The winning CV..A simple guide to avoid the "NO" bin

CV's. One of the few things that hasn't evolved much in the last 50 years...In terms of it's purpose; to represent you in a way that simply prompts the same set of responses since the first one was written. Your'e a YES or a NO. 

I read approximately 40-50 cv's a week and I've done so for nearly 20 years now. In that time I've met some wonderfully talented people but unfortunately a high proportion still fall into the trap of writing CV's like an episode of "This Is Your Life".... The 40 Yrs+ amongst us might remember the "Big Red Book" and the theme tune. For those that don't, sorry...you missed out. 

A CV format and style that's effective is as contentiously talked about by career guru's as the top nutritionists debate dieting. So here are my personal suggestions to help you create an engaging CV document that will help you avoid the NO BIN.

- NEVER EVER head your CV with "CURRICULUM VITAE" - The most eye catching feature at the top of the page should be your name. If you're applying for a role the receiver will gather its a CV and not your shopping list !
- Write a brief introductory profile which engages the reader - Anything more than 10 lines is over-kill. Focus on your best skills or experience and especially any that you feel is important to the role applied for. 
- A CV should never be longer than 4 pages of A4 paper, regardless of how many jobs you've had or how long you've been working. 
- Do not fall into the trap of telling employers what you do day to day - tell them what you achieved I.E.. achieved goals, meeting successful dead lines, hitting objectives, targets. If you write in the style of stating all your responsibilities day to day, chances are you're one of those applicants with a 9 page CV  that never gets read ! 
- Don't use less than size 10 font type. Reading a CV should be made as simple as possible for the reader. Use a straight forward font like Arial, Caliber or Times New Roman. 
- Provide all of the various contact details you may have - Land-line, Mobile, Email & your business networking sites if you have them
- Don't portray yourself as a Jack Of All Trades... the people who make the effort to hi-light the skills they have in a bespoke CV to their application will always get the best results. 
- Write a CV that your confident you can answer questions on at interview. Remember that employers use the document as an interview aid so you have to be happy with the content (If you quote achievements that involve times, dates, or numbers ensure you have them known off by heart. 
- Do not leave periods of time out of work off your CV - you will be asked what you were doing during this period in the interview so it's best to show a continual time line. Hiring Managers don't like the unknown so fill it in !

- Photo's on CV. This is an interesting one. My advice is to include one if you feel within the industry or job role  you're applying for its advantageous to include one. The 2nd question is, if the answer is Yes, does my photo help or hinder my chances of getting invited to interview (Be honest with yourself)

- Start every different company you've worked for with a brief description of what their business does and any recognition they may have. Not everyone will know your employers especially if applying outside of your previous industry. 
- IT's not advisable to put your referees on your CV. If you're making multiple applications and companies decide to make contact because you've provided this information the referee could very quickly produce a decreasingly glowing report if they're in-undated. 
- Be interesting - If you have any hobbies or interests feel free to describe them at the end of the CV. Anything that makes the reader see a person beyond the page is a good thing. 

Finally - If its possible to find out which person the CV is going to give them a call (if not through an recruitment agency) introduce yourself and express you wanted to make contact with the purpose of expressing your interest in the opportunity and to expect your CV application. It's possible your efforts will be admired and this could turn into a discussion and an arranged interview during the call !!!. 
Finally, my view is that it's not advisable to open your introductory profile with how many years experience you have. There are no merit marks for being on the planet longer than the next applicant and it could get you put in the no bin straight away if you're seen as over qualified, under qualified or... lets face it (too young or too old). 

In summary, share how you have added value to the employers you've worked for (Engage them). When you read you're CV ask yourself "Does this document paint a picture that represents "WHO" I am ? or does it stay in the realm of just "What I do" ... Be original ... Be ...YOU. 

If you would like some free advice on CV formatting/content I can be reached at [email protected] - My speciality is CXO level and commercially focused roles. 

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