How To Write A Great First CV (Resume)

How to Write a Great First CV (Resume)Norman CreaneyInterchangable TerminologyCurriculum VitaeR©sumé"a brief biographical "a brief written account of résumé of one's career and personal, educational, and training, as prepared by a professional qualifications and person applying for a experience, as that prepared by job." an applicant for a job." - Dictionary.com- Dictionary.comMore common term in the More common term in the USA UK Why do I Need a CV?Many employers will ask In an application form you for oneare limited in what you can say about yourself - Think of your CV as a you can only answer the brochure designed to questions that are askedpromote youIn your CV, you are in Take some time and effort control. Take advantage and create a really great of this and show yourself CV - it will be worth the in the best possible lighteffortYour CV is a Work-In-ProgressKeep a master CV, which is Each time you apply for a updated cumulatively as you job, make a copy of your progress in your career:master CV:add to it only when you have edit the copy to reflect new experience or the specific requirements achievements to recordof the job you are applying fordelete from it only as older items appear less significant keep careful records of in the light of new what was submitted for experiencewhich vacanciesWhat Should I Put in my CV?The pasthow have you spent your life so far?what have you achieved?The present what are you currently doing?what have you learnt from what you have done in the past?The Futurewhere do you want to end up?how do you plan to get there?The PastHow have you spent your life so far?schools and colleges attended (with dates)qualifications attained (with dates and grades)employers and job titles (with dates)student/vacation work (with dates)What have you achieved?Do you have any sporting achievements?Do you play a musical instrument? Do you play in a band or orchestra?Are/were you a member of any student clubs societies?Have you undertaken any voluntary work?Have you ever won any prizes or awards?Have you taken a leadership role or position of responsibility with respect to any of the above?The PresentSubject or industry specific skills:For an IT professional you might list the programming languages that you have used - indicating your level of experience in each.If you are a school teacher you might list the subjects and levels at which you have taught.Generic or transferable skills:Can you write well?Can you communicate effectively on the telephone?Can you fit in to their team?Are you reliableCan you be trusted with money?Do you have any leadership ability?Which Candidate Impresses you more?Candidate 1:Candidate 2:"I gained considerable experience in "I am good at dealing with the public during my dealing with the summer job as receptionist for the public."Ramada Hotel, Portrush. This involved responding to enquiries on the telephone and registering guests on arrival. I feel much more confident in dealing with the public now."Can You Describe a Situation When You Have Demonstrated any of the Following Qualities?Hard workingHonestGood attitudeFlexiblePleasant personalityFocusedPunctualAmbitiousReliableSelf motivatedLeadership QualitiesOrganisedInitiativeResponsibleCommon SenseEnthusiasticResourcefulThe FutureIt is good to have a career goal. It indicates that you are ambitious and are taking your career seriously. Your goal should be ambitious but achievable.You should be knowledgeable about what your goal entails, and be prepared to discuss it at interview.You should have a realistic plan for achieving your goal The job for which you are applying should be part of that plan.