The CV Challenge- a word to the wise!

A well-constructed CV is really worth the effort for everyone’s sake. So for your own sake, give it some time.

As someone who helps companies build their management teams, I read quite a few CVs on a weekly basis. Getting the CV’s message right is important. It is an entry point to a new position/career opportunity. Get it wrong and it becomes a barrier. This is true at any level, but particularly so for those with more experience. A CV is a calling card. It is ‘The’ marketing tool that gets you that initial meeting/interview. It opens up a conversation that enables you to have a more in-depth discussion about you and your skills. A sloppily written CV does not give the impression that you want. A CV won‘t get you the job, but it can be a barrier to you getting the interview.

Now the last thing I want to do, is to add to the weight of wisdom on the internet about CV formatting and composition. A CV is a very personal thing and needs to reflect your character. However, from what I see, there is no real harm in repeating a few well-recited rules.

There are a huge range of formats out there, in the ethernet that will tell you what it should look like and how it should be laid out.  Therefore, there is no real justification for a poorly composed CV. The ‘What Color is Your Parachute’ books by Richard N. Bolles has great advice and examples, but there are plenty of others to choose from both in physical and cyber space.

However, for the more senior/experienced person, there are a few rules that should always be included in whatever layout or format that you choose to use.

You can download a complete print version of this article at the link below.

The CV Challenge – a word to the wise

Eugene Ivory is the founder and managing partners of PSD Partners, Dublin.