constructing a successful CV

There is no one 'right way' to construct the perfect C.V., what impresses one Employer may be instantly rejected by another. However, there are a few basic rules to help you convey the best impression.

firstly remember the 3 S's
• Keep it Smart - use good quality white paper with a plain type face
• Keep it Simple - don't over design your C.V. it just detracts from the important information
• Keep it Short - the shorter the better. A good C.V. should never be more than 3 pages

ground rules
• Always put your name, address and contact numbers at the top of the first page
• Information should be clear and concise. Bullet points help to put facts across clearly
• Set out each section by listing experience, qualifications, history etc chronologically i.e. in reverse order with the most recent event first
• Be careful not to blow your own trumpet too loudly
• Always explain gaps
• Leave your personal information and interests until last
• Include languages, training, voluntary work and professional memberships

how do I start?
The best way to go about this is to write out a list of headings and then fill in the gaps, as illustrated below.

sample CV
Edward John Dyer
Street
City
Post Code
Contact Nos

OBJECTIVE: Sales of Heavy Equipment

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Knowledge of heavy equipment,its use and maintenance.
• Ability to communicate with management and men in the field.
• Ability to favourably introduce change in the form of new equipment or new ideas...the ability to sell.

EXPERIENCE
• Maintained, shipped, budgeted and set allocation priorities for 85 pieces of heavy equipmenrt as head of a 500-man organisation. (dates-most recent job)

Men & Machinery
• Constructed twelve field operation support complexes, employing a 100 -man crew and 19 pieces of heavy equipment. (dates)
• Jack-hammer operator, heavy construction. (dates)

Management
• Planned, negotiated and executed large scale equipment purchases on a nation to nation level. (dates)

Sales
• Achieved field customer acceptance of two major new computer-based systems: -Equipment inventory control and repair parts expedite system (dates) -Decision makers' training system (dates)
• Proven leader.........repeatedly elected or appointed to senior posts

EDUCATION
• Naval War College (dates-chronological). Class President; graduated "with highest distinction"
• University of Maryland (dates). Chinese Language
• Middle Level Management Training Course (dates). Class standing: 1 of 97

PERSONAL
• Family: Sharon and our sons Jim (11), Andy (8) and Matt (5) desire to locate in a Mountain State by 1982, however, in the interim will consider a position elsewhere in or outside the United States.
• Health: Excellent Birthdate: 9.12.1937. Completed Military Service with rank of Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps.

SUMMARY
A seeker of challenge... experienced, proven and confident of closing the sales for profit.

REFEREES

Before your CV goes
• Spell check
• Ask someone to make sure it reads through smoothly
• Staple pages together
• Keep a record of: organisation, name, address, contact numbers and date sent.
• Attach a copy of your cover letter.

cover letter

Many Employers prefer a handwritten letter, showing the applicants ability to write well, neatly and spell correctly. But the same principals apply whether you are writing or e-mailing.

ground rules
• Use paper that matches your C.V.
• Make sure your name, address and contact numbers are included.
• Address the letter to the correct person at the right place.
• Keep your letter brief.
• Pick out key words and skills required in the ad and try to match them to your own competencies
• Check spelling
• Get a friend to read the letter to check that it makes sense.

what should I say?
Your letter should be divided up into 4 short paragraphs as described below:-
1. Explain why you are writing. If it's in response to an ad, refer to where you saw it and the position/reference.
2. Describe your job and qualifications. Don't go into too much detail, this is just a taster for the C.V.
3. Show that you have some understanding of the company, what they need and why you can give it to them.
4. Use this final paragraph to state what action you propose to take and when.

sample cover letter
Mr John Spencer ....................................your name address & contact nos

The Osteopathy Clinic
Street City
Post Code
Date

Dear Mr Spencer,

I am writing in response to your advertisement for a practise manager in the Chichester observer today.

Having trained as a nurse and currently holding the position of P.A. to Mr William Swain (Orthopeadic Surgeon at Southampton Ge neral Hospital), I was very excited to read of your position.

With such a busy practise, particularly having opened a new clinic in London, I believe that my expertise, efficiency and calm manner would be of great benefit.

I enclose a copy of my C.V. and will call you on Friday, to discuss ther possibility of coming to see you.

Yours sincerely,

the interview

be prepared
Before the interview there is work to be done. It is important to research the company fully, you need to know:
• What does the company do?
• How many employees are there?
• What is staff retention like?
• Where is the business carried out?
• Is the company financially stable?
• Who are the major competitors?
• Why are they recruiting now?
• Make sure you have done some research on the web
• Read the company brochure
• What is their reputation?
• Who are the key staff?

it's time
• Make sure you leave plenty of time to get there
• Plan your route
• Know who you are meeting
• Be friendly and open
• Take your time
• Prepare questions to ask
• Wear comfortable, smart clothes

questions
• What would my main responsibilities be?
• Will I be given training?
• Who would I answer to?
• Would I work as part of a team?
• What opportunities are there to progress within the company?
• Are there any plans for expansion?

At the end of the interview remember to thank everybody. You may even want to write a follow up letter.

2nd interview
You have obviously made a good impression and are being seriously considered for the job. In addition to ascertaining that you are right for the job, your ability to fit into the company will also be judged.

more questions
• How would you describe your company ethos?
• What am I expected to achieve in the first 6 months?
• How will this be measured?
• Who is responsible for carrying out my training?
• What would my starting salary be?
• What are the opportunities for promotion/pay increases?

Again, you may wish to carry out some follow up procedures

accepting an offer

Having verbally accepted a job offer, it is essential that you receive a letter of offer before you hand in your notice. You will then need to write a letter of acceptance.

Acceptance letter
• Head the letter with your name, address, contact numbers and date.
• Say how pleased you are to accept their offer.
• Confirm your start date, salary, hours, place of work
• End on a positive note

sample acceptance letter
Name, company name, address, .............................................Your name,address, contact nos

Date

Dear

Mr Smallbone,

Thank you for your letter dated .........offering me the position of senior consultant at Target PR.

Please find enclosed a signed copy of the contract of employment, as requested. I would be delighted to accept the position and look forward to starting on 1st November. I understand that my working hours will be 9-5.00, with a starting salary of .............

I very much look forward to joining your organisation and meeting the rest of the team.

Yours sincerely,