NANY_HAMIN
4th February 2010, 09:33 AM
CV : a summary of your academic and work history
Write about your achievements in a CV
Successfully applying for a job means showing your employer that you are more suitable than the other candidates. Job application numbers for a particular vacancy vary from tens to hundreds. You will usually need to be short-listed among the first twenty in order to be offered an interview. Only CVs that have impressed the employer will make it to this stage.
When recruiting people, employers reduce the CV list to around forty or fifty candidates. The difference between the chosen candidates and the others is a well presented CV and cover letter.
What did they do differently?
The way they presented their achievements. In this tutorial we will explain how you can word your achievements in a more suitable manner. Employers are attracted to achievements because they want the applicant to repeat them in their own business.
CV Heading
In the CV heading you can write your general information:
• Name
• Surname
• Local address
• E-mail address
• Phone number
(If applying for an overseas job, please remember to include your international dialling code.) Include your mobile/cell phone number if you are going to relocate soon.
CV Skills Summary
The Skills Summary section of your CV includes your main skills. You should only include keywords in his section, do not go into lengthy descriptions of your skills. The skill summary is also called personal profile.
CV Objective
The CV Objective, sometimes also referred to as CV Personal Profile states "What is the next step in my career?" This should be a short, concise statement that informs the employer what kind of position you are looking for. The type of position, the role (managerial, supervisor, contractor) should be included as well.
If you are job hunting it is a good idea to have several CV's with different profiles or objectives. For example, you can have a CV for a sales supervisor and the other for a shop floor manager. Your 'sales supervisor' CV can highlight achievements in this area, and the CV would be tuned to that particular in terms of job descriptions and achievements.
Education on your CV
List all of your qualifications in this section. Include all of your education including certifications from non-academic institutions, especially those that are related to the job vacancy. If you have more work experience than qualifications, put your work experience before your qualifications.
Why Write a CV?
To apply for a job within the same field.
You like what you do, but you want to do it somewhere else! Make sure your CV highlights your achievements. Writing a CV is easy, but writing a good CV isn't! Achievements can show the employer that you are able to meet objectives, something all employers are looking for.
To apply for a job within a different field.
So the time has come for a career overhaul. You have thought hard and decided that you do not want to pursue a career in the current direction. Write a CV that highlights any experience or qualifications in this new area. You would also need a reason in your CV outlining why you want to make a career change.
To summarize your life achievements.
Having a full CV is always a good idea as you never know when a good opportunity will come up. Keep your CV updated at all times, adding any relevant courses or qualifications. This way, when you find yourself applying for a job in three months time your CV will already be written and remembering all your courses/experiences/projects will not be an issue. If you then apply for a different position, all you will need to do is edit your CV to suit the particular post.
To apply for a particular job vacancy.
Address all of the job requirements in your CV. If you do not have any formal qualifications that cover the job requirements, try to make up for it by showing your experience. Make sure you carefully read the advertisement and follow all instructions. A CV is an essential tool in your job search and career.
Resume
Regardless of your experience, qualifications or intelligence, you'll still need to apply for jobs and pass through the selection procedure. To apply for jobs you need to write a resume. Luckily, resumes are free because you can write them yourself.
Your free resume is made up of :
• An accurate summary of your credentials
• Education, achievements, job experience and goals
• It should flow naturally and be easy to read
• It should be based on a particular format: Chronological resume, Functional resume, Targeted resume or Combo resume
Depending on their personal circumstances, people have different reasons to write a resume. It's important you have a clear idea of why you are writing a resume before you start as this will help you choose the correct resume style.
You want to write your resume because :
• You're applying or looking for a new job in the same industry / area.
• You're applying or looking for a new job in a different industry / area.
• You would like to group your experience / qualifications in one document.
• You were asked to provide a copy of your resume.
A resume must contain accurate information. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep your resume updated after each major task, accomplishment or qualifications received. Keep up to date with all your job contracts, qualifications and job descriptions.
The following will help you to write your resume.
• Contracts
• Job Descriptions
• Periodical Performance Reviews
• Letters of Reference
• Letters of Appreciation
• Qualification Certificate's
• Specialist Courses
Cover Letter
A cover letter is a letter that you send to accompany your CV when you apply for job, whether advertised or when you are sending an unsolicited application. Do not over look this tool as it can be a great asset in your job hunt.
The Job Application Cover Letter page contains specifics and tips on how to write a cover letter.
There are different types of job related letters :
Letter of inquiry: In this type of query you are enquiring about possible job opportunities that fit your skills. You have to give a general area you are interested in working in.
Job Application Cover Letter or Response to an Job Advertisement: Answering a particular job advert. The important thing in the cover letter is to show that your skills match those for the job advert.
Thank You Letter: A thank you letter shows the interest you have in a position you have been interviewed for.
Acceptance Letter: In this letter you state that you are accepting the job offered.
Declination Letter: You inform your employer that you are no longer interested in the position offered.
