Resume / CV Essentials

CV Hints and Tips

The advice given below is intended as assistance to ensure your resume, your work history and achievements are shown in an easily readable and clear format.
Many people use different methods to begin their CV or resume. Below are some ideas you should consider.

Use Keywords:
Increasing use of data import tools and database technology, job boards and CV databanks means many resumes are scanned for selected keywords initially. Use of relevant keywords is highly recommended as it helps return accurate results to those searching for you. Naturally, there's a balance to be made. To avoid overuse of keywords, consider adding a keyword section including current and wanted job titles at the very end of your resume.

Bullet Points:
Use bullet points to highlight periods and achievements in your profile and make job / role descriptions read less like an I did this, did that narrative.

• For example:
• Creative, international, proven Technology Sales Director.
• Experienced in the technology industry with international companies.
• Key Achievements include - Repositioning sales model from channel to direct achieving 25% increase in sales, 40% profit growth.
• Excellent, proven communication skills and track record of inspiring, building and leading sales teams.
• Internationally mobile within EMEA, tri-lingual in English, German and French.
• Available within 1 month

Have a Sales Statement - that Sells your Skills, Ability and Experience
Consider having an introductory paragraph on the cover letter or use in conversation with recruiters using the above to introduce you in a short concise manner that gets your achievements, key features and desirability to a new employer across in a short space of time.

For example:
'I am a proven, internationalist, results driven Technology Sales Director who is internationally mobile, trilingual and able to influence at a senior level with a blue chip background. I have a proven track record, including 25% sales growth, 40% profit increase and have excellent communication skills and have recently inspired, built and led sales teams across EMEA to make my employer the market leader, my aim is to replicate that within XXX market / company.'

The above statement should give a clear, honest overview of your experience, achievements and personality in a paragraph. Save the rest for the resume itself.

Career History:
Always start your resume with the most recent role first and work back. This is the most relevant information, not what you may have done straight after university.

Timeline
Check that any career breaks or gaps between roles are fully explained. Recruiters and employers take references and this is always checked. Within each job use bullet points to show your achievements reasons for moving and key responsibilities. The usual format is to show the month and year of joining and leaving for each period of employment  e.g. Jan 2002  Nov 2005

Previous employment
This does not mean 5 pages per company  keep it interesting but concise. Remember, you do not have to give much detailed information regarding a role 12 years ago unless it would support your current application. A brief description about very earlier career roles is normally sufficient.

Other Skills:
Whilst memberships, a love of animals or pastimes and the ability to juggle balls like a circus act might have been fun once, you should include only skills that are relevant to your career and the job for which you are applying. Depending on the role, the addition of some sport (team or individual) and achievement statements can be beneficial to give an insight. Keep this short.

Other Things to Consider:
Make your resume interesting your life and achievements invariably are! Think like the person reading it - Does it make you want to discover more, find a place for these skills and achievements? The aim is not to tell your life story but to Attract attention, arouse Interest, create a Decision and inspire Action

Length:
More than 2 or 3 pages is asking a lot from a busy hiring managers time and your aim is to maintain their interest until the last word, not just the introduction.

Format:
It is best to use Microsoft Word ".doc" format as it is compatible with most job boards, database software and recruiters' / clients own applicant tracking system.
Avoid the use of power point files, coloured fonts, excessive bold / highlighting / italics and overuse of images or logos.
If you do attach a photo make it small i.e. thumbnail size is enough and please smile, afterall clients hire happy productive and achieving people.
Spell Check - always do the ABC!!

Impact:
This can be achieved by using certain emotive, expressive words that encourage the readers attention and interest. Here is a selection, not a full list, of often used words to help your thought process.

Responsibility Achieved Direction Implemented Reputation Adapt Diversified Implementation Adaptable Delivered Structured Ambition Delegated Motivation Strengths Aptitude Motivated Stimulating Accredited Effective Managed Supervised Adaptable Efficient Success Adaptability Exceeded Negotiated Succeeded Advantage Established Negotiation Accomplished Enthusiasm Trustworthy Attribute Extended Opportunity Thorough Attributes Eliminating Organised Transition Original Confident Flexible Objectives Versatile Consolidating Flexibility Credited Formulated Personality Credit Progressive Controlled Honest Consistent Qualities Creative Influence Consistency Influential Reliable Impact Directed Ability

Contact Data:
Have up to date contact data.
Be careful if you are using funny personal email addresses, it wont get you interviews!
If you are sending your cv from work or entering it online, watch for replies !

• Key Summary:
• No more than three pages, if possible
• Check your spelling and grammar
• Keywords & Bullet Points
• Sales Statement  does it excite you?
• Consistent, simple layout
• Explain Career gaps / breaks
• Use Arial as a font and try to keep all but the headings the same size font  easier to read
• If you send a photo  smile!