly update important achievements, to ensure you do not miss or forget to add them in later.

It is also important to list your information in order of importance to the reader. Your qualifications and previous job positions should be listed from the most recent at the top to the least relevant at the bottom.

 Job Titles should be set out in the following order: 

• Title or Position held
• Name of previous employer
• City / Suburb of previous employer
• Dates of employment

  6.         Additional info you may want to add

You may add in extras on your CV, such as work you do for the community. Perhaps you have assisted in raising funds, coordinated charity events or done public relations work for a charity. This is not a necessity, however it may show skills that could be relevant for the position, or it may portray skills that distinguish you from other candidates i.e. hard-working, responsible, loyal, disciplined, honest.

  7.         Common CV Mistakes

 With the ease of searching jobs online these days, there are often hundreds of CV applications for an employer to sift through. It is vital therefore that the CV you are sending out is accurate, professional and ‘To-the-point’.

Applying for a new job can be daunting, especially if you have been out of work for a while or are unfamiliar with technology and uploading a CV online.

If so, why not use our simple CV template

1. SIGN-UP under ‘My Budget’ with money101

2. Upload your information using our CV template

3. PRINT A COPY and take IT along to your interview

HAVE A LOOK AT the CV DO’S AND DON’TS BELOW:

THE DO’S:

•  DO Keep your CV as short and clear as possible. Employers and recruiters generally read through the cover page to get an idea of your relevant experience. They then skim through your CV to confirm details and seek out your pertinent roles and responsibilities. It is therefore important to organise your CV in a way that makes your skills stand out. It must remain clutter free and easy to read.
• DO keep descriptions of your skills, achievements and qualities brief. Avoid statements such as, “have excellent written and verbal communication skills”.
• DO explain gaps any in your CV. Perhaps you took off time to go travelling. Although you may feel it counts as a large gap, it could also indicate to the reader that you are independent and are willing to take risks.
• DO place your CV in an A4 envelope to avoid the corners folding or getting damaged. It is always advised to take a copy of your CV along with you to each interview.
• DO take a copy of you CV, ID copy, proof of qualifications and reference letters along to all interviews.

THE DON’TS:

• Do not allow spelling or grammar errors. Ask a friend or someone with experience to proof-read your CV before sending it out. This is one of the most important factors to remember.
• Do not include irrelevant information. Including hobbies and interests are fine if they are relevant to the position you are applying for (unless this is one of the first jobs you are applying for).
• Do not send out the same CV to all companies. Adding a personal touch goes a long way and may make you stand out from the other candidates when it comes to the interview- selection stage.
• Do not hand over references or a copy of your ID, unless requested to do so.
• Do not lie on your CV. You will be caught out through confirmation of ITC Checks. Do not lie about skills you claim to have. Rather let them know that you enjoy learning new skills, and will gladly go on a training course should they be satisfied with your other skills.

Always remember that a CV is a marketing tool to help you sell yourself and your skills to a potential employer. Once you get an interview, you can only do your best…

BODY LANGUAGE TIPS: Be confident, honest, professional, shake hands with the interviewer and maintain eye contact.

Be optimistic and stay motivated! A good attitude will always shine through and help you stand out above the other candidates.

We wish you all the best with your job interview, and welcome any feedback, additional tips or advice you may have for others!