Curriculum Vitae (CV) Tips:
Your CV
Your CV is of vital importance if you wish to present yourself successfully in the job market. A good CV will substantially boost your chances of securing an interview by marketing relevant skills, experience and value to a potential employer.
There are no right or wrongs when it comes to writing a CV as each one will be as individual as the person writing it. Do not copy standard CV samples! Your CV should be your own and reflect your talents and personality. However, it is important to follow a few basic principles to ensure you present the information in a clear, concise and effective manner.
Content
Personal details – include your name, address and phone numbers. If your name does not obviously show if you are male or female, please make this clear. Add an email address if it is checked regularly. Details of your nationality and date of birth would be appreciated but are not obligatory.
Work experience – list your work experience using short, straightforward sentences. You list your most recent experience first and continue from there. Make sure you give the name of your employer, job title, and most importantly, your tasks and responsibilities. Part-time work experience should also be included.
As well as describing the job, point out any additional qualities gained during your employment. For a clean, well-organized look, use bullet points.
Education – Briefly list the details of your qualifications. Highest level of attainment/ current degree should be listed first. Include type of degree, name of University, location and (anticipated) date of graduation. List other degrees, relevant higher education coursework, ongoing professional education/training courses and study abroad.
Skills – include specific skills such as IT skills and languages. Make sure you include your current level of spoken/written fluency as well.
References – it is customary, although not obligatory, to provide names and contact details of two referees. Graduates and those with limited work experience can list college lecturers, teachers or managers during work experience. Be sure to contact your referees in advance, so they will be prepared.
Hobbies – details of hobbies is optional. It can provide your employer with a more complete picture of your personal qualities but do not overdo it. Do not use a long list of hobbies to cover up a lack of work experience.
Presentation
It is customary to send a one-page CV when applying for an entry level position or if you lack work experience. Two-page CVs are acceptable if the information on both pages details your skills and experience. A good CV highlights these skills and accomplishments while excluding irrelevant information and experiences.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how to set up your CV but it is advisable to list your most recent experience first. Most employers will expect to find the information listed under clear headings highlighted in bold or capitals, such as WORK EXPERIENCE or EDUCATION. Put dates on the left-hand side and indent to make it easy for consultants and employers to find their way through your job history. CVs should follow a logical, easy-to-read set-up and be free from any spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.
Your CV is often your first contact with an agency or employer and the impression you make can have a dramatic effect on the screening process. Invest the time in your CV to create an excellent marketing tool in order to increase job opportunities and further your career.
IMPORTANT
- Make sure the format of your CV is well laid-out with clear headings and enough space to ensure that information is not overly cramped. Keep your CV to a manageable size and keep it simple so that the reader does not lose interest.
- Emphasize your most relevant experience and skills to encourage the consultant or employer to read on.
- List other skills that could raise you above the competition such as languages (be sure to also include level of fluency) and IT skills.
- Try not to leave any gaps in your employment record as employers may assume your were fired. You may wish to mention the reason for leaving – travel, study, etc.
- Be aware – some employers will check your references for accuracy.
- Keep it simple. Avoid decorative fonts and colours and try to abstain from listing all the training courses you have ever been on.
- Check thoroughly for errors in spelling or grammar.
Cover Letter Tips for Agencies:
The purpose of a cover letter is to present a brief overview of yourself to a recruitment agency. Present your personal information in an orderly format as your objective is to convince the agency that your skills could prove useful to their organization.
Below are some tips to aid you in preparing a concise cover letter.
Avoid letters longer than 1 page. Most cover letters contain the following information:
- A brief introduction including a description of your career objective.
- A short description of your education, skills and other relevant information.
- A motivation on why you would be the best candidate for the job that you are applying for.
- In closing, state your contact information. Make certain you include your email address if applicable. Feel free to list your salary indication and notice period as well although this information is not obligatory.
How to prepare for an interview:
Here are some useful tips for preparing for an interview. Some might be obvious; some might be different from the way you would prepare yourself in your own country.
If you go on an interview through Undutchables, you will get more information on this topic such as the frequently asked questions during an interview.
Good luck!
How to prepare for an interview:
Ø Know the exact name, place and time of the interview, interviewer’s full name and correct pronunciation and his/her title
Ø Research! Specific characteristics of the companies, products/services, growth and potential growth in the future
Ø Refresh your memory on the facts and figures of your present employer and former employers. You will be expected to know a lot about the company you previously worked for.
Ø Prepare the questions you will ask during the interview, the interview is about input and feedback from both you and the interviewer. You must determine trough questioning if the company indeed will give you the opportunity you seek.
Ø Arrive on time!
Do and don’ts during an interview:
Do’s
Ø Dress code - Formal Business Wear
(better to be overdressed)
Ø Be aware of your body language
According to communication experts:
- 10 % of our communication is saying
- 30 % is represented by our sounds
- 60 % is body language
Ø Look a prospective employer in the eye when you talk to him/her (Western culture)
Ø Relate your background and skills to the position
Don’ts
Ø Do not answer with a simple yes or no but also do not over answer questions
Ø Do not make negative remarks about your present or former employers
Ø Do not inquire about salary or other remuneration during your 1st interview
Ø Don’t be offended when asked about your private life (employers search for long term commitment)
Ø Do not lie, answer questions truthfully
SUMMARY:
Ø Preparation is essential to perform well in an interview
Ø Know yourself !
Ø Know the job
Ø Know the organisation (research)
Ø Know the questions
Ø Know the do’s and don'ts
Ø It is not so much what you say that counts, it is how you say it !
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