5 Quick Tips For Creating a Competitive Resume
May 5th, 2009 | By Bill | Category: Employment News, ResumesIn today’s job market there is a lot of competition out there. The first "round" of competition is your Curriculum Vitae (also known as a job resume). Your CV is the very first, and often the most important, step in getting a job.
Employers often have an overwhelming number of applicants for a single job and they can’t interview everyone. The process of elimination begins with a review of each candidate’s CV.
Studies show that roughly half of all employers will either accept or reject an application for employment based on the professional experience reflected in the CV. And one-third of employers make such decisions based on the design and layout of the document.
1. Make Sure Your CV Stands Out
When you are creating your CV, you will want to ensure that it is visually attractive, so the people evaluating it will find it easy to read. And make sure your CV contains all relevant work experience for the position that you are seeking.
2. Don’t Waste The Employer’s Time
A CV that is too long, with information that is irrelevant to the employer, will likely end up in the "circular file". Employers are busy, and their time is limited. A CV that wastes their time with lengthy and irrelevant information shows disrespect for someone that you are trying to convince to hire you.
3. Customize Your Content
Your professional experience may not all be relevant to the that job you are seeking. Many people create several different copies of their CV, customized to different areas of specialization. If you use the same CV to apply for different types of jobs, you may create the impression that your career has been unfocused and adrift. You want the employer to see your career path as being well fitted to their needs.
4. Advertise Your Accomplishments
Don’t go over the top with hype and empty fluff, but do make sure your CV reflects the concrete accomplishments of your career and education. Honors, awards and especially specific goals that you have met and value you have added to previous jobs are all worthy of mention in your CV.
5. Polish Your Presentation
Employers see lots and lots of CVs and they can spot a slapdash effort in an instant. And if they know that you did not make a strong effort to promote your own interests, why would they think that you would make any more of an effort in your work for them? Some people spend days or even weeks polishing their CV and may even pay a professional service to help them prepare it.
John Glover has been helping people to find jobs for many years. On his website http://blog.freejobhuntingtips.com, he is offering tips on how to find and keep that perfect job. If you want to go from "Fired" to "Hired" by tomorrow then enroll in John’s free 10 day job hunting course today at http://www.freejobhuntingtips.com
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These are all good articles and all, been reading this sort of stuff for years. But if you really want to know how to write good resumes – ask for examples of resumes. Talking about them is virtually meaningless.
The only focus any employer should have in reviewing resumes is seeking to see if the person can do that job. They should not be looking at how to shoot down the resume.
If an employer seeks a certain kind of resume get an example. If they aren’t willing to send you one – do the best you can. If they can’t accept how you did your resume and should you get a job there – remember you will be under a microscope for errors. Advice – don’t bother with such places.
Write your resume how you want to – you are an individual. If an employer can’t accept your individuality – then don’t bother. Be you and look for companies that like you being you.
You are right on the mark with your tips for concise resumes, that will get noticed instead of getting put aside. Keeping it directly related to a specific position and removing “the fluff” absolutely helps to capture the readers attention.
Nice job!
Kris Plantrich
ResumeWonders