LinkedIn was launched in 2003 and has since grown to become the ‘World’s Largest Professional Network’, so it could be time to start using the platform to propel your own career.
As a social network, it acts similar to Facebook with your profile, engaging in groups, connecting with other professionals and joining discussions. But, many professionals neglect their profile and miss the opportunities that it can bring, especially now.
Are you sitting at your computer, ready to write or update your CV but are unsure what to include or how it should look? A CV is a marketing tool, promoting YOU and your ACHIEVEMENTS. It should accurately highlight your professional background, without overloading the reader. This can often be a difficult task, so we have put together some Dos and Don’ts to help add VALUE to your CV.
Remember that your CV is something that you should be confident in talking about in an interview. It is important that the information you share is accurate.
Are you preparing for an upcoming interview and find it difficult to express your experiences in a story format? The most effective way to answer questions that ask – ‘Tell me about a time when…’, ‘Demonstrate your skill in…’ or ‘Have you ever…’ – is to use the STAR Technique:
You’ve been asked to an interview and you start to panic. ‘I need to prepare!’ you say to yourself as you scan through your CV, hoping that you can find examples that put you in the best light. You look in your wardrobe to find a suitable outfit, write notes to help you remember your answers. What’s next?
Interviews can be stressful for some people and there are a few things that you can do to help calm your nerves, while also impressing your prospective employer:
We are pleased to announce the re-launch of our Proofreading, Editing and Formatting service.
This is aimed primarily toward those who are:
CVs don’t need to be bland and boring. Choosing a font different to the default setting can change the visual appeal and layout of the entire document. Some fonts are warm, some are sophisticated. Expressing yourself on the page through words and snazzy font styles.
While you may choose a font style that appeals to you, some may impact the margins, spacing and content layout, as they all have different properties. To help you in your choice, we’ve put together some fonts that we use in the CV writing process:
A major part of writing your CV is the overall design. To make an impact, it has to be consistent, not necessarily filled with graphical elements. You can add some colour, change the font, add company logos or little graphics in your personal details.
But, what is the best CV format? Here are 5 tips:
As your interview approaches, depending on your experience, you may start to feel anxious or unsure of your ability to do the job you recently applied for. To help you get started, we’ve put together 4 Interview Tips to lower those stress levels:
Remember that you have been asked to an interview based on the information present in your CV. Learn important employment dates, companies and job titles as well as your educational background. The most common question to break the ice is ‘Tell me about yourself’ or ‘Bring me through your CV’, so always prepare a 2 – 5 minute summary.
Read More »Fail to Prepare… Prepare to Fail
If you’ve come this far, you’re nearly there! By now you would have revised your Profile, refined your Skills, uplifted your Experience and updated your Education. But, what else can you include?
Never underestimate the power of giving back to your community, organisation or university on a voluntary basis. There are skills learned that you can transfer to any work environment, while also highlighting some passion projects or interests you may have away from your professional life. This will add significant value and credibility to YOU, as a person.
Read More »Add Some Creativity with Additional Sections (CV Writing Guide)
What is a CV without your experience? This is your chance to SHOW readers your accomplishments, contributions, skills and achievements. This can be a very difficult section to get right, so we have put together some pointers to help you:
Your CV is a marketing tool, so it is important to include what YOU feel will add value to you with your next career move. This can include new skills gained, relevant experience and major milestones achieved. Anything quantifiable can be included too as this adds more credibility behind your abilities as a professional.
Read More »Tell a Story with your Experience (CV Writing Guide)