Preparing a CV, CV format and Keep your CV current.

Preparing a CV

Your most important job-seeking tool is your curriculum vitae or CV. Your CV is your calling card into an organisation. If it doesn't grab the employer's attention, you will never get to meet them and sell yourself as the best person for the job.

When there is a large pool of unemployed or job-seekers, it comes down to survival of the fittest in the competition for the best jobs. Your CV displays your suitability for the job and your fit in the organisation.

Some say that 80% of jobs are never advertised. This means that your CV needs to be able to fulfil a number of different job seeking techniques, including cold calling, shoulder tapping, head hunting, networking, responding to advertisements, and contacting employment agencies. But remember that each application needs a tailored CV.

CV format

Your CV is an essential tool for your job hunt or career change. Competition for jobs is intense, and it's a game you need to win. How you market yourself is the key to your success. Having an interesting and exciting CV is one way to ensure it gets read. You need to convince the employer that you are worth employing.

It's about getting your foot in the door of the right organisation, and then being heard. Your CV highlights what you have accomplished and helps to sell your knowledge, skills, and experience. You must grab the reader's attention and give them enough information about your skills and abilities to make them keen to meet you and find out more.

Think about your target audience. Who will be reading your CV? Get the tone right. Be precise. Employers are usually very busy people, so choose your words carefully. Use high impact and positive words. Don't repeat yourself, that's a waste of space and time. Do your homework: find out as much as you can about the organisation and the position. What skills and personal qualities is the employer looking for?

Leave plenty of space between entries, and don't cram too much into too small a space. Present your CV professionally. Use a clear, legible font and proofread thoroughly.

Keep your master copy in a protective folder. Run off a few copies and keep them handy - you never know when you might need one.

Keep your CV current

Your CV needs to be regularly updated to include recent training and professional experience. This diagram displays the process.