How To Write A CV

Here are some tips on how to avoid stress and write a CV that will impress a potential employer:

1. Know your audience!
• Only work on your CV once you know who'll be reading it. Search for as much as possible information

2. Put yourself in the employer's place!
• What would the employer like to know?
• What would the employer like you to know?
• Have you done it before? Do you understand what they want?
• Because usually they won't have much time with the CV - try to make it clear.

3. The first half page
• Get across as many selling points as you can in the first half page.
• Keep the whole CV short (two pages maximum).

4. The layout
• First put in personal details.
• The profile - A short paragraph where you can really sell yourself and who you are.
• Areas of expertise - This is where you show them what you do. This will likely change from job to job - highlighting key areas.
• Career history - Keep each job description short. Just mention specific achievements you had during that job.

Important: Use examples! (problem, action and result.)

What to Write as objectives:

If you do use a resume objective, make it very specific, not vague and meaningless. Think about the following:

* The name of the specific vacancy,
* The skills that relate to it, which can also be counted amongst your strengths, and
* The organization's needs and where these match your ability to deliver.

Now use the answers to the above construct to complete a sentence starting "my objective is…" or "my goal is…" (you don't actually need to include these words).

Always limit or avoid the use of personal pronouns (I, my, mine, etc.). Do not list your qualities and skills - remember, keep it short and punchy. Words and phrases to avoid include 'utilize my', 'to challenge me', or 'with room for growth', 'advancement', as these are about you and not the employer.

Your job search is a project in itself, with various stages. Here are some tips to get you to your goal of a great first job:

Resume
• Don't lie on your resume.
• Be relevant
• Customize your resume
• Follow standard format.
• Make it easy to read.
• Be brief
• Use the right terminology
• Promote yourself
• Have references ready
• Indicate your interests
• Stick to the file format.
• Use a cover letter.
• Proofread.
• Print quality.

For further questions do not hesitate to contact me.

Next: "How To Write A Cover Letter"

Gabriela