Curriculum Vitae / Resume
CV-Resume:definition
In what way is the Curriculum Vitae different from a Resume?
Different terminology is applied in different countries:
Resume is used exclusively in the USA.
CV is used in Europe, America, Asia and Africa.
Different content and objectives.
Resume: emphasizes information on the experience, abilities and studies relevant for the objectives that must be fulfilled in a certain position for which you are applying, or in which selection process you are taking part.
CV: is a compilation of all the academic data and experience of a person throughout their life (as vitae indicates the Latin term life), unrelated to the position you are applying for or in which selection process you are taking part. The structure usually is personal data, academic, experience, languages, computer science and other data, all in chronological order.
Type of company and position to which it should be directed.
Resume: Commercial positions, directors, media, audio-visual, creative...
CV: More appropriate for academic positions, scientists, doctors, research, technologies....
What do you want to do?
Resume: Do you want to work in the USA?
How to turn your CV into a good and effective Resume.
If you want to opt for a certain position and/or to make a change of profession in your career the first thing to do is to discard the idea that it is an account of your experience, preparation and achievements and that it is the same for all positions and/or companies. Your objective is to obtain an interview and to convince the interviewer that you are the perfect candidate for the position. "the presentation has to be taylor-made", is the fundamental characteristic of resumes: Write and reflect the experience, achievements and objectives for that position in particular, so that the person responsible for inviting you to the interview knows, in advance, that you satisfy the characteristics required to perform the functions inherent to the position. You can omit the academic / work experience that is not related or summarise in a phrase (in an interview there is always time to explain everything that one has done in life).
CV-Resume: resume tips
- One or two pages at the most
- White paper or very clear colour and good quality, without any décor.
- Typed form, avoid writing your resume by hand, except for a company that asks for it like that.
- Do not include the letter’s date in your resume
- You do not have to enclose supporting documents, unless they are asked for.
- Avoid sending photocopies of your resume
- Never include a resume cover.
- You have to transmit clarity and professionalism visually (white paper, short phrases, capital letters and with standard format, elegant and simple; emphasize certain information or sections in bold).
- Use action verbs in your resume
- Avoid using too many decorative resources like fitting, colours or very expanded paragraphs.
- Be honest in the content, positive and sell the best things about you when you write a resume
- Write well and have the spelling checked before sending your resume. Use different synonyms to avoid both repetitions and the image of limited lexicon richness and, therefore, little verbal fluidity. Do not use abbreviations, except when they are the recognised ones in our language (for example: Av. - avenue , St.- street...)
- Structure the resume based on what you consider to be your strong points for that position: abilities and achievements first, or experience in several similar positions. If a certain academic title is an essential requirement, you can write it before the experience). Do not forget that it is a "taylor made suit for the position you want to obtain", not a complete history of your life.
- Write in inverse chronological order the experience and achievements that you consider most relevant to the position you want to get
- Always stress how you have solved problems, your abilities, your contribution to the improvements obtained in your work and your company.
To avoid:
- Do not write a title (we already know that it’s a RESUME or CV)
- Do not speak of economic objectives in your resume.
- The reasons for change or not working you will explain at the interview. Do not write anything in the resume.
- Photograph: only if requested.
- Use general vocabulary, not technical, colloquial words or slang, which cannot be understood.
- References: not to be annexed to the resume . It is not a book where bibliography is added.
CV-Resume: content
OBJECTIVE SECTION
- Optional, but highly recommended.
• Include type of position or occupational field you wish to enter, skills, experience, and background you have to offer, and any special interests or areas of focus.
EDUCATION SECTION
• List institution name, post secondary degree(s) received and dates earned or expected
• Include major, minor, area of concentration, specialization, or certifications.
• List city & state when looking outside of state where employers may be unfamiliar with your college location.
• Don’t include institutions you attended, but didn’t receive a degree from, GPAs under 3.0, and years enrolled.
• This category may be a separate section or divided into subsections depending on the information presented.
