Resume Tips

How do you make your application stand out more than your competitors? The mistake a lot of job hunters (candidates) make is assuming the CV is just to list your work history and assume this is enough to get you the desired interview. It isn’t, it is your opportunity to market yourself to prospective employers and it is your “door opener” to getting that interview, and ultimately, that job.

So prior to writing your CV you should be thinking of it as a strategic document that is the beginning of the process of finding a new job. The aim, get the relevant information across in a dynamic and/or interesting manner that is easy to read and grabs the readers attention virtually straight away. Some time ago, Morgan & Banks found CV reader can take between 15 to 45 seconds to decide if they will interview you.

Consequently, the important information should come first. Don’t use the first page to state just your name, age, marital status, name of children and partner etc, try to stick with relevant job information at the front.

Keep in mind that if you believe certain information is important, it should be somewhere where people can see it. For example, start with your most recent position, citing duration of employment, company name and listing duties required of the position. If it has been some time since you performed a similar role, consider starting the CV with the position most likely to be of interest to the employer.

CV’s should be concise and relevant, there really isn’t much point of stating you worked for a company 20 years ago, as the equipment, laws, relevant processes etc would have certainly changed and/or improved over the years. You are best to list your last 10 years of employment – if this has been in one position, then consider listing your previous role before that tenure.

Each application should be drafted to meet the requirements of the position advertised. To make this easier, create a “generic” CV as a template which contains all relevant information that is appropriate to any position you apply for.

Next, design your CV to replicate the skills and attitudes listed in the job advertisement. For example, if an employer is seeking someone who has created policies and procedures, highlight that that skill set where it is easily found – usually at the top of your listed duties. The employment market has changed; employers have a tendency to select not only on skills required, but also a person’s values and their capacity to fit into the organisation.

Above all, make your CV easy to read and have headlines and bullet points which the eye can easily follow. In addition, try and work your positive personality traits into the first part of your resume if you can. Review ads in the printed media to see how employers list attributes important to them and use them on the first page of your resume.

Try and use the same terminology used in the job ads. Scan the position ads and see what sort of terminology recruiters are using and find ways to incorporate that terminology into your resume. If however, you do not have the relevant experience for the position you are applying for, eg you are an accounting graduate seeking a financial accountant or audit role, then list your relevant University subjects to incorporate this terminology. This will also help you be selected in a word association database search.

Cover Letters

When it comes to writing your cover letter, it should be tailored to the job. A generic cover letter is no more use to getting you the job than if you were to not write the letter at all. Take this opportunity to advise your similar values and capabilities for the advertised position.
Of particular note is to ensure you state the correct position title and addressee. The quickest way to be taken out of the running for a position is to have the wrong addressee and refer to the wrong position title. It shows a lack of attention to detail and laziness for copying an old letter!!!

In both instances (cover letter and CV), make sure your information is concise and to the point. Avoid writing long paragraphs and lengthy explanations of your experience.

In Short:

The first few seconds of reading your CV is the critical decision time. To grab the reader’s attention and positive reaction in those seconds, consider the following:

• Think about what you want your CV to say, is it easy to read, and what order it should be listed.
• Use positive language about yourself.
• Make sure there’s a well-designed front page with your name and contact details easily obtainable.
• Number the pages and ensure your name on each page
• Use dot points and headings, ensuring the most recent position is listed first
• Highlight employment dates (if start and finish time is in the same year, state months started & finished).
• If several short term contracts are listed, make sure in the heading you state it is a contract
• Be concise and to the point – no long winded explanations
• Remember, you get only one chance to make a good impression, take time with your CV preparation and make it job specific.