Your CV and its Structure
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The following article was originally written in 1990© by the founder of CV Services International, aimed at readers of a magazine titled ‘Civil & Structural Weekly’ .. hence the use of headings pertinent to that particular industry. However, since that time and with the permission of the author, the article has been reproduced in several other international publications, journals, magazines and careers supplements …… yet the content still remains useful to this day for jobseekers who need to write a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume ……
During more than 20 years of Professional CV compilation for clients of all disciplines, one startling fact has emerged above all others – job seekers, irrespective of age, qualifications and profession, are generally unable to be totally objective about themselves. Apparently, it seems, the higher an applicant’s qualifications, the less his ability to submit an adequate written summary of his own skills and achievements.
Presentation is vital: Concise, precise, with just enough information to make a recruiter feel compelled to interview you, your Resume or CV compilation should ensure that any part of the information can be seen at a glance. If valuable time has to be spent searching through your details, then it is likely to become a rejection. In order to achieve success, therefore, all aspects of the project should be scrutinised.
Design and Detailing: Your CV compilation should include: Personal details: full name; place of birth / nationality; family status details; contact address / telephone, etc. Education: schools, colleges, universities; dates attended; qualifications; professional memberships. Training: include all relevant courses with dates. Languages: include level of spoken / written ability. Employment History: should start with current or last job and include dates / job titles; employers' names and locations; duties / responsibilities; achievements. References: not essential unless requested. Availability: state period of notice required.
If you know which specific post you want to secure, you should aim to emphasise skills and experience of particular relevance to that post. Try not to write more than 2 or 3 full pages. Avoid half-pages, these suggest that you have nothing more to convey and could minimise your chances of gaining an interview. Do not enclose pages and pages of certificates and references – recruiters hate them. Never submit a hand written Curriculum Vitae. Alternatively, if you require help with your CV or Resume, how do you evaluate the numerous services offered these days by CV Writers ? How do you distinguish the truly Professional CV Writers from the typists and amateurs?
Initial Investigation and Groundwork: Ask of the CV companies what specific writing experience has been acquired in your particular field of expertise. How long has the business been established? Do large financial organisations have confidence in them; i.e. how long have credit/charge facilities been available? Is confidentiality of your personal details assured; i.e. is the company registered under the Data Protection Act? Be wary of samples, your Curriculum Vitae should be individually tailored and in no way mass-produced.
Costing: Shop around. Find out exactly what you get for your money ! Will your details be stored on computer for instant access, amendment and inexpensive update when required? If not, you are likely to be paying for a typing service and you should check at the outset how much an update will cost in the future.
Planning and Programming: Don’t delay the decision to prepare your CV until the moment you see an interesting post advertised and then scramble to throw something together. Plan ahead. Even if you are even thinking of changing your job - be positive about preparation. It is amazing how long some of our clients have kept our introductory leaflet and then, when suddenly ordering have requested compilation yesterday! The impossible can sometimes be achieved, but any assignment can only be undertaken on the basis of information provided by you. In your rush to complete an extensive questionnaire, you are likely to overlook a crucial point. If you instruct a CV Writer to compile your document, you should be provided with a proof copy for approval / amendment. At this stage, even clients who have taken great care to provide full details, often remember something important they omitted in the first instance.
Administration: Never submit a long letter of application. Remember KISS - Keep it short & sweet. Check that CV companies will prepare individually-tailored free samples of job application letters to accompany your CV.
Quality Control & Finishing: Be factual and avoid using an abundance of superfluous words – pronouns such as ‘I’ and ‘my’ are totally unnecessary and only clutter the document. Never submit a badly typed CV, no matter who has prepared it. A Professional CV should be perfectly produced – many are not – NEVER accept spelling mistakes or typing errors from any CV Writer.
REMEMBER : a well-written, carefully compiled CV undoubtedly enhances your chances of success. Whether you decide to write your own, or commission a professionally prepared CV - don’t be caught doing the ‘setting out’ when someone else has already undertaken ‘completion and hand-over’ of this important document.
