Job hunting? It is important to approach it the effective way. A good CV can open the door for you in a structured work environment. The length of a CV is dependent on the detail of information that you provide and the level of details differentiates a CV from a Resumé . While a CV is a detailed writing about yourself with the aim of getting a job, a resumé is a summary, usually a page about yourself. These days, there is hardly a difference between both, because modern CVs are preferred very short, not more than two pages; however, the focus should be more on highlighting your selling points to secure an interview slot. If a recruiter needs more information about you, he or she will ask you. So, be critical and selective of what information to add to your CV. Of course, add what will make you irresistible to a recruiter.
In essence, you can market yourself using your CV as the tool. Let your CV speak for you when you are not there to do the talking. To attract a recruiter, your CV should be well written to capture your: educational background, skills, abilities; professional history and achievements per period; trainings or continuous education over the years; hobbies; basic bio-data and referees (which could be noted to be available on request).
In James Heifetz, a CV expert’s words, “your CV is your marketing document”. Therefore, be intentional about marketing yourself right the next time you are writing your CV. For the structure and design of a CV, there are many good and modern CV templates available on the internet. Microsoft Word also has some very good templates that you can adapt to suit your purpose.
Importantly, save your CV with your full name for easy reference. More importantly, edit, edit, edit and edit your CV to avoid grammatical and mechanical errors. A CV is not a document you write in haste, neither is it a document that should be sent out without editing to ascertain suitability, each time.