RECRUITMENT TOOLS: CV WRITING GUIDE

Your Prospective Employer Will Ask Four Questions of Your CV... Make Sure You Have the Answers!
Answering the following four questions in a fully persuasive way will greatly increase your odds of developing a winning CV. The questions are crucial elements of the CV formula. Answering them will not only give you the material you need for building a strong CV, but will also prepare you for networking and interviewing.

Question One - OBJECTIVE (i.e. What do you want?)
That's your objective section. Don't struggle or agonise over this. Prospective employers want and need a simple, specific answer. Managers and human resources people need to know how to route your CV. If your objective is too vague, they'll just scrap it. Change your objective for different markets if you have to.

Question Two - QUALIFICATIONS (i.e. Why are you qualified to do it?)
That's the summary or 'qualified by' section. Answer succinctly why you're qualified to accomplish your objective. Ask yourself: why should they hire me? (you'll need to get ready for that one at the interview anyway!) Summarise the answer in easy-to-read bullet points. These points become your summary or 'qualified by' section (call it either).

Question Three - EXPERIENCES (i.e. Where have you done it?)
That's the experience section. Your prospective employers/recruitment agent needs to relate to the experience you've had. Identify the company in its most relevant light. If it's not a recognisable company, write a line about its high points. Build it up.

On the CV, the reader (Recruitment Consultant or HR manager) will often equate your value with that of your prospective employer. Describe only the parts of your job that help sell you and showcase your value.

Question Four - ACHIEVEMENTS (i.e.How well have you done it?)
That's the achievement section. This is where you should put in your most thought and effort. Think about what you did for each employer to make that company better. It could be a big thing or something small, but it should be enough to show value. Bullet these points separately from, and after, your job description. These points show your worth.

• Did you have an idea which was implemented and has saved the company money?
• Were you promoted several times due to your contributions?
• Were you given positive reviews, and why?
• Were you selected for a key program or training?