Monday, November 3, 2008

How to WOW prospective Employers with the Perfect Resume

By Ed Murranio

If you are someone who dreads sitting down and starting that CV, then you are not alone. CV writing is one of the most stressful jobs and getting it right can be the cause of many a sleepless night. But don't despair. Great resumes require a level of despair or strain to make it work.

So, what is a perfect resume? Follow these tips and you won't go to far wrong.

*Keep it short.

Your CV should be kept short and concise with all the most relevant information near the top. This is to ensure that the employer gets all the information they need as quickly as possible and get their attention. If an employer is bored with the usual run-of-the-mill CV, then it is likely that your CV will be recycling material within 10 seconds.

*Nice and Neat

No long sentences here - remember concise and to the point. There is nothing worse that trying to decipher a five line sentence. Bullets are very important as a visual aid for prospective employers, so use them throughout your CV.

*Be Honest

If you are found to be dishonest, then you will fail the interview straight away. This does not mean that you can't present your experience in the best light possible. Just avoid the bare face lies in your CV. The balance is a bit delicate so tread carefully between enriching your job experience, and being dishonest.

*Use the Right Words

Action words like developed, organised and managed should be used throughout your CV, but not too much. The idea id to convey an impression of quiet efficiency coupled with a good work ethic and a sense of professionalism.

Conclusion

Keep your CV to the point with bullet points and numbering where necessary. Keep all your relevant stuff 'above the fold' followed by the less relevant. Grab attention quickly with buzz words and always write professionally and get your CV proof read by a number of people before submitting it.

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