Thursday, July 23, 2009

Your CV Brochure- More Glossy Than Mercedes!

By Glenn Hughes

Most people see their CV as a bit of a boring document designed to give the recruiter some useful information to talk about at an interview. This is simply untrue. A CV (or curriculum vitae) is one of the biggest tools in your armoury when it comes to selling yourself. It is a high end magazine, not a cheap leaflet

I have no idea why, but people in the UK (and other English speaking countries as well) tend to hide their light under a bushel. The CV is not the place for shrinking violets, it is a place to sell, to brag and boast and most of all to show a potential employer just how valuable an asset that you will be to their business

Over the top boasts about how all businesses that you have worked for in the past would never have survived without you have no place on a CV. Live in the real world, be factual about the achievements that you genuinely succeeded in delivering and you will have people knocking down your door to interview you. Make sure that if those achievements were as a part of a wider team effort that you highlight your particular achievements

Being honest is what it is all about. There is a common myth flying around that it is alright to lie on your CV. Popularized by television programs like The Apprentice, lies on a CV seem to be worn like some badge of Honor. In the real world where most of us live, however, lying will get you fired, and certainly not hired which I assume is your goal

Simple, old fashioned attention to detail goes a long way on a CV. For example, taking time to get the exact dates that you were employed between shows honesty and attention to the smallest detail, particularly important in some job roles. Pay particular attention to grammar, spelling and punctuation. This will also pay great dividends as there are so many people who just don't

Qualifications are hard fought and deserve their place on a CV. Make sure though to itemise your educational and professional qualifications separately. Qualifications should be listed starting with the highest level achieved, working backwards to the lowest level

Being able to drive a motorised vehicle is an advantage that you should not forget to exploit. Passing a driving test of any level shows that you are responsible, are able to take instructions and show a degree of independence. Show clearly on your CV the sort of vehicles that you can drive, you never know when that may be important to the employer

Recruiters don't really need to know your age. Of course, for some professions it is important, for example professional sports people. Otherwise, leave your age off your CV. Make absolutely certain though never to include your date of birth. This is highly sensitive information which could be used with other information (like your address) to steal your identity

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