1. Writing An Effective CV

2. Learning objectives By the end of this session, you are expected to:
Identify key skills and qualifications to be included in the CV
Position yourself correctly in the job market
Understand how recruiters and headhunters search for candidates
Understand how to make your CV attractive

3. What are CV types
Chronological
Functional
Academic

4. Chronological Resumes
The most common resume type.
Experience and qualifications are sorted in a chronological order starting from the most recent.
Activities are summarized by job or employer.
It fits recruiters’ templates.

5. Functional Resumes Doesn’t follow chronological order
Suitable for executives, career changers
Skills and qualifications summarized by function, for example:
A candidate might write “Marketing Experience”, then lists titles and positions held, projects managed, etc.
Can be a powerful tool to present functional expertise, but it is not very popular.
Doesn’t fit recruiter’s standard templates; and may discourage short-listing

6. Academic Resumes
An academic CV focuses on academic qualifications of the candidate.
It refers to previous research; and research areas of interest.
It includes reference to publications, memberships and affiliations of professional and academic bodies.

7. What information should be on your CV
Identify Yourself
Education
Continuing Education
Work or Professional Experience
Volunteer Experience
Activities & Interests
Computer Skills
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Optional Sections
Objective
Special Skills and Abilities
Reference Statement

8. CV Writing Essentials (1 of 2)
Tell the truth
Check spelling and grammar
Beware of typos
Use formal language
Make it readable
Less is more
User white spaces
Use bullet points or short phrases
Use industry standard labels or keywords
Use easily read formats, fonts and styles
Keep the design simple
Minimize use of abbreviations

9. CV Writing Essentials (2 of 2)
Focus on your skills & qualifications
Use action words to express results and accomplishments; for example perform, manage, etc.
Make it short; 2 to 2.5 pages maximum
Avoid irrelevant information; including irrelevant work activities and inappropriate person information
Produced on a computer
No spelling or grammar errors
Neat, clean, and professional looking
Avoid the use of different colors or fonts
Margins at sides and bottom
Information is logically and chronologically recorded
Quantify your results whenever you can

10. Where to start Identify where you are? Identify what you want to be?
Focus on relevant experience, and useful information
Avoid being emotional
Employers

11. What recruiters do
Recruiters search for key words; make sure you have all of them on your CV
Recruiters give 10 to 20 seconds for a CV; make sure you have a neat eye-catching presentation of your qualifications

12. Common mistakes (1 of 3) Typos and Grammar Slips
“Great attention to detail.”
“Proven ability to track down and correct erors.”
“Am a perfectionist and rarely if ever forget etails.”
Accomplishments: Completed 11 years of high school.”
Don’t use “I” or “me”

13. Common mistakes (2 of 3) Leaving gaps!
Everyone faces unemployment at certain point in his career.
Avoid leaving gaps. Solution:
Either return to education, or
Volunteer

14. Common Mistakes (3 of 3) Don’t be emotional!
Don’t be emotionally attached to certain achievements or interests not relevant for the job.

15. Writing A Cover Letter A cover letter is a “letter”
Some employers require CVs to be accompanied by cover letters.
A cover letter is an opportunity to tell what is not shown on a CV.
Possibly to express enthusiasm, confidence, interest, skills, etc.
Mention the person who referred you if appropriate

16. Cover Letter Structure
Header Section:
Your address, city, state, zip, and telephone number.
Date
Name, title, company, address, city, state, and zip of
person you’re writing to.
Greeting, followed by a colon.
Paragraph 1:
What you want
How you know about the organization
Mention enclosure of your resume
Paragraph 2:
Concise overview of work history and skills that will help you perform the job.
Paragraph 3:
State confidence in your ability
Give information on how you can be contacted
Paragraph 4:
Express appreciation
Closing: signature, and typed name

17. Applying for jobs
Recruiters receive 100’s of applications for every post, make sure you apply for the right opportunity only.
Avoid annoying recruiters with s.
Recruiters can no longer give feedback to hundreds of applicants, if you don’t hear from the recruiter then you were most likely not selected.