• May include relevant courses and skills/knowledge learned, special projects, G.P.A. if over 3.0, honors, awards, scholarships, thesis, research projects, percent of college expenses earned, extracurricular activities.
EXPERIENCE SECTION
– Required.
• List paid and unpaid experiences, internships, co-ops, volunteer activities, fieldwork, student teaching, etc.
• Include position title, employer or setting, city, state, and dates. (Place in reverse chronological order).
• Emphasize responsibilities, accomplishments, and skills. Think - How? Why? Results?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTIONS
- Optional
• Title this category(s) according to type of information presented.
• May include professional/student associations and positions held, athletic participation, extracurricular activities, special skills (computer, languages, etc.), certifications, licensures, publications, military or community service experience, interests, etc.
REFERENCE SECTION
– Recommended.
• Provides closure to the resume, but not needed if space is an issue.
• Include the statement - References Available.
• Do not list your reference’s names and contact information on your resume. Include this information
• If you have a portfolio, you may indicate in this statement that it is also available. The following information is not included on a resume, however, you may need it when completing application forms:
• Name, location, and dates of attendance for each institution you attended.
• Complete street address, zip code, phone number, name of supervisor, and salary history for each employment and professionally related experience.
• Name, business title, business address and phone number for each reference. You should also be able to provide your relationship with each reference and the length of that relationship.
It is important to remember to thank your referee. If it is an ex-employer, they are likely to be very busy and so giving gratitude for doing this extra task is certain to be looked upon positively. If it is an old teacher who is writing you a reference, why not take advantage to show your thankfulness on a day such as Teacher Appreciation Day 2008? It’s a perfect time to show your thanks because you’ll be able to find many ideas in articles relevant to the cause. Showing your appreciation for your teacher needn’t be through a grand gesture however. It can be a simple note describing the job you hope to get and how it will be putting to use all what your teacher has taught you (which of course you are very thankful for!). Always be polite when asking for a reference and give plenty of warning – remember the people you are asking have their own business to go about too. On sending your request for a reference, you should remember to be both patient and considerate whilst bearing in mind the referee is doing you a favour!
CV-Resume: resume writing types
Each type of resume emphasizes different aspects of the studies or experience of the candidate. Depending of the experience the candidate has or not, there are different styles:
Without experience Resume
Objective of this resume: to show the capacity and the potential of the candidate. What they offer in particular that is different to other candidates. Normally, experience is very limited (less than two years) or none, since they are finishing their studies. Therefore it is necessary to concentrate in of abilities, knowledge, achievements obtained in studies, qualifications, acquired responsibilities, voluntary work, trips, languages....
Professional Resume
Professional resume is a style used for people who already have a minimum experience of 3-5 years and that are in intermediate positions at responsibility level. It concentrates on the obtained objectives, solution of problems, applied abilities, promotion and development of the career. Studies have less importance than the acquired experience.
Executive Resume
Executive Resume is used for people in high positions. It concentrates on the objectives obtained as a director of a department or company, solution of problems, leadership, development of projects, use of abilities and motivation of team. In summary, to emphasize the competencies that they have and that are applied.
CV-Resume: resume format
The candidate has different options of format to present/display the information on experience and studies: The most usual are:
Chronological resume
Habitually used resume format that does not always make the main target easier: TO OBTAIN AN INTERVIEW
The academic education (including masters and seminaries) and the experience appear in inverse chronological order, beginning by the present or last work and later the previous ones, and finishing with the studies:
Disadvantages of this format: it shows the periods of inactivity (months, years) and/or the very frequent changes of work. This often makes the candidate cover these spaces with irrelevant information for the position.
It emphasizes the person’s progression in work: promotion and increase of responsibilities are reflected, which has the disadvantage of showing if a person, although very effective in his or her work and satisfied with their role, has not ascended or taken more responsibilities.
When to use the chronological resume
If you have a good professional experience.
If you haven’t had periods without work.
If you have not changed jobs much.
