A self-promoting CV

I have lost count of how many truly awful CVs that have crossed my desk in the attempt to gain employment.

Colourful designs, graphics, photographs, poor spelling etc…….. I have seen them all and there is usually only one place they will end up and that is the ‘little round filing cabinet’ which lives on the floor in the corner of my office!

Why?

Simply because they are just too difficult to read and worse still, they suggest that they are an attempt to disguise the candidates true skills, personality or experience.

The golden rule when it comes to writing an effective ‘self-promoting’ CV is :-

‘KEEP IT SIMPLE’

How many times have we heard that in our lives?

Regardless of what else you may have read about creating the ‘perfect CV’ and ‘getting yourself ‘noticed’ most employers that I have spoken to would like to see a simple, easy to read & well laid out CV which contains factual and relevant information about the candidate.

Use a ‘professional looking’ but simple layout and don't forget to include your contact details!!! You would be amazed at how many I have seen without even a telephone number!

Avoid excessive use of bright colours, pictures and graphics unless it is really necessary.

Keep your information listed in chronological order. I personally prefer to read ‘most recent first’.

Finally, remember, your prospective employer may have to sift through dozens (even hundreds) of CVs for any advertised vacancy. Try to understand how they read any batch of CVs. They scan read them. To stand a chance of being invited for interview, the most relevant qualities, experience etc must be very easy to spot if scan read. The use of bold text could be acceptable providing your don’t over do it.

Remember, keep it simple, avoid unnecessary colours/graphics or text effects and post importantly…keep it relevant and easy to read.

The Job Guru

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