15 Feb 2010 05:11 am
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Its stunning what a well-written and correctly shown cv can do for your vocation pursuit. Before you send yours out, follow this words of wisdom make sure you are sending out a fantastic quality representation of yourself.
- Syntax, spelling, punctuation – Use the grammar and spell check function, then publish it and browse through the file word for word. Spell checker does not realise that you planned “manager” whenever you in point of fact typed “manger.”
- Punctuation – Carefully consider correct use of commas and semi-colons. Just as before, if you are doubtful, make reference to the Gregg Reference Manual.
- Uniformity – You are required to be consistent together with your number usage (dates, money, numbers), plurals, and abbreviations. By way of example, dont list one date as 8/2004 and then list another date as 3/15/2004. Also, be alert to listing software consistently (abbreviation use). MS Word and Microsoft Outlook are both correct, although not consistent.
- Training segment – When you have a degree, list only the year that you obtained your degree. When you list your dates, (i.e.: 9/1998 to 1/2002) many resume-scanning systems will not recognize that you obtained a degree, only that you attended college for a period of time.
- Ampersands – Ampersands (&) do not belong on a resume. There are a few exceptions. One exception is a well-known company name (AT&T). Another exception is well-known industry terms (P&L).
- Hyperlinks – All e-mail and web addresses that you list need to be deactivated in your resume. To do this in MS Word, highlight the link, go to the “Insert” drop down menu, scroll down to and click “Hyperlink”, and on the lower left-had side of this screen there should be a little button that says “Remove link”, when you find it, give it a little click and voila! Alternatively, you can highlight the link, right click on it, and scroll down to “remove link” to deactivate the link.
Your job application is a selling tool, that outlines your skills and experiences so an employer can see, at a glance, how you can contribute to the employer’s workplace. Your resume has to sell you in short order. While you may have all the requirements for a particular position, your curriculum vitae is a failure if the employer does not instantly come to the conclusion that you “have what it takes. ” the first hurdle your resume has to pass–whether it ends up in the “consider file” or the “reject file”–may take less than thirty seconds. The most effective resumes are clearly focused on a specific job title and address the employer’s stated requirements for the position.
You will need information to write a good resume. Not just information about jobs you’ve held in the past but also information to select the most relevant accomplishments, skills and experience for this position. The more you know about the employer and the position, the more you can tailor your job application to fit the job.
