Galway Advertiser 2004/2004_08_26/GA_2608_E1_018.pdf 

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Galway Advertiser

August 26 2004

NEWS

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FASHION

BEAUTY

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H E A LT H

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LIFE

MARY O'CONNOR Creating a winning CV
When the clock goes off in the morning, do you groan inwardly and wish it were Saturday or any day other than a working one? If work has become a chore (or more of a chore than usual!) and you spend your days wishing your life away, then maybe it's time to think of moving on. Or perhaps you have just left school or college and are busy looking for your first job or have decided to return to the workplace after a long absence. It could be the best move you'll ever make. Work places a significant role in our lives so it helps if it is stimulating, rewarding and fun. Seeking a job involves selling yourself. This is no different from selling a product. It's all about attracting employers' attention, holding their interest and awakening their desire to buy. In this case, your myriad talents. The first step is making initial contact with prospective employers. This is usually by letter accompanied by a CV or a telephone call in reply to an advertisement or a cold enquiry if there are any vacancies in the company. Be professional in your approach from the start. Human resource managers say they are often shocked by the low standard of letters they get from job applicants. A misspelt badly laid out letter will do little to improve your chances in the job market. Keep job enquiry letters short and informative and make sure they are neatly typed to get you past the wastepaper basket. The first introduction prospective bosses will get to you is through your CV. When it arrives on their desk they will know nothing more about you than is contained in this. Therefore, it is essential that your CV makes a positive impression. You will benefit from compiling one whether you have many qualifications or none. Forget about false modesty when selling yourself. Jobs go to those who do not hide their lights under a bushel! Remember, you are an interesting and capable person and your CV is the vehicle to convey this. Good CVs should be short, clear and simple, ideally no longer than two pages. If you are a school-leaver, one should be fine. Weed out any unnecessary detail. A short CV will always impress. Assume from the start that prospective employer does not know what you did in your former jobs. What is obvious to you may not be to them. Make sure the information is easy to understand and do not ramble. If in doubt, leave something out. CVs should contain basic details such as your name, address, age, telephone number, educational achievements and interests. Begin by listing your educational qualifications in order of seniority ie a degree or diploma you got followed by your Leaving Certificate results.

Main duties
When relating your employment history, start with your current job and work back to your first employment. Be sure to include starting and finishing dates. List the job title in each case and specify the main duties for each job. Your interests help show you are a well-rounded person and do not live for work alone. Only include two or three, most people don't have time for any more. Don't be tempted to invent interests to fill a gap. Many include reading as a hobby but get caught out when asked about the last book they read. Imagine the indignity of having to confess it was Paddington Bear! By including an additional information section, you can list any skills that are relevant. If you are changing career, you can explain why this type of work appeals. If money is an issue close to your heart, be sure to work this into your CV. A simple statement, such as "current salary 30,000" will air this issue.

It is essential that your CV makes a positive impression.

First impressions count and sloppiness, including spelling errors, do not reflect well on job-hunters. Avoid having gaps in a CV or application form because these may be pursued by an interview panel. CVs which are tailored to suit particular vacancies are the most effective. If you have a computer, you'll be able to design your own. Then you can update or modify it as the need arises. When you have completed the first draft, read back over it carefully. Make sure you have not forgotten any relevant information or omitted any time periods. Check to ensure the sentences and paragraphs are short and to the point. Eliminate spelling mistakes, inaccuracies, repetition and

irrelevant details. A covering letter is your introduction to your CV so it must be interesting enough to be actually read. Use good quality white plain A4 paper with your name and address clearly at the top. This letter should encapsulate the contents of your CV and also show how your skills, qualifications and experience make you a suitable candidate. Some human resource departments prefer a handwritten covering letter believing it tells them more about the applicant. Many job advertisements ask jobseekers to apply for application forms. This ensures they will get all the information they need. Take these questions seriously and do not be tempted to make witty comments. Write out your answers roughly first to avoid mistakes. Additional information which cannot be accommodated on the form can be included on a separate sheet. If you want your CV to be a passport to a new or better job, follow it up with a telephone call later. If you do not hear from the company in a week or 10 days, be proactive, call them. Check if they received it and gently remind them you are available for interview.

Interview success
Interviews are where jobs are won or lost. They are a major step in your job quest and give you a golden opportunity to let an employer know how competent you are. Do some groundwork on the company beforehand. If you cannot

Many job advertisements ask job-seekers to apply for application forms.

unearth anything, ring their marketing department and ask for a copy of their annual report or some promotional material. Be sure you know what the position entails too so you will be able to show you have more than a sketchy knowledge. It may be a good idea to telephone to confirm the interview arrangements. This could be a good opportunity to make a favourable impression in advance. A day or two before the interview, re-read the job advert, your CV and the copy you kept of your application form to refresh your mind. Rehearse the answers you are going to give to questions about your past jobs, interests, ambitions, and why you want this position. What should you wear to an interview? Play safe and opt for a conservative look. Avoid heavy makeup or perfume and jangling jewellery. Opt for a leather folder or briefcase rather than a handbag - it will look more professional. Be prepared to explain why you left your last job or have been out of the workplace for so long. Most interviews are straight question and answer sessions. Be polite, honest (without shooting yourself in the foot!) and emphasise your good points. Don't be tempted to wash your dirty linen in public and expose your last employer as an ogre (even if he was one). Avoid asking about holidays, overtime or salary at the first interview unless the panel bring up the subject. You are trying to make a good impression and get called back for a second interview, so tread gently.