Formatting your CV for best results
We all know what a CV should contain, and in general terms how it should be arranged on the page. Inspite of knowing all the technicalities, people still commit the mistake of writing a run-of-the-mill CV with the same headlines, the same order of ideas, and the same general matter in a dull business language. In this way the CV looks indeed as a poor copy of a standard template.
The formatting should be backed up by the right information of course, but in order to have a good flow of ideas, the CV should have a building-up style of presentation. You start at the personal details, or educational qualification and slowly build up to show how your talents are best suited for the job at hand.
Bullet points look perfect when listing job responsibilities, or personal traits, or overall achievements headings. However, if the bullet points do not have an anchor which explains what they are, it will be difficult for the CV to really hold the prospective employer's interest.
Do not state the obvious - depending upon the job achievements do not re-inforce certain traits which are self-evident such as good leadership, good communications skills, etc. Go ahead and use the paper for traits that are not visible from what you have presented so far. For example you are successful marketing manager - it is understood that you are a good strategist - but you could also add that you are a tough negotiator who saved a great deal of money to the company. This would be a trait that would add value to your CV and identify you as having good potential.
The impression of the paper presentation - the quality of the paper, the arrangements of the text, its font, typesetting will create an unwitting impact on the prospective employer. Be sure that you use this trait to your advantage. Use the skills of a good typist and/or word processor to make your CV a work of art.
Each and every aspect of your CV should work towards creating the right impression with the employer. This will be done with the help of a lot of research to know what he/she wants in the first place. Search the net and libraries for reports and news, ask around old and present employees and use the information to form a critical focus on your best talents and traits.
Writing a CV is hard work - do not kid yourself that it is any other way. It is not just the way you put together your personal data - but rather the way you arrange that personal and professional data to attract the attention and interest of the prospective employee. It is an art that has to be perfected with time, patience and practice. It is the most important tool in job searching since it gives the opening line to the employer and thus creates the first impression about you in his/her mind.
