How to Assess Your CV or Resume

If your current CV or resume is not generating the interview offers you want, it is time to start assessing it. Check to see that the following descriptors apply:

Begins with a succinct, clearly stated career objective tailored to the particular job for which you are applying.

Highlights how your skills and qualifications match the company's specific needs.

Employs appropriate titles for previous jobs to demonstrate clearly that you are suitably qualified for the advertised position.

Gives a concise description of your previous employers - their products, services, industry, etc. - and your role in the company.

Uses PAR statements to describe your accomplishments. P identifies the 'problem' you faced; A describes the 'action' you took to solve the problem; R describes the 'result' of the action you took.

Quantifies your accomplishments using numbers, percentages, etc.

Makes effective use of the key words and phrases contained in the job advertisement to describe your skills and areas of expertise.

Every sentence starts with an action word, for example: "increased production by 20% while saving £200,000 in operating costs" Examples of effective action words are: compiled, conducted, created, designed, developed, established, implemented, introduced, invented, maintained, negotiated, operated, organized, produced, and published.

Explains how, in your previous jobs, you increased sales and profits, improved productivity, saved time and costs, and established good customer relationships.

Provides evidence of the competencies most valued by employers, for example: your communication and interpersonal skills, flexibility, initiative, organisational ability, and teamwork.

Includes any pertinent awards or honours you may have received.

Provides your educational history and details of training related to the position you are seeking.

Employment history is logical and consistent; and gaps of more than one year between your jobs are clearly explained.

The layout is neat and uncluttered, with an easy-to-read sequence of sections and no large blocks of text.

Contains no errors in spelling or grammar; and all unnecessary words have been eliminated.

Hobbies and interests have been included only if they serve to reveal characteristics, skills or accomplishments that support your career objective.

By Buzzle Staff and Agencies

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Resume Writing: Rules and Rumors

It seems like there are endless "rules" floating around about the right and wrong way to write a professional resume. You probably remember receiving well-meaning advice like this at some point or other in your career:

"Always list your career history in chronological order."

"Make sure you print on cream or grey parchment paper instead of plain white so you'll get noticed in the pile of resumes."

"Don't make even the tiniest mistake or your resume will get thrown into the trash!"

What other resume writing rumors have you been exposed to over the course of your career? Do you feel they're justified, or do you think it is all a bunch of hype?

The fact is, each career opportunity is unique, as is each employer. Something that appeals to one hiring manager may actually be a turnoff to another. You can’t know what those things might be until the day of your interview... so, there’s no sense in worrying about them or in trying to please everyone.

From a career coaching perspective, think about this:

If we're always so consumed with doing the right thing according to others, then we're going to forget to do the things that feel right to us as individuals. But if we're being ourselves, thinking for ourselves and not stressing about process and procedure, that's when we're most likely to attract the attention of employers who want exactly what we have to offer.

So if you're feeling anxious about writing your resume, don't sweat it! Two things that will get you noticed "in the pile" are if you tackle your career effort with confidence, and approach things in your own style. And it's worth pointing out that "in your own style" does not mean unprofessional. It simply means having common sense about the things that any hiring manager would want to read on a resume, while also giving yourself the freedom to be who you are.

Here's a great tip for writing your resume. Put yourself directly into the employer's shoes. If you were running a business or managing a department, what types of qualities would you be interested in seeing in your future employees? Think about the position that needs to be filled. What skills and strengths might a supervisor equate with "the ideal candidate?" Do you possess those qualities? Perfect! Talk about that in your career resume and cover letter. Let them know exactly why you are the best person for the job.

Does it matter if you print your resume in black ink, as opposed to gray or blue? Does every graphic designer's resume need to look like a magazine ad, with graphics and Madison Avenue copy? Will it hurt your chances for employment if you order your resume by professional achievements and skills instead of chronologically?

The answer is no, no, and no. Yes, resumes typically follow a few standard recognizable formats, but you aren't locked into one way of creating yours. Be smart, and include what's expected... but when it comes to the little things, relax and use your best judgment for the particular job and field in question.

In short: don't believe all the resume hype!

Copyright 2006 Hallie Crawford and Authentically Speaking. All rights reserved.

By Hallie Crawford

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy