CV Writing Guide: CV Writing Skills and Better Skills for CV Writing.

Strategies For Targeting CVs: Alot of hard work, time and attention pays dividends. Think smarter and more strategically. 

The initial objective for a candidate with a CV is to get shortlisted for job interview. There are several elements to achieving this goal, so Winning CV has identified a number of key strategies to ensure CVs stand out from others. Follow this advice and you cannot go far wrong.

1) Submit a quality CV and covering letter

A clearly focused, well presented and articulated CV very often creates a positive impression with recruiters. A carefully constructed personal profile detailing career motivations, career goals, core experience and key skills is likely to persuade recruiters to read on and look at the whole CV. The personal profile should be an effective candidate summary, so a great degree of time
and attention should be placed on getting it right. This should lead into the remainder of the CV. Covering letters should also summarise key elements mentioned in a CV.

2) Research the company before applying - can save time and effort! 

Candidates sometimes do not target the right employers, so effective research can be important for saving time and eliminating wasted effort. Company Research often gives some indicators about candidate profiles and expectations of the people an organisation employs. Some larger companies possess dedicated career web pages sites giving testimonials and career profiles
of individuals. At the very least, there should be some indications about the level, calibre,
background and experience of candidates the company is looking for.

3) Tailoring job applications to the job description

It is not rocket science. Job descriptions give clues as to what recruiters are looking for and initial interview pre-selection decisions are based on how well a CV matches up to the job specification. Key phrases, terminology, buzzwords, skills, qualities and requirements are stated on the job description. Use the job description to guide what to put in a CV and covering letter. Once a CV and covering letter has been customised, it becomes much easier to target other similar job roles. This will ultimately save time when doing further job applications.

4) Only target job vacancies where 60-70% of the job description is matched

In a competitive job market, it is apparent employers are becoming far more selective when recruiting people. Very often, employers can prescribe what they want in an ideal candidate and find themselves choosing from a number of credible candidates. It is important to be realistic  when applying for jobs. Realistically, candidates are only likely to be selected for job interview if they satisfy at least 60-70% of the job selection criteria (this can be higher for specialised roles). Anything less, then there is no real point in applying. Candidates have more success if they are suited to the role in terms of qualifications, experience, skills and qualities.

5) Be sure any career choice is the right one

Career choices must be realistic. There must be enough supporting evidence to back up any job application, otherwise people with more suitable credentials will stand a greater chance of securing a job interview. A career change CV may work, though only if there is a similar transferable skills profile, supported by strong motivations and a clear career objective.

6) Have clear career objectives and focus

A common criticism by recruiters is a lack of motivation, focus or realistic career objectives in CVs. Strong motivations enable recruiters to understand why a candidate has chosen any given career and a strong conviction in what they do can sometimes mean more than experience (particularly for graduates). A CV focused on the job description or role in question is far more credible than a CV with no focus or relevance to the application. Realistic career objectives (vision of where a candidate needs to be) are also important, as apparent over-ambition can deter employers from pre-selecting candidates. An assured, focused and realistic CV often stands more of a chance to make an impression. It is also important to continually review motivations and career objectives to ensure continued relevance and motivation. 

7) Be persistent, proactive and plan 

In a very difficult job market, it is important to remain motivated and proactively send out job applications. Competition for jobs is very high so it is important to keep knocking on as many doors as possible. One will eventually open! Plan an effective job search strategy to carefully
target certain employers, job roles and geographic areas. Continually review the career plan
and look at what is working and those aspects that are less successful. 

8) Consider doing something different from other candidates - differentiation

Competition is intense so a different approach or including something different may distinguish an application from others. It is important to think of something clever (subtle) that will make a good impression. Consider things like awards, achievements, additional training or company placements to help establish a growing track record in any chosen career. Mention specific skills or aspects of work experience that have made a difference or had a wider impact on a business.

CV Writing Resources

Professional CV Writing Services High quality, carefully crafted and fully bespoke resume writing. Customised to the individual - Executives, Professionals and Graduates.	CV Writing Principles What is a curriculum vitae or CV? How to write a CV and create an effective personal marketing document. Follow basic CV writing rules.
Top CV Tips Recruiters deal with resumes, candidates and employers on a daily basis. Top CV writing tips as defined by recruiters - some good advice!	Targeting CVs Effectively There are four main elements for targeting CVs  to job roles and employers. Highlighting some guidelines and strategies to bring more success.
Common CV Mistakes Profiling the most common CV mistakes made, as identified by recruiters. Avoid CV weaknesses and improve the overall quality of your CV.	Good Resume Writing Follow sound CV writing advice. A useful CV writing checklist. Leave nothing to chance - check what needs to included and excluded from a CV.
Choosing A CV Format Several types of resume exist. Chronological CVs are most widely used and preferred. Functional CVs and performance CVs are also used.	CV Format / Headings Structuring a CV and customising headings are important elements when writing a CV. We profile each section and what needs to be included.
CV Rejections - Why? CVs are rejected for a number of reasons. As experienced resume writers, we see candidates making the same mistakes time and again.	CV Covering Letters CV cover letters are integral to a job application. A simple formula needs to be adopted to grab the recruiters interest and persuade them to read on.

FREE CV, Job Interview and Career Resources

CV Writing Help FREE guide to CV writing. Resume advice and getting the basics right. How to write a CV and other useful resume resources.	Job Interview Guide Guide to job interviews. From job interview preparation to performing at job interview. Common interview questions and more...
One Stop Career Resource FREE Career Resources all in one place. Advice on salary negotiation, redundancy, job applications, job hunting, stress, etc.	Winning CV Jobs Board Search UK jobs - Find international jobs in 60 countries - Jobs by sector - Regional Jobs - Register CV for FREE email alerts.

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