Get in the door with the right CV

Posted on March 11, 2011

Quest Resettlement Magazine (April 2011)

Perhaps the most discussed job search tool of them all is the CV. This sales document (for that is what it is), can prove more valuable than tapping the hidden job market or the power of constructive networking. In reality, however, a successful employment search will likely combine all three elements.

Firstly, remember, the CV will not get you that dream job. You will. The CV is a sales tool that shouts out to all who listen, “I am here, I have the right skill set and I am ready to be interviewed”. When written properly, the CV is a positive conduit to your future progression. Likewise, when it fails to bring out your true transferable skills, it can be just as much become the enemy within. Much is written and spoken by “professionals” about style and content. My view is that while this is important, don’t get too hung up about this. What is perfect for one recruiter may not be for someone else. Treat your “sales document” as a fluid evolution and take pride in what you put in.

So, what do you put in a CV?

I suggest a clear and concise few sentences on you in an opening profile. Be honest, original and proud in what you have to offer.

Then, I suggest some detail on transferable skills (we will touch on these again) but in bulleted list format.

Notice I have not yet mentioned “past jobs”. You only get one chance to make a first impression! Profile and transferable skills come first and must grab then hold the readers attention. Make them want to read on about “past jobs”.

Then, tailoring each CV to specific roles or sectors, start in chronological order (most recent first) your career roles / titles with dates (I think years are fine). Think hard about Titles and try to find terms that we civilians would recognise instantly. Don’t use jargon if at all possible.

Lastly, find time to add qualifications, Education and importantly, Interests. No one wants to work along side dull colleagues. We want banter on a Monday morning don’t we?

Remember also, that CV’s need “white space”. Don’t cram and don’t go over 3 pages (2.5 is perhaps ideal). Make the layout appealing so the reader wants to do more than just skim (usually for only up to 30 seconds) and limit the use of bold – italics - underline.

We touched on transferable skills earlier. So what are these or put another way:- have you ever performed leadership, time management, adaptability, problem solving or decision making? Of course you have and these are types of transferable skills.

Essentially, transferable skills (from military to civilian) are the core competences that your have gained through experience and work that are directly transferable to the roles you are applying for. Knowing what skills future employers are searching for in the roles you are applying for and then showcasing these are vital if you are to sell yourself to a specific person or market yourself to the wider career market audience.

It’s your sales document and you need to be honest with the content but shout loud within the content. The CV won’t get you that job, you will, but the right CV will get you in that door and onwards to a new career.

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