CHRONOLOGICAL CV

The chronological CV is named thus as it details your career history most commonly in reverse chronological order with the most recent employment detailed first and working backwards. A complete record of career history is detailed along with a complete education record. It is the most frequently used CV and is usually 2 sides of A4 in length.

Job Titles and company names are emphasized with skills, duties and achievements detailed under each job title. A chronological CV is most useful if you are staying within the same industry and wish to show career progression.

Most employers prefer the chronological CV format, as it is easy to see who you have worked for and what you did in each particular job. If you do not have many achievements, you can take the emphasis off this fact when using a Chronological CV.

Reasons why a chronological CV may not be the best format include:

• If you are changing direction and the most recent employer is not relevant to your new chosen career.
• If your career history shows gaps in your employment due to poor health, unemployment, having children, etc. or that you have changed jobs frequently.

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WHAT IS A CV ?

A CV or Curriculum Vitae is:

• Your Life History
• Your Job History
• Your Achievements
• Your Skills

A CV or curriculum vitae is a marketing tool. With your CV you will be able to promote yourself.

Imagine the CV as being a brochure that will list the benefits of a particular service. The service being your time and skills!

When writing a CV look at it from your employers point of view. Would you stand out against the competition and would the manager want to talk to you for a possible job? You have to ask yourself these questions when writing your CV or curriculum vitae.

Networking and interviewing are essential for your job hunt and your CV is just the first step in the job search. However, a CV will be your first contact with potential employers and will open the door. If you are invited for an interview, you would then be in a position to explain and expand on what is in your CV.

A CV is an essential tool in your job search. When applying for a vacancy, you generally first have to send your CV to present yourself to the prospective employer.

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MOST IMPORTANT POINTS FOR A CV

In today’s competitive and fast-moving job market, you only have 30 seconds to impress a potential employer with your CV. To give yourself the best chance of securing an interview, you need to make sure your CV works for you. By following a few simple rules, you can maximise your chances and stand out from the other applicants.

To make the most of any job opportunity your CV should :

• Market and sell you by clearly representing your work history, skills and experience.
• Have its content free of spelling and grammatical errors.
• Use the document format all employers, agencies and personnel departments prefer.
• Be made easily and readily available for job applications and interviews including those at short notice or by telephone.
• Be compatible with the major online job boards as well as email and print friendly.
• Make a good impression by detailing your capabilities and strengths in a positive way.

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TOP 10 TIPS FOR YOUR RESUME

Your resume is your ambassador to the work world. It opens doors to opportunities you didn't even know existed. But not all resumes are alike or are used alike today with all the electronic means available to reach your potential employer.

Here are the most important issues to consider as you prepare your resume:

1. Write your resume in your own words. It may be challenging but if you write your own resume and don't hand it off well in your interview,what next !!! If you do hire an expert to help you, work closely with that person to be sure your resume realistically reflects your abilities.

2. Put your best foot forward. People remember what they see first and last, so place your least important information in the middle.

3. Make a list of all the work or volunteer experiences you have had that support your candidacy for the job. Select the best ones and write them so that they show what Problems you've solved, Actions you've taken to do this, and the bottom line - Results you've achieved.

4. Use resume etiquette. The word resume does not belong any place on the document. Never use "I" to start out a sentence. The language of your resume should be specific, clear, succinct, positive, and exciting. Make it easy for someone to contact you. Of course references are available.

5. Know what format to use. The two most commonly used and accepted resume formats are the chronological and the functional. Often elements of both are combined. A chronological resume is most widely used and preferred by recruiters and interviewers. It is good for someone with a consistent work history. A functional resume focuses attention on your accomplishments and is often used more successfully if you are often switching careers.

6. Tell the truth. If you lie about your education, job experience or any other element of your work history, you will probably live to regret it.

7. Know your audience. Your resume and every interaction in your job search should answer the question to the employer - "Why should I hire you?" Communicate the information necessary to evaluate your ability to do the job. Use language that is appropriate to the industry or field, but be aware that extreme jargon may not speak to those who are intermediaries between you and the ultimate hiring manager.

8. Get some objective feedback. Have others who have not worked as closely with the resume as you have read it for accuracy and typographical errors before you submit it. Ask questions about whether the resume communicates what you intended. Does your resume support your claim of being qualified for the job? Does it address the requirements of a specific job description you're after? Does it need to be modified to fit the situation exactly?

9. Know your parts of speech. Action verbs are the bedrock of good writing. Use them liberally throughout your resume to communicate your accomplishments: Developed, streamlined, pioneered, implemented, produced...

10. Hit the highlights. Remember that your resume is only one element of your job search strategy. It's important and needs to get you in the door.Be prepared to give more detail later. Think of your resume as your personal brochure.

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