If you stick to the resume formatting that worked back in the 80s, 90s and heck, even through 2010. You run the risk today of being overlooked or that critical key points will get missed altogether!
WHAT EMPLOYERS AND RECRUITERS
HATE TO SEE ON A CV
- Spelling errors and poor grammar
- Inaccurate dates & Information
- Long paragraphs
- Unqualified candidates
- Information unrelated to the job
An understanding of how hiring managers read documents today – it is critical to format a CV to look just as great online as it does in print.
First things first – start by realizing that preparing your CV is going to take time.
The more time you spend on the preparation process – the better your chances will be of getting your dream job.
BELOW ARE SOME GENERAL ASPECTS THAT YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION EVEN BEFORE YOU START LOOKING AT THE STYLES AND THE WORDING OF YOUR CURRICULUM VITAE
Use white paper only (when typing for fax or presentation purposes) – when preparing for e-mail purposes do not even be tempted to put in arty, decorative papers and/or backgrounds. Stay business like – because this is a business document that you are presenting in business format.
Use MS Word only and if you are on 2007 then down-save the file into a Word 2003 compatible format. You need to realize that not all companies have updated software packages. The more compatible you are – the more chances you have of getting the interview. The quicker the “reader” can open your file and see the information – the quicker you will get the call!
Another reason for using only MS Word is that Agents more often than not – need to forward your CV document to their Clients and if it is in a different format – editing, adding or removing appropriate/inappropriate information becomes a problem.
Stay clear of graphics (it makes the files sizes too big) – many Agents have set up systems that automatically deletes files larger than 400kb – prior to delivery. Many large corporate companies have implemented similar systems for e-mail’s containing graphics and/or JPEG/HTML attachments.
Use ONLY business fonts (like Calibri, Arial, and Tahoma) – DON’T be tempted to use pretty fonts – remember this is a professional business application.
Supply as many methods of contact as humanly possible – you can even include Face book, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blog Pages, Web Sites, Skype Address.
Only send out one CV to one person – it is very unprofessional to send out your CV to more than one recipient. Don’t even be tempted to send it to 2 or 20 – THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE: One CV/ Job application must be sent to only 1 recipient, with a targeted candidate motivation, clearly stating what position you are applying for.
Read the advert – read it twice if need be. If the advert requests something – make sure you supply it.
If spelling is not your strength – rather get somebody to proof read your application before you send it out.
Ask for help with your application. YOU HAVE ONLY 1 CHANCE TO IMPRESS.
START BUILDING YOUR CV TODAY AND REMEMBER THAT A CV IS A DOCUMENT THAT NEEDS TO GROW WITH YOU AND YOUR CAREER
MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE ON A DAILY BASIS AND THE DETAILED EXECUTIVE CV
Writing stories instead of sentences;
Writing long-winded sentences and still not getting the message across;
Not writing down what they actually do – writing down the job descriptions that they got in their letters of appointment;
Forgetting to start with the most senior duties first (for example if you are a PA and you have prepared Board Packs the reader will automatically know that you type)
Forgetting the basic (for example if you are a bookkeeper and you put in that you prepared the Balance Sheet the reader does not know at what time you actually received the books and/or if you are the person in charge of the debtors and/or creditors recons)
MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE ON A DAILY BASIS
Writing stories instead of sentences;
Writing long-winded sentences and still not getting the message across;
Not writing down what they actually do – writing down the job descriptions that they got in their letters of appointment;
Forgetting to start with the most senior duties first (for example if you are a PA and you have prepared Board Packs the reader will automatically know that you type)
Forgetting the basic (for example if you are a bookkeeper and you put in that you prepared the Balance Sheet the reader does not know at what time you actually received the books and/or if you are the person in charge of the debtors and/or creditors recons)
THE DETAILED EXECUTIVE CV:
Writing stories instead of sentences;
Writing long-winded sentences and still not getting the message across;
Not writing down what they actually do – writing down the job descriptions that they got in their letters of appointment;
Forgetting to start with the most senior duties first (for example if you are a PA and you have prepared Board Packs the reader will automatically know that you type)
Forgetting the basic (for example if you are a bookkeeper and you put in that you prepared the Balance Sheet the reader does not know at what time you actually received the books and/or if you are the person in charge of the debtors and/or creditors recons)
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