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Impress an employer with your CV

As an employer I am frequently astonished by the lack of thought and preparation that prospective employees put into their Curriculum Vitae and covering letter.

The following points may help any prospective employee secure a much sought after employment position.

Firstly, the CV itself: I would recommend that the CV should take up no more than one side of a sheet of A4 paper. Anymore and the prospective employer is likely to forget the points that might secure you that all important interview.

If you have previous experience, concentrate on this rather than on school results. School results become less significant as time passes. If you are an older person, the briefest reference to school exam results will be necessary.

If you have undertaken any evening or part-time classes, these are important even if not related to the employment being sought, as an employer will be looking for somebody who is willing to learn whatever their age.

Try to add in something that shows an abilty to work (or play) with other people as the ability to mix with your work colleagues is essential.

Secondly, the covering letter: This is overlooked by many prospective employees. In this modern age of word processors, it is all to easy to type the covering letter. I see this as a fundamental error. In my opinion a hand written letter could be the difference between getting or losing that all important job interview.

If your handwriting is not that good, then practice and write the letter slowly and carefully until the final draft is acceptable. Even if the prospective employer realises that the letter is well rehearsed, it does not matter, as this shows that you are prepared to put in every effort to make the best impression.

Happy job hunting

Article by Simon Hiscox