In all cases make sure you follow the Guide on Writing Job Related Correspondence which gives a plethora of specific tips on writing different types of cover letters.
How to write a Cover Letter
Job related correspondence includes
• Job Application Cover Letter
• Letter of inquiry
• Job application cover letter
• Thank You Letter
• Acceptance Letter
• Declination Letter
General Guide Lines for writing Job related Correspondence
• Focus on your qualifications and experience and why you fit the job profile.
• Use simple and clear English. If you are applying for a technical job, make sure that a non technical person is also capable of understanding your CV.
• Correspondence to business and organisations have to be written in a formal manner.
Review other Job Related Correspondence:
Sample Resume
Sample CV
• A cover Letter should never be longer than one page.
• Mention achievements or strengths, apart from your qualifications and job experience. Check out Writing about your achievements.
• Your letter should be address to a specific person. You should find out the person responsible for the recruitment.
• Keep the letter to the point.
• Do not send a hand written cover letter if you are not asked. If the job advert specifies a letter writing sample then send one! Make sure the letter is error free and that the same font is used throughout. Make sure that your letter and CV are similar in style.
• Use top quality stationary. The envelope, the paper and the style of your CV stationary should match that of the cover letter.
• Make sure that whatever you write in your cover letter is backed up by facts or at least be able to convincingly back them up in the interview.
• Convey your enthusiasm about the job opportunity. You have to show that you are confident in your expectations about the job selection but do not be 'cocky'.
• Sign your cover letter and write your name in block capitals under your signature.
Cover Letters
Generic Cover Letter Samples
• Example of Cover Letter Web Content
• Sample Targeted Cover Letter Example
• Example Recent College Graduate Sample Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Prospecting
• Sample Cover Letter Part time Job
• Example of Modifiable Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Expressing Interest
• Full Text Cover Letter Example
• Cover Letter Template
• Cover Letter Career Change, Example of
• Email Cover Letter with Resume Attached Example
• Cover Letter with Resume Included as Attachment Example
• Cover Letter Format Example
Specific Cover Letter Samples
• Sample Cover Letter Technician
• Sample Career Office Referral Letter Example
• Cover Letter Transportation Planning
• Cover Letter Scientific Research
• Cover Letter Labor Organizer/Administrative Assistant Example
• Cover Letter Administration/Business
• Cover Letter - Writing
• Cover Letter - Technical Support
• Cover Letter - Teaching
• Cover Letter - Teaching Assistant
• Cover Letter - Entry-Level Finance
• Cover Letter - Analyst Example
Write about your achievements in a CV
Successfully applying for a job means showing your employer that you are more suitable than the other candidates. Job application numbers for a particular vacancy vary from tens to hundreds. You will usually need to be short-listed among the first twenty in order to be offered an interview. Only CVs that have impressed the employer will make it to this stage.
When recruiting people, employers reduce the CV list to around forty or fifty candidates. The difference between the chosen candidates and the others is a well presented CV and cover letter.
What did they do differently?
The way they presented their achievements. In this tutorial we will explain how you can word your achievements in a more suitable manner. Employers are attracted to achievements because they want the applicant to repeat them in their own business.
CV Heading
In the CV heading you can write your general information:
• Name
• Surname
• Local address
• E-mail address
• Phone number
(If applying for an overseas job, please remember to include your international dialling code.) Include your mobile/cell phone number if you are going to relocate soon.
CV Skills Summary
The Skills Summary section of your CV includes your main skills. You should only include keywords in his section, do not go into lengthy descriptions of your skills. The skill summary is also called personal profile.
CV Objective
The CV Objective, sometimes also referred to as CV Personal Profile states "What is the next step in my career?" This should be a short, concise statement that informs the employer what kind of position you are looking for. The type of position, the role (managerial, supervisor, contractor) should be included as well.
If you are job hunting it is a good idea to have several CV's with different profiles or objectives. For example, you can have a CV for a sales supervisor and the other for a shop floor manager. Your 'sales supervisor' CV can highlight achievements in this area, and the CV would be tuned to that particular in terms of job descriptions and achievements.
Education on your CV
List all of your qualifications in this section. Include all of your education including certifications from non-academic institutions, especially those that are related to the job vacancy. If you have more work experience than qualifications, put your work experience before your qualifications.
Why Write a CV?
To apply for a job within the same field.
You like what you do, but you want to do it somewhere else! Make sure your CV highlights your achievements. Writing a CV is easy, but writing a good CV isn't! Achievements can show the employer that you are able to meet objectives, something all employers are looking for.
To apply for a job within a different field.
So the time has come for a career overhaul. You have thought hard and decided that you do not want to pursue a career in the current direction. Write a CV that highlights any experience or qualifications in this new area. You would also need a reason in your CV outlining why you want to make a career change.
To summarize your life achievements.
