Create Your CV

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.

 

LET’S GET STARTED with your CV

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 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 to 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

Click Above to download the template.

THE SHORT EXECUTIVE CV

  • This CV serves as an introduction to your history.
  • The recommendation is to always prepare 2 (two) professional Executive CV’s.
    • The one being a detailed document that is presented to the interviewer at an interview (this document needs to be presented in a professional manner, it must include all the copies of your degrees, certificates and any other testimonials you feel you want to show the interviewer – remember they MUST be certified)
    • The second one is the short version executive CV (It is a document that is merely a shortened version of the executive document. Usually no longer than 2-3 pages. It will be an “advertisement” of your skills!)

Click Above to download the template.

 

THE DETAILED EXECUTIVE CV:

  • The detailed executive CV is a document that you will prepare and write according to the skills you have acquired BUT not forgetting to take the position you are applying for into consideration.
  • The educational and employment section of this document needs to be flawless.
  • This educational and employment sections must always be written “backwards” meaning start the CV with your most current position and work your way back to the beginning of your career.
  • In the duties section try and avoid Technical/Industry terminology (jargon) at all cost (this will change if you are applying for an internal transfer or promotion) as the person interviewing you will most likely not understand Industry terminology in the way you have written it;

List the duties that are applicable to the position you are applying for first (so to let the interviewer know that you have the requested experience)

Click Above to download the template.

 

MODERN Y-GENERATION CV

The younger generation CV is a document that has a funky fresh look and feel.

  • It covers all the criteria as per the detailed Executive CV but with icons and skill graphs.
  • The icons and graphs create an easy to read format.

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)

Feel free to go and Upload your CV to our Website as well.

We are looking forward to “Touching Your Future”