Is the traditional CV dead?

I was talking about CVs with clients this week, they were wondering what style works best and if they even need one with more and more need to complete on line application forms for job sites.

There are still occasions when people will ask for your CV and what you need to do is to ensure it stands out and also conveys your key messages quickly.

Too many CVs I look at when I’m short listing are too wordy and also vague. I want to know WHAT someone has done, not just have details brought from their job description.

When you put your CV together make sure you make the key facts easy for someone to pick out – achievements, keywords etc.

You also want to pay some attention to design, to make sure it stands out from those using templates and copying those you see via a web search. You want to make it visually appealing to encourage it to get it to the short listed pile.

We do also need to be mindful that CVs are now scanned, in which case we need to concentrate on key words which must match with the requirements for the job.  You can use the same CV but then change it to plain text (no formatting) for computerised searching, and then looking for where you can add more key words.

The CV is still an important part of your job search tool bag, so make sure it is a good one. If you need some help in creating a great CV, a cost effective way is to use my Create a CV eBook and get a complimentary review. http://www.amazingpeople.co.uk/ebooks.htm

Email This Post | Print This Post | Permalink

Spread the word: del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit Ask Blogg-Buzz Google Netscape Rojo Spurl StumbleUpon Tailrank Technorati Windows Live Wists Yahoo!

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

 

 
       
 
 
 

Complete the box below to receive your FREE eProgramme "10 steps to finding a job you love" Value: £10.00 / $20

"The 10 steps programme is a real eye opener . It helped me think logically about what I like in a job & what I want from a job. I have recommended at least two people to log onto your website & try them." Louise Jennings

 
Enter your name
Enter your email

 
 
       
       
       
   
   
 
     
  Career Coaching: Students, Graduates, Adults, Organisation, FAQs  
  Assessments: Highlands Ability Battery, Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Strong Interest Inventory, Firo B, Thomas Kilmann, CPI, 16PF5, FAQs  
  Job Search: CVs, Interview Coaching, Self Marketing, Job Search Programme  
  Resources: Articles, eBooks, Newsletter, eCourses, Free Tele-seminars, Book Suggestions, Links, Research Zone
 
  About Us: Our approach, About Denise, Clients say, What happens next, Affiliations  
  Shop: eBooks, Programmes, Values Cards, Phone Seminars  
     
   
 
©Amazing People 2007
 
 

Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional

 

Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional

  Valid CSS!