Having a full CV is always a good idea as you never know when a good opportunity will come up. Keep your CV updated at all times, adding any relevant courses or qualifications. This way, when you find yourself applying for a job in three months time your CV will already be written and remembering all your courses/experiences/projects will not be an issue. If you then apply for a different position, all you will need to do is edit your CV to suit the particular post.
To apply for a particular job vacancy.
Address all of the job requirements in your CV. If you do not have any formal qualifications that cover the job requirements, try to make up for it by showing your experience. Make sure you carefully read the advertisement and follow all instructions. A CV is an essential tool in your job search and career.
Resume
Regardless of your experience, qualifications or intelligence, you'll still need to apply for jobs and pass through the selection procedure. To apply for jobs you need to write a resume. Luckily, resumes are free because you can write them yourself.
Your free resume is made up of :
• An accurate summary of your credentials
• Education, achievements, job experience and goals
• It should flow naturally and be easy to read
• It should be based on a particular format: Chronological resume, Functional resume, Targeted resume or Combo resume
Depending on their personal circumstances, people have different reasons to write a resume. It's important you have a clear idea of why you are writing a resume before you start as this will help you choose the correct resume style.
You want to write your resume because :
• You're applying or looking for a new job in the same industry / area.
• You're applying or looking for a new job in a different industry / area.
• You would like to group your experience / qualifications in one document.
• You were asked to provide a copy of your resume.
A resume must contain accurate information. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep your resume updated after each major task, accomplishment or qualifications received. Keep up to date with all your job contracts, qualifications and job descriptions.
The following will help you to write your resume.
• Contracts
• Job Descriptions
• Periodical Performance Reviews
• Letters of Reference
• Letters of Appreciation
• Qualification Certificate's
• Specialist Courses
Cover Letter
A cover letter is a letter that you send to accompany your CV when you apply for job, whether advertised or when you are sending an unsolicited application. Do not over look this tool as it can be a great asset in your job hunt.
The Job Application Cover Letter page contains specifics and tips on how to write a cover letter.
There are different types of job related letters :
Letter of inquiry: In this type of query you are enquiring about possible job opportunities that fit your skills. You have to give a general area you are interested in working in.
Job Application Cover Letter or Response to an Job Advertisement: Answering a particular job advert. The important thing in the cover letter is to show that your skills match those for the job advert.
Thank You Letter: A thank you letter shows the interest you have in a position you have been interviewed for.
Acceptance Letter: In this letter you state that you are accepting the job offered.
Declination Letter: You inform your employer that you are no longer interested in the position offered.
In all cases make sure you follow the Guide on Writing Job Related Correspondence which gives a plethora of specific tips on writing different types of cover letters.
How to write a Cover Letter
Job related correspondence includes
• Job Application Cover Letter
• Letter of inquiry
• Job application cover letter
• Thank You Letter
• Acceptance Letter
• Declination Letter
General Guide Lines for writing Job related Correspondence
• Focus on your qualifications and experience and why you fit the job profile.
• Use simple and clear English. If you are applying for a technical job, make sure that a non technical person is also capable of understanding your CV.
• Correspondence to business and organisations have to be written in a formal manner.
Review other Job Related Correspondence:
Sample Resume
Sample CV
• A cover Letter should never be longer than one page.
• Mention achievements or strengths, apart from your qualifications and job experience. Check out Writing about your achievements.
• Your letter should be address to a specific person. You should find out the person responsible for the recruitment.
• Keep the letter to the point.
• Do not send a hand written cover letter if you are not asked. If the job advert specifies a letter writing sample then send one! Make sure the letter is error free and that the same font is used throughout. Make sure that your letter and CV are similar in style.
• Use top quality stationary. The envelope, the paper and the style of your CV stationary should match that of the cover letter.
• Make sure that whatever you write in your cover letter is backed up by facts or at least be able to convincingly back them up in the interview.
• Convey your enthusiasm about the job opportunity. You have to show that you are confident in your expectations about the job selection but do not be 'cocky'.
• Sign your cover letter and write your name in block capitals under your signature.
Cover Letters
Generic Cover Letter Samples
• Example of Cover Letter Web Content
• Sample Targeted Cover Letter Example
• Example Recent College Graduate Sample Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Prospecting
• Sample Cover Letter Part time Job
• Example of Modifiable Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Expressing Interest
• Full Text Cover Letter Example
• Cover Letter Template
• Cover Letter Career Change, Example of
• Email Cover Letter with Resume Attached Example
• Cover Letter with Resume Included as Attachment Example
• Cover Letter Format Example
Specific Cover Letter Samples
• Sample Cover Letter Technician
• Sample Career Office Referral Letter Example
• Cover Letter Transportation Planning
• Cover Letter Scientific Research
• Cover Letter Labor Organizer/Administrative Assistant Example
• Cover Letter Administration/Business
• Cover Letter - Writing
• Cover Letter - Technical Support
• Cover Letter - Teaching
• Cover Letter - Teaching Assistant
• Cover Letter - Entry-Level Finance
• Cover Letter - Analyst Example