If you are looking for work in the same type of sector.
If you have worked in an important company and you think that this represents "a good calling card”.
Advantages:
The format is traditional and accepted by most of the selection departments.
Easy to read and understand.
It shows your job stability.
It reflects your increase of responsibilities and/or promotion.
It emphasizes the type of position and the companies in which you have worked.
It describes your roles and achievements.
Disadvantages:
It emphasizes your change of company.
It may focus too much on your age.
It may show a lack of recycling or updating training.
It reflects the gaps in work activity.
Functional resume
The resume functional avoids the disadvantages of the chronological resume type and facilitates the exhibition of abilities and achievements obtained, although the dates in the work experience are not continuous, helping to disguise the periods of inactivity or successive similar jobs without promotion. The functional resume type is used when you want to highlight the professional career or enter a totally different activity in which the type of company and/or studies is not relevant but the abilities, capacities and type of work are.
You can use the functional resume:
If you want to emphasize your abilities over the duration of your work experience.
If you want to return to the job market after a period of inactivity.
If there are many periods of unemployment between each job.
If you have changed jobs quite often.
If you are looking for a job in a completely different sector.
If you think that your age can be a barrier ("very young, very old").
If you have worked as a freelance / self-employed.
If you have just graduated, without experience.
If you have had military experience or volunteered.
If you have been a businessman.
Advantages
It shows the person’s capacities and strengths.
It allows you to reflect the abilities and knowledge that are more relevant to the position you want to obtain.
It eliminates the role repetition in similar positions.
Flexibility to present /display your person and achievements obtained
Useful in new technologies, Internet, telecommunications, media, publicity....
You can speak of abilities, interests, motivations, that you do not always use in your work, but which may be useful.
Disadvantages:
It does not emphasize the names of the companies for which you have worked.
The period of time in each position is not important.
It limits the description of the position and its responsibilities.
Combined resume
Combined resume format mixes the previous formats (chronological resume and functional resume). The resume begins with the functional format resume and finishes with the chronological format resume. The combined resume format is more difficult to write and more complex but it has the advantage of emphasising the experience and abilities that the candidates have towards the new position they are applying for, as well as to reflect in a dynamic format their experience and training.
Advantages
It shows very clearly that you know what you want to do and that you have the capabilities necessary to carry out the position.
It includes the section "Goals Achieved".
It allows more flexibility and creativity in reflecting abilities.
It helps to obtain a particular position, something you can’t achieve by leaving your resume or CV in a database (?) (very usual at jobsites).
Disadvantages
You need a different summary for each job that you choose. It is time-consuming.
It eliminates information on your abilities and experience that you may prefer to exclude if you are applying for more than one position in the same company.
Personal data
- Essential: Full name, date of birth, address and telephone (landline and/or mobile) and email if you have.
- Not necessary nor compulsory: civil status, children, age, race, religious beliefs.
- ID or passport is not necessary, but it is certain that there are companies whose computerised database requires the introduction of and ID in order to store the rest of the data.
- Nationality and work permits: it depends on the place where you have chosen to work. If it is Spain and you are either a Spaniard or a European Union citizen, just state your nationality. Other nationals need to state if they have a residency or a work permit.
- Photograph: it is not necessary to send it, except at the request of the company making the selection.
CV-Resume: how to write a resume
The information you display in your resume must be clear, concise and logical. Make sure it contains no mistakes that can confuse the reader. People in charge of selection do not spend more than 10 seconds scanning your resume to see if they will read it or not, and about 30 seconds reading it to take a decision on inviting you or not to an interview. DO NOT FORGET THIS! For each position they may receive 300-400 applications.
Before writing up and sending your resume you must ask yourself a few questions. Write the answers and later there will be time to shape the resume
- What do I think the company and/or the selector are looking for?
- What abilities are required in somebody to develop and carry out the position?
- What achievements and functions in previous positions have I carried out that can help me to do well in my new job?
- Do I have the correct academic preparation? Have I updated my knowledge?
