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:
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:
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)
How you represent this section on your CV has evolved. If you are an experienced professional, you may place this section at the end of the CV; but, if you are upskilling or looking to branch into a new industry, place it on the first page ABOVE your experience.
If you have completed third level education within the last 2 years, bring forward this academic experience by emphasising modules or projects completed. SHOW that you have the knowledge to make you stand out.Read More »Highlight Your Education, Qualifications and Training (CV Writing Guide)
CVs are constantly changing and so should your skills. As you gain more experience, you learn more about yourself or about your professional ability. To make sure that your CV stands out, include keywords that will add some pizzazz and SHOW the value you can bring.
Every CV should always have your Profile and Skills at the top of the first page. Why? Well, both work hand-in-hand with one another as you’re emphasising your strengths, competencies and abilities in a short, but concise, section.
The tricky part is to make sure you have a mix of Soft and Hard skills as you also want to bring forward your personality throughout the CV.
Read More »Dust off the Cobwebs and Brush up your Skills (CV Writing Guide)