Writing an Effective Curriculum Vitae is to get an interview call but it also at the same time creates an opportunity to set many other things. A good CV should Create First Impression (in some cases 80% selection procedure is over), A base for Personal Interview, Tells a prospective employer about your requirements, should reflect your true character so that you do not suffer afterwards.
Requirements for different posts and organization will vary drastically. So, it is necessary to write a CV based on the requirements and nature of the organizations so that expectations of a prospective employer are fulfilled. An effective CV should have following information so that it passes through the first scrutiny.
CV should address the entire requirement asked by the employer for that particular post.
Very clearly mention about your past experience in different organization (if any) related to that post. This should be in chronological manner with the name of the organization and period.
In addition, one should not hesitate to inform about related experiences. Additional information always helps management for future planning. Many a time ads are given for a post and internally alternate arrangements are also made ready. In such case, your additional qualities may help you to get a job for some other function in the same organization. Additional qualities are very important in today’s scenario because everybody is in search for multi-trade skills for certain areas. For example, a Mechanical Engineer with exposure in Electrical or Instrumentation or any other branch of engineering is always a better alternative.
Present responsibility should be in detail with an organization structure.
It is important to mention about the name of the important professional training received at different stages in career like training at Staff Collage in Hydrabad or in-house training programs.
Extra curricular activities – In a professionally managed company this has some importance. I always prefer a sportsperson. It is better to mention the name of the clubs like Rotary or Lion if you are associated.
Association with Professional Bodies / institutions. In some cases, this is of great importance especially for senior and R&D positions.
Career Highlights – It is a very important page. Significant contributions should be mentioned in brief.
Very few have the courage to write about Failures. However, if it is well explained, one scores huge point. Most of the senior professionals appreciate it and like to have such people in the team.
- Remunerations – Well, we all work for this other than position, personal satisfaction, and social status. Be very clear about What and How you want. Otherwise your time is wasted if your requirements are not in line with that of the employer package.
The look
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Look does not have any technical importance nevertheless decent appearance add value to your CV. Many readymade formats are available but it is better to have your own format that distinguishes you from others. I always prefer to have Verdana as font, size 10 or 11. Font colour is always black and paragraph spacing (before) 6 pt. I prefer to have following sequence.
CV should start with name and secured address and contact numbers.
Education
Experience that may be considered for selection. Do not forget to mention the name of the projects you have carried out in your carrier. Similarly one should also mentioned about the published papers, if any, mostly in case of R&D / Technical people.
Present Responsibility and Organization structure. Organization structure may be omitted if you want to spend some time on this during interview. It is more important to know organization structure of prospective employer.
Your requirements – Better to write what you get and what is our expectation. It is more important when someone is not ready to compromise on this aspect. In case of fresh candidates there may be very little choice in today’s scenario.
Member of Professional bodies / institutes
Professional Trainings
Extra curricular activities
Career Highlights as I have mentioned earlier. ‘Sun’s rays do not burn until brought to focus’
References – At least two useful references
Length
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A CV should not be to long but at the same time should be able to highlight positive features of yours. Normally three A4 pages are enough and we should not write unrelated matters.
A CV is never complete without a short and sweet covering letter. In that letter it is important to write about the motive for applying for the post. What motivates you to apply for this particular post or why you are searching a new opening elsewhere? Some guys, who have never changed job, are very much interested to know about it. Use good quality papers if not sent by Email.
I think I have written enough and time is to ask for suggestions. Some of your suggestions may be useful to update my CV. Probability of writing a CV for me seems to be very less. But, who knows when The Cheese will start moving away? So it is better to prepared and alert.
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Someone said – A Resume is a Balance Sheet Without Liabilities
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Friends, have a nice time. All of us deserve some enjoyment. Keep aside all tension and enjoy weekend the way you can afford it.