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Writing An Effective CV

Writing An Effective CV . Learning objectives. By the end of this session, you are expected to: Identify key skills and qualifications to be included in the CV Position yourself correctly in the job market Understand how recruiters and headhunters search for candidates

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Writing An Effective CV

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  1. Writing An Effective CV

  2. Learning objectives • By the end of this session, you are expected to: • Identify key skills and qualifications to be included in the CV • Position yourself correctly in the job market • Understand how recruiters and headhunters search for candidates • Understand how to make your CV attractive

  3. What are CV types • Chronological • Functional • Academic

  4. Chronological Resumes • The most common resume type. • Experience and qualifications are sorted in a chronological order starting from the most recent. • Activities are summarized by job or employer. • It fits recruiters’ templates.

  5. Functional Resumes • Doesn’t follow chronological order • Suitable for executives, career changers • Skills and qualifications summarized by function, for example: • A candidate might write “Marketing Experience”, then lists titles and positions held, projects managed, etc. • Can be a powerful tool to present functional expertise, but it is not very popular. • Doesn’t fit recruiter’s standard templates; and may discourage short-listing

  6. Academic Resumes • An academic CV focuses on academic qualifications of the candidate. • It refers to previous research; and research areas of interest. • It includes reference to publications, memberships and affiliations of professional and academic bodies.

  7. What information should be on your CV • Identify Yourself • Education • Continuing Education • Work or Professional Experience • Volunteer Experience • Activities & Interests • Computer Skills • Professional Affiliations & Memberships Optional Sections • Objective • Special Skills and Abilities • Reference Statement

  8. CV Writing Essentials (1 of 2) • Tell the truth • Check spelling and grammar • Beware of typos • Use formal language • Make it readable • Less is more • User white spaces • Use bullet points or short phrases • Use industry standard labels or keywords • Use easily read formats, fonts and styles • Keep the design simple • Minimize use of abbreviations

  9. CV Writing Essentials (2 of 2) • Focus on your skills & qualifications • Use action words to express results and accomplishments; for example perform, manage, etc. • Make it short; 2 to 2.5 pages maximum • Avoid irrelevant information; including irrelevant work activities and inappropriate person information • Produced on a computer • No spelling or grammar errors • Neat, clean, and professional looking • Avoid the use of different colors or fonts • Margins at sides and bottom • Information is logically and chronologically recorded • Quantify your results whenever you can

  10. Where to start • Identify where you are? • Identify what you want to be? • Focus on relevant experience, and useful information • Avoid being emotional • Employers

  11. What recruiters do • Recruiters search for key words; make sure you have all of them on your CV • Recruiters give 10 to 20 seconds for a CV; make sure you have a neat eye-catching presentation of your qualifications

  12. Common mistakes (1 of 3) • Typos and Grammar Slips • “Great attention to detail.” • “Proven ability to track down and correct erors.” • “Am a perfectionist and rarely if ever forget etails.” • Accomplishments: Completed 11 years of high school.” • Don’t use “I” or “me”

  13. Common mistakes (2 of 3) • Leaving gaps! • Everyone faces unemployment at certain point in his career. • Avoid leaving gaps. Solution: • Either return to education, or • Volunteer

  14. Common Mistakes (3 of 3) • Don’t be emotional! • Don’t be emotionally attached to certain achievements or interests not relevant for the job.

  15. Writing A Cover Letter • A cover letter is a “letter” • Some employers require CVs to be accompanied by cover letters. • A cover letter is an opportunity to tell what is not shown on a CV. • Possibly to express enthusiasm, confidence, interest, skills, etc. • Mention the person who referred you if appropriate

  16. Cover Letter Structure • Header Section: • Your address, city, state, zip, and telephone number. • Date • Name, title, company, address, city, state, and zip of • person you’re writing to. • Greeting, followed by a colon. • Paragraph 1: • What you want • How you know about the organization • Mention enclosure of your resume • Paragraph 2: • Concise overview of work history and skills that will help you perform the job. • Paragraph 3: • State confidence in your ability • Give information on how you can be contacted • Paragraph 4: • Express appreciation • Closing: signature, and typed name

  17. Applying for jobs • Recruiters receive 100’s of applications for every post, make sure you apply for the right opportunity only. • Avoid annoying recruiters with emails. • Recruiters can no longer give feedback to hundreds of applicants, if you don’t hear from the recruiter then you were most likely not selected.

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