I can vividly remember a very peculiar lecture whilst studying for an MSc in Occupational Psychology. A recruiter arrived to discuss the recruitment process and the curriculum vitae (CV)/résumé sifting process. All interesting stuff. There we were sitting politely awaiting an evidenced based system for CV & candidate sifting. However, we were a little stunned to hear that his process wasn’t that scientific. The following sentence had us sat bolt upright, eyes narrowed and collectively struck by the line – “there are two types of CV – lucky and unlucky”. “The CV’s are split into two piles; lucky and unlucky and that’s all there is to it”.

I can tell you that my flabber was well and truly gasted! No science, no method, no process just good or bad luck. So with that memory burning through my mind let’s try and add a little method, process and procedure behind the business of constructing a great CV/résumé. To put you in the “lucky” pile every time and get the interview for the job you want.

I am always struck by the sometimes confusing advice and guidance on CV’s or résumé’s. The sheer amount of information online and printed copy on CV’s is astonishing and sometimes completely overwhelming. Is it chronological, skills-based, an academic (self-explanatory really) or a hybrid perhaps? Way back in the 1970’s in “What Color Is Your Parachute?” Richard Bolles wrote about the declining need for CV’s. Is this still true?

It may be that certain styles of CV may have met a natural end however the CV is evolving (as they always have) rather than dying out completely. There was a time when your CV’s was typed, then copied onto some lovely quality laid paper and popped into a matching envelope. The employer’s expectation was that you would present your experience and education in an organised and in a chronological manner. Needless to say, it was time-consuming and expensive. In fact most job-seekers printed just one all-purpose generic CV that probably didn’t exactly fit the job specifications. Some covering letters were also copied and used generically and still are in some cases.

CV’s Today

Today job-seekers & career changers are expected to spend much more time personalising their CV’s and online presence to the career or work area they are looking for. Most times altering the order of the experience. Adding or subtracting jobs and/or degrees/education based on the interests of the employer and job specification essentials & desirables. The CV has become an ongoing fluid job seeking, career changing marketing tool. It is this method that is now the minimum standard for recruiters and HR professionals. Notwithstanding, the issue today of recruiters checking the CV against the social networking profiles such as LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter amongst others.  So the written CV has to stack up against the social media profile and your other internet based profiles. No one suggested job searching & CV writing was going to be easy!

Regardless of the style of CV you create the same basic rules need to apply. The value you bring to the role will need to be in a position on the CV that helps you really stand out. Your achievements and legacy has to be showcased to get the best chance possible of the 7-20 seconds viewing time by the recruiter. Harsh but true.

The recruiter will need to know who you are, the education & experiences you have had and the challenges you have faced and overcome. You will also have to think about the right personal career “brand” marketing approach also. Demonstrating your skills, abilities etc and present information that the employer or industry is seeking in a logical and easy to understand format. So start by planning your message: what is the goal & objective of your CV and how will you accomplish that? Who is your audience? What are they expecting? How would they like to view your CV? So here are a few straightforward tips to get you started.

• Keep it concise keep to two pages (A4) if possible. This will dependant upon the role applying for as some like an academic CV can go on for reams depending upon publications etc.
• Start with a professional profile of who you are (don’t waffle it’s about the value you bring to the business) key skills, legacy & achievements etc.
• Provide evidence of who you are, the problems you solved and the results. Check out the STAR (situation, task, actions took, & results) model for a good framework to work from. Other models are available.
• Whatever claims you make in the CV back it up with evidence – never fib you will get found out.
• Only write interests if they are specific to the role you are applying for.
• Get your CV read by someone who will give you honest feedback before sending it. Ensure it follows the essentials & desirables of the job specification.
• Make the CV irresistible to recruiters – why they would be daft not to employ you. 
• No photographs of yourself – though again it may well depend upon the business sector.
• Sometimes colourful text can help though be sure this is what the industry wants to see.
• Spell check and grammar check. Get someone else to check it several times to make sure that your CV scans and reads well.
• Lastly, how are you going to add value to the role you are applying for what is your career strategy, vision or purpose and what will you bring to the role?

Lastly………..

As you can imagine these tips for a great CV are only the tip of the iceberg. Don’t just accept that your current CV will suffice as it may well be out of date and needs a little va va voom. Try different formats to find one that suits your style and the employer you are sending your CV to. Though again be aware of your audience, as a funky marketing business may have different expectations to the police service or an undertaker. 

There is plenty of advice out there online however be selective. I mentioned earlier on that there is an overwhelming amount of information out there that may confuse rather than help. I am happy to run an eye over CV’s or résumé, just send it along from an unbiased view.

Ultimately, a great CV will get you through the door for that elusive interview. It’s the interview where you can showcase your talents, demonstrate those captivating interpersonal skills and prove to the employer why you are the right person for the role. So give yourself the best chance by spending time building that compelling CV/résumé that you will be proud of. Help the recruiter see your potential and get that CV on the shortlist for interview. Make sure you are in the lucky pile and not unlucky one that slides unceremoniously into the bin!

References

Bolles, R.N. (2014) “What Colour Is your parachute – A practical manual for job-hunters and career changers” Ten Speed Press, USA

Bibliography

Fennah, P. (2014) “The Elite MBA CV; Executive Impact” bookboon.com