Composing the ‘Perfect CV’- Twelve easy guidelines to follow…
Everybody at some stage in their life needs to create a resume, whether you are applying for a promotion, or perhaps you are increasing your experience by moving to a different firm. Perhaps you are looking to move to a different job, or to make a comeback after a career break. Or maybe you are a recent graduate or school student attempting to gain relevant experience in your chosen career path? Whatever your circumstances, your CV is a vital tool in winning that position that you desire. The following twelve guidelines should provide you with the necessary steps in creating your personalised and professional CV.

• Target your resume. Be prepared to adjust your CV when you are applying for a different role or position. Make sure that your CV contains any pre-requisite information set out by the company and role you are applying for. (For instance, if Alco Finance required that you must have Accounts Payable, make sure that you have this requirement and experience in such a role.)
• Have a CV format that emphasises your strengths, and back this up with relevant facts, for instance, ‘I am an excellent customer service representative, I increased sales by 60% in the last two years.’
• Every CV should be short and snappy. Make your sentences informative and factually accurate, but also concise at the same time. Avoid long winded sentences.
• Prove to the recruiter that you have what they are looking for, by providing only the relevant aspects of your education and experience they require in the position they are offering. Do not add unnecessary information.
• Email your CV. Perhaps one of the fastest and most efficient means of getting your CV to a prospective employer is via email. It is also an effective medium in sending your CV to recruitment agencies. And of course, it’s FREE!!
• Read through your CV carefully. Never trust your own eyes! Always get a friend or colleague to check your CV for spelling mistakes, incorrect phrasing etc, to ensure your resume is of a high standard.
• Follow up with good references. Always ensure that you include in your CV, excellent references. Make sure not to include anyone who might cause a detriment to your chances of an interview.
• Every CV should have seven basic headings. 1) The HEADER (your name in capital bold lettering). 2) A PROFILE of your reasons why you want this job should be placed at the top of your CV, which will catch an employer’s attention. 3) EDUCATION and TRAINING. 4) Relevant WORK EXPERIENCE. 5) HOBBIES and INTERESTS. 6) PERSONAL Details. 7) Excellent REFERENCES.
• Create a chronological CV, which focuses on your experience and training from one year to the next. OR a skill based CV, which centres on your relevant experience and skills that are applicable to the job you are applying for. Both formats can easily be applied as separate styles, or together as one format.
• Taking the next step. Your CV should prepare you for any interview. Make sure you always save a copy of every CV you send to a prospective employer and have it with you on the day you are called for an interview.
• Cover Letter. Always include a cover letter with your CV, stating to a specific company why you would like to work for them and why you would like a specific position in their company. Always make sure you have researched each prospective company’s profile and address the letter to the correct HR Manager or Manager in question.
• Victory!!! Follow these guidelines and adjust them to your own CV, to ensure success with an interview and a promising new career.

Good Luck!

Aine Meade

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