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Effective CVs

Everybody talks about how important a good CV is but how do you define good?
The CV
Clearly a good track record with excellent references is key, but so is the way it is put together.
  1. Take the time to do a personalized covering letter for each company
    1. Set it up as a standard with some career highlights
    2. Align some of your skills with their requirements as per their job specification
    3. It takes time, but personalise your cv for every opportunity
      1. It’s not a complete rewrite
      2. Highlight the skills that are most relevant to the position you are applying for
    4. Bullet points and short paragraphs are easy to read
    5. Place your most current employment first
    6. Check that your references are available
    7. Include special interests, achievements and leadership outside of business, (charity and industry bodies)
    8. Read it carefully and run spelling/grammar checks
    9. Get an objective person to read it, if possible
    10. A photo can be good, my preference is at the back with the references, but this is subjective
    11. Attach copies of:
      1. letters of commendation, if available
      2. leadership roles you have undertaken
      3. Academic certificates
      4. Work achievements
Easy to Read
When you are sifting through hundreds of cvs every day, your eyes automatically focus on stand out items.
Skim reading is assisted by:
  • Bullets
  • Highlighted words
  • Short sentences
  • One standard font
  • Significant facts in the upper middle of the first page
It still needs to make sense and cover critical points, while packing a punch.

Links and References
http://accsys.co.za/accsys-peopleplace-talent-management
email: tschroenn@accsys.co.za
twitter: @TerylSchroenn

Note
Thank you for reading Teryl@Work. Should you wish to use any of the material, please acknowledge this blog as the source

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