Curriculum Vitae

Without doubt, your Curriculum Vitae or application form is the most challenging part of applying for a new job. Your CV is a sales letter, and to make it harder still, what you are endeavoring to sell is you.

Many people approach writing a CV from one of either two inappropriate directions. The first shies away from blowing his or her own trumpet, afraid to make themselves sound too fabulous, and this can result in a lackluster performance that is unlikely to have the candidate shortlisted. The second type takes entirely the opposite approach, and blasts a merry tune on their own trumpet, painting themselves as the single most capable person on the planet. This is also unlikely to win many votes.

A Curriculum Vitae needs to be a number of things. First and foremost, it must be true, since applying for a job with a falsified or inaccurate CV can result in immediate dismissal.

Your CV needs to sell you as a solution for the company or organization, and this means very careful use of language and phraseology to ensure maximum impact. Being able to draw attention and focus towards specific achievements and accomplishments whilst at the same time embedding critical keywords that will help boost the overall tone of your CV is important.

There are a good 10-20 keywords which are vital to the successful keyword. The obvious ones to include are of course words such as 'achieve', 'progress', 'success' and 'improve', but there are many more besides. It is important to use phrasing which does not sound pompous or arrogant, but does get the message across clearly that you are an achiever, that you are successful and that you are what the company is looking for.

Often people produce draft CVs which look bare and bleak, and the author has clearly been struggling to say very much about themselves. A good writer will know how to draw upon key achievements in order to maximize the positives. Almost any work or life experience, whether successful or not, can be presented in a positive and appropriate light.

There is a knack in being to able to express near successes, shared successes and even complete failures in a light which remains clear and positive.

A CV also needs to be able to focus on you, and your own achievements, but at the same time within a broader context. Taking your own individual achievements and focusing on the positive impact that they had on the company, or the positive reception with which they were received is important. Achievements are one thing, but any company will be interested not just in your achievements on their own, but the consequences, outcomes and impact of your achievements. There are more keywords that are essential to use in this context.

Finally, a CV needs to be presented professionally. This means that not only should it be printed and organized in a professional way, with crisp clear fonts, within an organized, professional layout, but it should also follow expected guidelines, including information in set ways.

A professional writer will be able to work with you to produce a CV, or complete an application form, which will help to provide you with the best possible chance of being shortlisted for interview. Once you have your foot in the door, the task becomes much easier.

To discuss updating, re-writing or starting a CV from scratch, or to discuss any other writing needs that you may have, please use the contact link at the top of the page.