- Do I speak languages?
- Do I have other life experiences that have helped me to develop skills and capacities to solve problems? (for example travelling abroad alone, volunteering in some NGO, taking on responsibilities at university...)
- What type of position is ideal for me? Do I like to work alone or in a team? Am I creative or do I prefer to be directed in a project?
- What did I like about my previous position? What aspects or functions I would rather skip this time?
- For what reasons am I changing or looking for a new job? Always be honest in the answer. It is not necessary to lie, but neither is it necessary to give all the details or to speak ill of the company and ex-colleagues/bosses.
- Are there periods of inactivity in my professional history? How I can explain them positively? What have I learned and what abilities have I used, for example travelling, taking care of my children, looking for work for a long time...
Organize the answers in blocks, like this:
1. What is my objective? What level of responsibility am I looking for?
2. Summary of abilities, acquired skills and knowledge.
3. Experience.
4. Studies/training.
5. Use of computer programs/Internet.
6. Languages.
7. Points of interest that I want to emphasize: things I like, interests, voluntary work.
When you write the CV or resume you must present what you want to communicate with your resume: the information the resumet contains is relevant. It is only necessary to reflect your interests and hobbies if they are relevant to the position to which you are applying; for example, if you like to read, and the position is in mass media, or for example you like sports and you decide on a position in a sports company.
If you are a volunteer and help people but you choose a sales position, it is possible that the selector might think that you are not going to meet the hard and competitive nature of a commercial position, where people often come second after sales and targets.
Resume help: do not forget...
- Your resume or CV is useful for your future, not for your past!!
- You are not confessing, "you do not have to say/write everything ". It emphasizes what is relevant and what is worth remembering.
- Do not write a list of positions carried out and their description. Write achievements and goals obtained!
- Reflect those abilities you best know how to apply and that you enjoy in work. Do not write things that you do not want to repeat.
- Always be honest (I don’t get tired of repeating this advice). It is possible to be creative, but not to lie.
In what way is the Curriculum Vitae different from a Resume?
Different terminology is applied in different countries:
Resume is used exclusively in the USA.
CV is used in Europe, America, Asia and Africa.
Different content and objectives.
Resume: emphasizes information on the experience, abilities and studies relevant for the objectives that must be fulfilled in a certain position for which you are applying, or in which selection process you are taking part.
CV: is a compilation of all the academic data and experience of a person throughout their life (as vitae indicates the Latin term life), unrelated to the position you are applying for or in which selection process you are taking part. The structure usually is personal data, academic, experience, languages, computer science and other data, all in chronological order.
Type of company and position to which it should be directed.
Resume: Commercial positions, directors, media, audio-visual, creative...
CV: More appropriate for academic positions, scientists, doctors, research, technologies....
What do you want to do?
Resume: Do you want to work in the USA?
How to turn your CV into a good and effective Resume.
If you want to opt for a certain position and/or to make a change of profession in your career the first thing to do is to discard the idea that it is an account of your experience, preparation and achievements and that it is the same for all positions and/or companies. Your objective is to obtain an interview and to convince the interviewer that you are the perfect candidate for the position. "the presentation has to be taylor-made", is the fundamental characteristic of resumes: Write and reflect the experience, achievements and objectives for that position in particular, so that the person responsible for inviting you to the interview knows, in advance, that you satisfy the characteristics required to perform the functions inherent to the position. You can omit the academic / work experience that is not related or summarise in a phrase (in an interview there is always time to explain everything that one has done in life).
CV-Resume: resume tips
- One or two pages at the most
- White paper or very clear colour and good quality, without any décor.
- Typed form, avoid writing your resume by hand, except for a company that asks for it like that.
- Do not include the letter’s date in your resume
- You do not have to enclose supporting documents, unless they are asked for.
- Avoid sending photocopies of your resume
- Never include a resume cover.
- You have to transmit clarity and professionalism visually (white paper, short phrases, capital letters and with standard format, elegant and simple; emphasize certain information or sections in bold).
