Writing a Winning CV

Foreword 

I am often asked ' What creates a really winning CV’? 

So here are my thoughts. 

Before I go into the CV itself ask yourself ' what does the reader want to know about me?' and' what do I need to do to that immediately captures the reader's attention and then holds their attention?' 

Your CV is likely to be one of hundreds or possibly thousands being processed by the recruiter so what can you do to make an immediate impact and then a lasting impact? The first step in your thought process is to put yourself in the reader's shoes. 

What will help you do this? Here is a structure to follow and then I will explain in some detail the different sections. 

1.  At the top in the middle of your CV enter your name and full contact details. This should be in bold.

2.  Section One: Personal Profile.

3.  Section Two: Summary of Achievements

4.  Section Three: Personal Strengths

5.  Section Four: Summary of your employment history.

6.  Section Five: Summary of academic achievements

7.  Section Six: Other relevant biographical details.

I will take each one in turn. 

Section One 

Head this 'Personal Profile' 

Here is an example: 

'I am a very experienced IT consultant and am currently a project manager with XYZ company/organisation. I have particular strengths in the areas of Agile Project Management, leading project teams in a matrix environment and managing internal projects with a budget of ï¿¡1million upwards. I am looking to offer these skills to a Consultancy Firm where I can take on a client facing role including client consulting, selling project solutions and growing long term profitable relationships with clients. 

The Consultancy Firm will be growing, will be extremely client focused, and dedicated to the use of today's consulting and project management best practices. It will also view the personal development of its employees as a very high priority.' 

This first section therefore tells the reader clearly:

·        Who you are

·        What you do

·        For whom

·        Size/dimensions of current job

·        Your planned next career move

·        The organisation which will be the best fit for you and why.

If you have done your research on the organisation you are applying to this personal profile should immediately make you attractive to them. Focus on what you can for them and not on what you want them to do for you! 

Section Two 

Summary of achievements. 

Here is an example:

·        Led project on Managing Major Accounts. Reduced project cost by 20% to make savings of ï¿¡100K.Project successfully completed on time and led to an increase in revenues of ï¿¡2m. from major accounts in the 12 months following completion.

·        Led project on internal process improvement incorporating Six Sigma Techniques to take out ï¿¡1.5m. costs from production process and increasing productivity by 15%. Product time to market reduced by 4 weeks.

·        Co-led international project on globalising product distribution chain using geographical Distribution Centres. Return on investment calculated to be a net ï¿¡300m.

·        Introduced online project management software for use on international projects to reduce project life cycle time by 35%. Resulted in annual cost savings of ï¿¡665K

Depending on your job, it is not always easy to put numeric metrics to achievements, but you must try.

Metrics can be related to cost savings, productivity improvements, increased revenues, profitability improvement, returns on investment etc. Whenever you can use measures specific to the type of job you have and the industry sector you are in.

Remember recruiters buy RESULTS not ACTIVITIES. Stress the former versus the latter!

Section Three 

Personal Strengths 

·        Results and Achievement driven.

·        Strategic Thinking 

·        Commercial Thinking 

·        Holistic Thinker

·        Project Leadership

·        Oral and Written Communication Skills

·        Customer Focused 

·        Stakeholder Influencing

·        Consultation Skills

·        People Motivation Skills 

Remember it's your strengths an employer is buying so do emphasise them. 

Section Four 

Summary of employment history  

Start with current job. Give dates, Job Title, Organisation and major responsibilities, whom you reported to and who reported to you 

Here is an example 

·        January 2015 to present, Senior Project Manager, XYZ Co., responsible for leading projects of ï¿¡1m budget upwards. Reported to Global Programme Manager. Led teams of up to 12 project members.

·        April 2011 to December 2014, Project Manager, ABC Co., responsible for process improvement projects, Reported to Factory Manager. Led teams of up to 8 project members qualified in Six Sigma Techniques.

·        Etc, ending with first job. 

Make sure you account for any employment gaps giving a valid reason for them. Recruiters are very wary when seeing employment gaps! Your jobs should be easy to relate to your achievements in Section Two. 

Section Five 

Academic Achievements 

Start with the most recent. 

Example:

Academic Qualifications:

·        2004 - 2007, University of Warwick, 2.1 Honours Degree in Computer Science and Business Studies

·        2002 - 2007, Ripon Grammar School, 3 grade A ' A ' Levels in Maths, Economics and English

Other Qualifications:

·        2009 Prince 2

·        2010 Six Sigma Black Belt.

·        2013 Agile Project Management Scrum Leader

Make sure you list meaningful attainments. It may be that you were a fully qualified software writer in your past but is this now relevant?

Biographical Details

Here is an example:

·        Born 8th June 1986 in Portsmouth

·        British

·        Father of two children

·        Clean Driving License

·        Extremely good health

·        Interests include cycling, swimming, running, cooking, theatre and travelling

References can be provided on request.

Remember that it is easier than ever before for organisations to find out a lot about you via the social media.

So, check out your Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram postings before completing this section! 

In Summary 

Here are a few final thoughts. 

1.   Do not be obsessed about the length of your CV. Two to three pages is fine if everything you say is relevant.

2.   Do not include a photo unless you think it will add value in the context of the job e.g. it depicts everything you say you are in your CV!

3.   Include a short covering letter stating:

·        The job you are applying for

·        Your reasons for applying for it (take from section One of your CV)

·        Outline of the CV you are enclosing

·        Offer of more information if needed.

·        Request for an interview.

Send it to named person wherever possible.

So those are my main pointers to writing a Winning CV. I hope they work for you!

Jeremy Francis

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