CV tips

Your CV or Resume - Creating the right impression

If you want to find a high level job abroad you will probably be competing with people locally, and have to try harder to convince an employer to employ you. You need to think very carefully about how to improve your chances of finding work abroad. The following are general tips on giving the right impression when applying for work.

Are you maximising your chances?

You need to make sure that your CV or resume puts the right emphasis for the job you are applying for. You should create a number of CVs depending on the type of job you are looking for. You should probably have an objectives section that emphasizes what you can do for a particular employer. It is also important to consider that requirements may differ depending on the Country. For example, in the US it is common to fit all your details onto one page.

Do you need a work permit or visa?

If you are in the fortunate position of being able to work in your destination Country without needing a work permit or visa you should put this prominently in your CV. If you do need a work permit and visa it will probably be worth finding out more about the visa regulations and explaining to a prospective employer in a covering letter what is involved in applying for a work permit or visa. You might also consider a workpermit.com eligibility certificate.

Where to put your contact details

You need to make it easy for people to contact you! Put your details right at the top to include your address details, telephone numbers and e-mail address. If possible include two telephone numbers. For example, you could put your home number and your mobile number. If you are applying from abroad it may be best to have a local address and telephone number to maximise your chances. Do not give your employer's number or an e-mail address at your employer unless you want them to know that you are looking for another job!

Try and impress!

You should give prominence to your achievements. Think of what you may have done at work or at College that was out of the ordinary and will impress a potential employer. You should make sure that these achievements stand out. You may even wish to put them near the top to make sure that this is read first. You should also do the following:

Try and put statements that make you look like a huge success. In a sales occupation you may wish to put something like "I achieved sales growth of 50% over two years" in your CV.
Try and show a pattern of continued success and achievement with greater responsibilities in each new position.

Word of warning: Employers are becoming more and more sophisticated when it comes to finding out people who put statements on their CV that are untrue. There is a difference between emphasizing certain aspects of your career/ achievements, and putting statements in your CV that are simply untrue!

Use your imagination

Your CV/resume could be one of hundreds received by the employer. They do not have time to look at all CVs in detail. Try and make your one stand out in some way so that it will get noticed.

Your work experience

This should normally be with your most recent work experience at the top. However, again you have to consider what will impress the employer the most. Perhaps some of your earlier experience is more relevant or more impressive. You should consider putting this at the top instead. The details you should include are the name of the employer, location and job title.

Your skills/interests

You can use this part of your CV to emphasize areas that are likely to be of interest to a particular employer. This is another opportunity to make your CV stand out! You should put a range of skills that could be of interest to a typical employer. These days most employers need someone who can use a PC for common tasks such as word processing and e-mail. If you have produced a CV specifically for a particular employer you should stress skills of interest to that employer. If you have been on any relevant courses mention this as well.

You may wish to mention membership of relevant organisations in this section. You may not wish to mention any sporting activities that some people may consider to be dangerous such as hang gliding!

Key Words

You are probably reading this article online and intend to put your details on our employment center. You should consider very carefully key words that you want employers to find in searches. Look at it from the employer's point of view. What are they looking for?

The Job Application Form

You will find that many employers will expect you to complete their own form to apply for a job. You will probably be asked to explain in detail your work experience, and any gaps in employment, and give details on what your future intentions are. A well designed form and recruitment procedure will help an employer find out whether you are telling the truth about your previous career, achievements and qualifications. It should be stressed again that you should tell the truth when applying for a job!

Do some research!

It is a competitive World. If you really want that job then find out a bit about the prospective employer. Find out what they are looking for and as far as possible emphasize those strengths in your CV. If you show some interest in them they are more likely to show some interest in you! You should also include a covering letter to the employer that shows that you are particularly interested in them.

Finally, look through your CV again and again to see how it can be improved. Why not ask friends (especially those experienced in recruiting people) and relatives what they think about your CV.

A good CV will make it much easier for you to find the job you are looking for. It is worth the effort!