A CV is usually defined as a short document summarising an individual's education, career and achievements.  This is normally prepared by a person searching for employment and given to prospective employers for a specific vacancy or career role.  CVs also look to highlight (target) skills, qualities and other relevant information towards matching candidates with the job selection criteria. 

An effective CV strives to match a persons profile / history with the job selection criteria.  The role of the recruiter is to verify the integrity of the CV and that the candidate matches what the employer is looking for.  There are no specific rules on how to write an effective CV and individuals can personalise a CV if they so wish (within reason).  Whilst there are no specific rules, certain guidelines do exist and must
be followed if a CV is to create the right impression and WIN that all important job interview.

                                                                                                                                                               

There are many CV writing principles.  Such guidelines have been developed and refined over the years and form the basis of writing an effective CV.  Therefore it is crucial to follow established methods in terms of CV presentation, CV layout,  CV content and attention to detail.  

Winning CV defines these principles as 'CV Writing Secrets'.  Applying these guidelines can make a difference in terms of creating the right impression and winning an interview.  Failure to apply many of these CV principles could leave your CV on the reject pile! 

Please take time to consider these points when writing your CV.  This is critical advice as most CVs and applications are accepted or rejected in a matter of a few seconds!

                                                                                                                                                              

>>  Presentation:  Stand out from the rest = 30 seconds to impress recruiters.
>>  Pleasing to the eye:  Uncluttered with clear headings & plenty of white space.
>>  Use a friend:  Look for first impressions, readability, layout, content, mistakes, etc.

>>  Be selective:  Review the relevance of each piece of information (do not overload).
>>  Be positive:  Sell yourself by using positive language (avoid negativity at all costs).

>>  Information:  Must be presented in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
>>  Keep it simple:  Consider 'reader-friendliness' & avoid jargon.  Two pages.

>>  Sentence construction:  Short, concise & well-worded.  No waffle!
>>  Factual & Honest:  Candidates get caught out all the time!

>>  Accuracy:  Dates & details must be accurate.                                                                            
>>  Spelling & Grammar:  Should be 'proofed' for errors.
>>  Other skills:  Demonstrates evidence of written communication. 

                                               

                     

Beat the competition! - Make sure your CV stands out from the crowd & win an interview!