- Use action verbs in your resume
- Avoid using too many decorative resources like fitting, colours or very expanded paragraphs.
- Be honest in the content, positive and sell the best things about you when you write a resume
- Write well and have the spelling checked before sending your resume. Use different synonyms to avoid both repetitions and the image of limited lexicon richness and, therefore, little verbal fluidity. Do not use abbreviations, except when they are the recognised ones in our language (for example: Av. - avenue , St.- street...)
- Structure the resume based on what you consider to be your strong points for that position: abilities and achievements first, or experience in several similar positions. If a certain academic title is an essential requirement, you can write it before the experience). Do not forget that it is a "taylor made suit for the position you want to obtain", not a complete history of your life.
- Write in inverse chronological order the experience and achievements that you consider most relevant to the position you want to get
- Always stress how you have solved problems, your abilities, your contribution to the improvements obtained in your work and your company.
To avoid:
- Do not write a title (we already know that it’s a RESUME or CV)
- Do not speak of economic objectives in your resume.
- The reasons for change or not working you will explain at the interview. Do not write anything in the resume.
- Photograph: only if requested.
- Use general vocabulary, not technical, colloquial words or slang, which cannot be understood.
- References: not to be annexed to the resume . It is not a book where bibliography is added.
CV-Resume: content
OBJECTIVE SECTION
- Optional, but highly recommended.
• Include type of position or occupational field you wish to enter, skills, experience, and background you have to offer, and any special interests or areas of focus.
EDUCATION SECTION
• List institution name, post secondary degree(s) received and dates earned or expected
• Include major, minor, area of concentration, specialization, or certifications.
• List city & state when looking outside of state where employers may be unfamiliar with your college location.
• Don’t include institutions you attended, but didn’t receive a degree from, GPAs under 3.0, and years enrolled.
• This category may be a separate section or divided into subsections depending on the information presented.
• May include relevant courses and skills/knowledge learned, special projects, G.P.A. if over 3.0, honors, awards, scholarships, thesis, research projects, percent of college expenses earned, extracurricular activities.
EXPERIENCE SECTION
– Required.
• List paid and unpaid experiences, internships, co-ops, volunteer activities, fieldwork, student teaching, etc.
• Include position title, employer or setting, city, state, and dates. (Place in reverse chronological order).
• Emphasize responsibilities, accomplishments, and skills. Think - How? Why? Results?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTIONS
- Optional
• Title this category(s) according to type of information presented.
• May include professional/student associations and positions held, athletic participation, extracurricular activities, special skills (computer, languages, etc.), certifications, licensures, publications, military or community service experience, interests, etc.
REFERENCE SECTION
– Recommended.
• Provides closure to the resume, but not needed if space is an issue.
• Include the statement - References Available.
• Do not list your reference’s names and contact information on your resume. Include this information
• If you have a portfolio, you may indicate in this statement that it is also available. The following information is not included on a resume, however, you may need it when completing application forms:
• Name, location, and dates of attendance for each institution you attended.
• Complete street address, zip code, phone number, name of supervisor, and salary history for each employment and professionally related experience.
• Name, business title, business address and phone number for each reference. You should also be able to provide your relationship with each reference and the length of that relationship.
It is important to remember to thank your referee. If it is an ex-employer, they are likely to be very busy and so giving gratitude for doing this extra task is certain to be looked upon positively. If it is an old teacher who is writing you a reference, why not take advantage to show your thankfulness on a day such as Teacher Appreciation Day 2008? It’s a perfect time to show your thanks because you’ll be able to find many ideas in articles relevant to the cause. Showing your appreciation for your teacher needn’t be through a grand gesture however. It can be a simple note describing the job you hope to get and how it will be putting to use all what your teacher has taught you (which of course you are very thankful for!). Always be polite when asking for a reference and give plenty of warning – remember the people you are asking have their own business to go about too. On sending your request for a reference, you should remember to be both patient and considerate whilst bearing in mind the referee is doing you a favour!
