Writing a Compelling Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

There are many valid reasons to create and maintain a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. Firstly, it is almost a mandatory requirement of most employers to request that potential candidates send in their CV before being invited to attend a job interview. Some large employers prefer to use employment application forms, to narrow down the list of potential interviewees. However, attaching your CV will help to promote all your skills and experience and personality (which a sterile job application fails to achieve).

Secondly, having an up-to-date CV helps prepare for the unexpected. If your current employer merges with another company or you are made unexpectedly redundant, you will need to apply for a position quickly. It can take weeks to deliver a compelling and professional looking CV. Time invested now while still gainfully employed, could save valuable time when you need it most.

Thirdly, having a skills-based CV is ideal for self-employed contractors. It boosts your credibility by highlighting any business training awards, qualifications or regulatory approvals many customers check for. When prospects assess your capabilities and skills, they will expect some kind of written summary, before they choose to contract your business services. Fourthly, updating your CV help to validate your career plan. It is a great way to re-focus your thoughts on what you want out of your career. Any gaps in your skills should become apparent. Likewise, you may be surprised by the number of skills and achievements that you can put down on paper, when you spend some time thinking about your career history.

Fifthly, a CV can assist an employer to find you. Since the increases in the popularity of online job websites, the capability exists to register your CV online. Employers can search for skills and experience that you may possess - then contact you for a possible interview.  Lastly, a CV helps younger school leavers and graduates take their first steps into the workplace. There is intense competition for interview places. Producing a resume, gives you the opportunity to market yourself and disclose your aspirations, work experience, interests and skills and achievements. School, college and university achievements, speak volumes about your personality, character and desire to succeed.

There are general consensus amongst business consultants, regarding what a good CV should convey. From a styling and structure perspective, a good curriculum vitae should be limited to two pages of concise, factual, unambiguous and well organised information. As a general rule, try and include as many facts about you as possible. Most recent events, employment and activities, are listed chronologically by most recent first. This should be followed by older work positions and so on. As your individual circumstances change every six months or so, it is important to keep information up to date.

In terms of the key sections, most employers tend to expect the following. Firstly, include a summary 'opening statement', outlining who you are and what career path you are seeking. An opening statement gives the employer an immediate understanding how you perceive yourself, your career aspirations and how you might add value. Avoid embellishing the truth or making excessive for unbelievable statements. Most employers will bin a CV with flowery nonsense in the opening statement and move onto the next one.

The bulk of the document should outline employment history, business skills and work experience. This should include the names of the employers, responsibilities of your position and significant achievements. Summarise the month, year, and the 'to and from' dates during which you held each position. This helps employers understand how long you held your previous employment positions, alongside the achievements within each time scale. Where appropriate, attempt to quantify achievements in either financial, numeric or other business metrics. For instance, statements like 'achieved 112% of sales target' or 'successfully reduced annual outstanding invoices by 20%'. These statements provide tangible evidence to discuss during a job interview. So be prepared to explain every claim on your CV. Conversely, avoid subjective statements like 'I did really well in accounts'. Employers do not wish to see time gaps in your employment history. Gaps suggest you are a problem candidate or may have something to hide. Devote more space to the most recent positions and less 'white space' to very old jobs when you were younger.

Next, summarise your educational and academic achievements. This section may differ depending upon your age and level of academic achievement. For school leavers, employers will need to know the names of your schools and locations. For mature candidates, employers will want to see your major academic qualifications. When you highlight your personal interests and hobbies, it is an opportunity to show off your personality. Mention family status, interests and hobbies, lifestyle and personal aspirations. People like people to be like themselves, and so any shared hobbies (for instance golf, cooking or skiing) may resonate and create rapport with the person reading the resume.

Lastly, employers will expect to see details of any referees. Alternatively, you may put 'available on request' on this section. Be sure you have the approval of your referees from your past and most recent employer, before you submit your CV. Most employers expect candidates to put forward two referees, to provide an unbiased view and verify the information you have provided on your resume, or discussed in the interview. You should provide their names, role, current employer, and telephone numbers. Most importantly you should include key contact details near the bottom of the document. Include your full name (in bold), address, landline telephone and mobile phone number, email address, employment status, nationality, visa status, languages spoken, fax and website address if appropriate.

If you need some professional help, there are many specialist resume writing services. They can expertly deliver a tailored CV. This may involve a telephone consultation to determine background essentials, professional strengths, job aspirations and appropriate resume format required. They can also help with the covering letter. The purpose of a covering letter is to make sure your CV is viewed by the appropriate person, as well as confirming your interested in a specific advertised position (quoting any reference number as appropriate). The letter should state why you are interested in the position, by summarising your recent work experience and outlining any skills or experience you think is appropriate.

Using white space will showcase important facts. So use concise and punchy language. Shorten your sentences and clear out less relevant and older facts, to create additional white space. CV's should be posted in an A4 sized envelope, to avoid being folded in the post. Once you have finished producing your resume, it is essential to get it checked for spelling and grammar errors by a colleague, professional resume service or trusted friend. They can 'play devils advocate' and pick up on  subtle mistakes or sentences than don't read very well.

We hope this guide will help you write a high-quality resume or curriculum vitae...