BUSINESS
The choices you make today could make all the difference tomorrow.
THE SECRET TO A SUCCESSFUL CV
Choose Kendrick Rose.
SHELLEY KENDRICK, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST AND HR CONSULTANCY, KENDRICK ROSE TELLS BLUE SKIES ABOUT HOW TO GEAR YOUR CV TOWARD PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER'S NEEDS.
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I review lots of CV’s (Curriculum Vitae) and it never ceases to amaze me that people struggle with compiling something coherent and impressive. People tend to pull out the same tired old version rather than tailoring it specifically towards the role for which they are applying. Your CV is about convincing the company you are the candidate they are looking for. Read the job posting carefully, determine what would make an exceptional candidate and use the following questions to organise your information: 1.
What are the most important qualifications the employer is looking for?
2.
What qualifications do you possess that will be most important to them?
3.
What highlights of your career-to-date should be emphasised?
4.
What makes you and your background stand out?
5.
What are your strongest areas of experience, knowledge, expertise and skills?
6.
What ’soft’ or ‘transferable’ skills or characteristics do you possess that make you a strong candidate? (Note things like: strategic planning, ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, etc.)
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What have been your greatest accomplishments?
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Can you quantify those results in specific terms, such as percentage growth or £££?
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What type of results are especially impressive in your field?
10. What have you produced in those areas? 11. What buzz words should be used on your CV that people in your field expect to hear? Your end goal is to convince the prospective employer that you are the best person to fulfill the qualities that are most important to them. Develop convincing statements that demonstrate that you are the person they are looking for. Your CV is an essential weapon in securing the perfect job of your dreams, but with busy HR departments and recruiting consultants often having only seconds to scan a CV, you will need to make an instant impression with it. It should be tailored to every job for which you apply. What you mention on your CV should be consistent and relevant to the role, and it should be clear where, how and to what extent you added value to high profile projects. Hiring managers want to see results. So for example, if you exceeded your target as a Relationship Manager, you should state that target in amount or percentage form, also demonstrating 64
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Meticulous selection SHELLEY KENDRICK
how you overachieved. Relevant educational certificates should also be highlighted, particularly those that the job description and selection criteria lists as essential or desirable. Your CV shouldn’t just specify the details. It should also quickly capture a hiring manager’s interest by looking, feeling and reading well. That means that your CV should be laid out clearly and consistently, with only one font type being used. Bullet points and bold type for headings also help to create clarity. Nor should there be any unexplained time lapses in your CV, or inconsistencies in terms of responsibilities held or achievements. Language should be relevant to your industry while not containing overwhelming jargon, and the formatting of your CV should enable it to be easily opened. The need to download software to access a CV is an immediate turnoff.
Kendrick Rose is an executive recruitment consultancy committed to resourcing excellence. Whether you are a client or candidate, Kendrick Rose meticulously focuses on matching an individual’s competency, goals and aspirations with an organisation’s culture and ethos. To find out more about how we can help you, contact Shelley Kendrick on 01534 715150 or 07797 744254 or email shelley.kendrick@kendrickrose.com
A focused CV, showing commitment and capability for your given field should give the recruiter good reasons to invite you for interview.
Lister House Chambers, 1st Floor, 35 The Parade, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 3QQ
Good luck!! www.kendrickrose.com
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