Writing CVs
You are looking for a job and want to present yourself in the best possible manner to an employer. What do you do? You write a 'CV' (Curriculum Vitae - Latin for 'Life Story' called in some countries as a 'Resume'.CVs are looked at differently depending upon the nature of the employer. Principally, it is important to follow the correct practice of your culture and country but balance it with the employers' needs
What are CVs used for
CVs or Resumes are about presenting an impressive image of you to an employer. Employers look at a hundred CVs for the same job and finally choose only one.So what would make them choose you?
Tips for a writing a CV
Be Innovative!Consider finding out more about the job you are applying for. Analyze your personal skills, talents, education, work experience and compare them with skills required for that job. Do you have enough information about the job?Spend some time researching details about the job(s) that interest you and information about the employer
Personal Details
Include your name, home address, college address, phone number, email address, date of birth and also your gender if it is not obvious form your name! Also include your homepage URL if you have a good one. (It makes an impression)
Education Include the different places where you have studied- (most recent education first). Include subjects, courses taken in each year of study. Include any special project, thesis or other work completed during this period.The Pre-college courses (Junior college, high school, etc.) details should be included.
Work Experience
List out your most recent experience first. Give the name of the employer, job title and your own job function. Part-time work experience should be included.
Interests
Employers will be particularly interested in your leadership qualities and your ability to innovate and contribute to their company's success. They would like to know the various responsibilities you have previously taken up and completed. Personal hobbies do not interest them as much as your role as a leader. Give details if any, of your participation as an organizer for any social event.
Skills
Ability in other languages, computing experience and extra curricular like debates, etc. should be included.
References
Include two names - one from your place of study and one from any work situation you have had. Make sure eligible people who have worked with you or have corresponded with you give these references. Also give their contact numbers.
Length
Try using space as liberally as possible. Do not clog your CV onto one A4 size page. Take two pages but give enough area for your track record!
Style
There are two main styles of CV, with variations in them.Chronological:Information is included under general headings - education, work experience, etc., with the most recent events first.
Skills based
You apply through the necessary skills required for the job. List all your personal details under these skill headings. This is called 'targeting your CV'. But it is best to prepare a CV, which suits the workplace environment and the nature of the people in the organization and country.
Presentation
You can present your CV depending on the company you are applying to. A big company would generally expect a formal CV on a white paper. But if it is a television production job, or a graphic designer, the paper could be less formal and the CV, a bit unconventional.A CV can be constructed on a Word Processor (MS Word, WordPerfect or Lotus). It has to be well laid out and printed on a good quality printer. Do not use bold and/or underline print for headings. Avoid using different font types and sizes. Use plenty of white paper and a good border round the page. Use a spell check on your computer and consider using 'bullets' to start sub-sections or lists.Imagine yourself as an employer and write a CV which is easy to understand, short and attractive.
