Over the next four weeks, we will be looking at the four stages of getting that dream job.
Each stage will provide you with a clear direction of the actions that you need to take and things to consider.
Stage 2:
CV: A document everyone can write supposedly and yet it is one of the most difficult one to write.
- It has to be about you
- It has to secure you an interview (not the job) Your interview will do that
i) Forget the trends:
- Photo
- Hiding your academic record at the end
Be personal and professional, explain what you can do (neither exaggerate nor be shy)
Dates – You need months
Gaps – Put them in, explain in professional terms, not to attract compassion! Sorry; We have to remain professional. (No looking after relatives who has sadly passed away. Long term illness . Long period of unemployment.)
Write – Career break and then explain in person – matter of fact, no sentiment and show you have moved on and are stronger for it!
Resume – A good paragraph. Really important it must reflect you, your strengths, your reasons for your career to date and what you are looking for now
Academia and Training – On the first page – include inhouse training. Then computer systems and applications
Roles: Current or last first!
Type and size of company – company name, type of company, positions and salary
1st Paragraph – To whom you report, if you look after staff
Bullet point responsibilities and explore E.g.: Cashbook reconciliations
- How much
- Which currencies
- How often
- Month end close?
E.g.: Supervising Staff
- How many
- Training?
- Appraisals?
- Mentoring
- Career development
Then name 2 – 3 achievements: How you achieved theses targets. Factual and measurable – not boasting
Once you have a brilliant CV, you can tailor it to specific roles – ensuring what is required in a role is detailed in your CV.
Good luck.
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