CV-Resume: resume writing types
Each type of resume emphasizes different aspects of the studies or experience of the candidate. Depending of the experience the candidate has or not, there are different styles:
Without experience Resume
Objective of this resume: to show the capacity and the potential of the candidate. What they offer in particular that is different to other candidates. Normally, experience is very limited (less than two years) or none, since they are finishing their studies. Therefore it is necessary to concentrate in of abilities, knowledge, achievements obtained in studies, qualifications, acquired responsibilities, voluntary work, trips, languages....
Professional Resume
Professional resume is a style used for people who already have a minimum experience of 3-5 years and that are in intermediate positions at responsibility level. It concentrates on the obtained objectives, solution of problems, applied abilities, promotion and development of the career. Studies have less importance than the acquired experience.
Executive Resume
Executive Resume is used for people in high positions. It concentrates on the objectives obtained as a director of a department or company, solution of problems, leadership, development of projects, use of abilities and motivation of team. In summary, to emphasize the competencies that they have and that are applied.
CV-Resume: resume format
The candidate has different options of format to present/display the information on experience and studies: The most usual are:
Chronological resume
Habitually used resume format that does not always make the main target easier: TO OBTAIN AN INTERVIEW
The academic education (including masters and seminaries) and the experience appear in inverse chronological order, beginning by the present or last work and later the previous ones, and finishing with the studies:
Disadvantages of this format: it shows the periods of inactivity (months, years) and/or the very frequent changes of work. This often makes the candidate cover these spaces with irrelevant information for the position.
It emphasizes the person’s progression in work: promotion and increase of responsibilities are reflected, which has the disadvantage of showing if a person, although very effective in his or her work and satisfied with their role, has not ascended or taken more responsibilities.
When to use the chronological resume
If you have a good professional experience.
If you haven’t had periods without work.
If you have not changed jobs much.
If you are looking for work in the same type of sector.
If you have worked in an important company and you think that this represents "a good calling card”.
Advantages:
The format is traditional and accepted by most of the selection departments.
Easy to read and understand.
It shows your job stability.
It reflects your increase of responsibilities and/or promotion.
It emphasizes the type of position and the companies in which you have worked.
It describes your roles and achievements.
Disadvantages:
It emphasizes your change of company.
It may focus too much on your age.
It may show a lack of recycling or updating training.
It reflects the gaps in work activity.
Functional resume
The resume functional avoids the disadvantages of the chronological resume type and facilitates the exhibition of abilities and achievements obtained, although the dates in the work experience are not continuous, helping to disguise the periods of inactivity or successive similar jobs without promotion. The functional resume type is used when you want to highlight the professional career or enter a totally different activity in which the type of company and/or studies is not relevant but the abilities, capacities and type of work are.
You can use the functional resume:
If you want to emphasize your abilities over the duration of your work experience.
If you want to return to the job market after a period of inactivity.
If there are many periods of unemployment between each job.
If you have changed jobs quite often.
If you are looking for a job in a completely different sector.
If you think that your age can be a barrier ("very young, very old").
If you have worked as a freelance / self-employed.
If you have just graduated, without experience.
If you have had military experience or volunteered.
If you have been a businessman.
Advantages
It shows the person’s capacities and strengths.
It allows you to reflect the abilities and knowledge that are more relevant to the position you want to obtain.
It eliminates the role repetition in similar positions.
Flexibility to present /display your person and achievements obtained
Useful in new technologies, Internet, telecommunications, media, publicity....
You can speak of abilities, interests, motivations, that you do not always use in your work, but which may be useful.
Disadvantages:
It does not emphasize the names of the companies for which you have worked.
The period of time in each position is not important.
It limits the description of the position and its responsibilities.
Combined resume
Combined resume format mixes the previous formats (chronological resume and functional resume). The resume begins with the functional format resume and finishes with the chronological format resume. The combined resume format is more difficult to write and more complex but it has the advantage of emphasising the experience and abilities that the candidates have towards the new position they are applying for, as well as to reflect in a dynamic format their experience and training.
