There is just a lot of information and advice around CV’s – ideas and tips as to how they should look and what is important to include.
From my desk, I would just like to add in a few pointers:
CV’s are abit like fashion. Views on how they ‘should’ look change quite regularly. Also, different firms have different ideas as to what format they prefer.
Given this, my advice is to let your CV REFLECT YOU. It is time wasting to get caught up in the nitty gritty of format, layout and number of pages. Just get the information down. Yes, do so in a way that it is easy to read and says all that it needs to say, but do so in a way that you are happy with it and it suits the industry that the reader is in!
Include all that is relevant. Personally, I really like seeing what a person’s hobbies are. Other employers are not so interested. Sometimes it is the hobbies that trigger the interview conversation.
Do ensure that the information that you are telling about yourself really is RELEVANT to the company that you are applying to. You might not have work experience as such, but perhaps during your course you participated in projects that have given you some valuable skills.
I also am interested in what you would see your particular skills as being. Also, some of you might have done an extra course that adds value to your abilities. Some of you, as you start reflecting on your experience thus far, might decide to start studying a small course as an extra! Think about compliments that your peers give you – are the pointing to a particular skill that you can acknowledge? What are you particularly good at? What comes to you with ease? What do you notice that you do well?
What is imperative is that your CV is real and that you are able to talk through it with a potential employer knowing that you are being open and honest. Getting caught out on details that are not exactly true will take you off the ‘potential’ list immediately.
Re photographs – again every reader is different and I also think that this depends on the industry that you are applying to. Do remember though that most of you WILL have a profile on LinkedIn and that includes a photograph.
I think that it is so worth grappling on this document yourself. Yes, get ideas from friends or a mentor as to what else you can add – but this is YOUR ‘calling card’. Also you want to be in a position to be able to change it whenever you need to. You want to have control over this important document.
Remember too that it is NOT the CV that gets you the job. What it does do is open the door to being interviewed. Your CV piques the curiosity of a potential employer. They can see that you have certain skills that they are looking for and that you have had some work experience that shows your capabilities.
This CV is backed by your covering letter that highlights your experience showing that you are a suitable candidate for the post on offer. Your letter will address as to why you have what they are looking for. And please ensure that all that you say about yourself resonates with your social media presence!
Your CV will not take too much time – it just requires focused action and attention. Get the basics down and from there you will start remember ‘other’ things that are important to add. Putting together this document is so worth the effort.
As I so often say, just do it!