Advantages
It shows very clearly that you know what you want to do and that you have the capabilities necessary to carry out the position.
It includes the section "Goals Achieved".
It allows more flexibility and creativity in reflecting abilities.
It helps to obtain a particular position, something you can’t achieve by leaving your resume or CV in a database (?) (very usual at jobsites).
Disadvantages
You need a different summary for each job that you choose. It is time-consuming.
It eliminates information on your abilities and experience that you may prefer to exclude if you are applying for more than one position in the same company.
Personal data
- Essential: Full name, date of birth, address and telephone (landline and/or mobile) and email if you have.
- Not necessary nor compulsory: civil status, children, age, race, religious beliefs.
- ID or passport is not necessary, but it is certain that there are companies whose computerised database requires the introduction of and ID in order to store the rest of the data.
- Nationality and work permits: it depends on the place where you have chosen to work. If it is Spain and you are either a Spaniard or a European Union citizen, just state your nationality. Other nationals need to state if they have a residency or a work permit.
- Photograph: it is not necessary to send it, except at the request of the company making the selection.
CV-Resume: how to write a resume
The information you display in your resume must be clear, concise and logical. Make sure it contains no mistakes that can confuse the reader. People in charge of selection do not spend more than 10 seconds scanning your resume to see if they will read it or not, and about 30 seconds reading it to take a decision on inviting you or not to an interview. DO NOT FORGET THIS! For each position they may receive 300-400 applications.
Before writing up and sending your resume you must ask yourself a few questions. Write the answers and later there will be time to shape the resume
- What do I think the company and/or the selector are looking for?
- What abilities are required in somebody to develop and carry out the position?
- What achievements and functions in previous positions have I carried out that can help me to do well in my new job?
- Do I have the correct academic preparation? Have I updated my knowledge?
- Do I speak languages?
- Do I have other life experiences that have helped me to develop skills and capacities to solve problems? (for example travelling abroad alone, volunteering in some NGO, taking on responsibilities at university...)
- What type of position is ideal for me? Do I like to work alone or in a team? Am I creative or do I prefer to be directed in a project?
- What did I like about my previous position? What aspects or functions I would rather skip this time?
- For what reasons am I changing or looking for a new job? Always be honest in the answer. It is not necessary to lie, but neither is it necessary to give all the details or to speak ill of the company and ex-colleagues/bosses.
- Are there periods of inactivity in my professional history? How I can explain them positively? What have I learned and what abilities have I used, for example travelling, taking care of my children, looking for work for a long time...
Organize the answers in blocks, like this:
1. What is my objective? What level of responsibility am I looking for?
2. Summary of abilities, acquired skills and knowledge.
3. Experience.
4. Studies/training.
5. Use of computer programs/Internet.
6. Languages.
7. Points of interest that I want to emphasize: things I like, interests, voluntary work.
When you write the CV or resume you must present what you want to communicate with your resume: the information the resumet contains is relevant. It is only necessary to reflect your interests and hobbies if they are relevant to the position to which you are applying; for example, if you like to read, and the position is in mass media, or for example you like sports and you decide on a position in a sports company.
If you are a volunteer and help people but you choose a sales position, it is possible that the selector might think that you are not going to meet the hard and competitive nature of a commercial position, where people often come second after sales and targets.
Resume help: do not forget...
- Your resume or CV is useful for your future, not for your past!!
- You are not confessing, "you do not have to say/write everything ". It emphasizes what is relevant and what is worth remembering.
- Do not write a list of positions carried out and their description. Write achievements and goals obtained!
- Reflect those abilities you best know how to apply and that you enjoy in work. Do not write things that you do not want to repeat.
- Always be honest (I don’t get tired of repeating this advice). It is possible to be creative, but not to lie.
MOHD ADHA MOHD ZAIN (ADHA ZAIN)
Blogger Informasi
