Writing a clear and concise CV-Résumé is easy if you take the time to do your research, remain objective and highlight what you can do for your potential employer based on their needs, not yours.
To ensure you achieve the above-stated outcome, it is imperative that you know your subject, “YOU”, very well. Spend a little time analysing your academic, professional and personal background. What skills, acumen (knowledge) and personality traits do you currently possess that would benefit your potential employer? Now, look at the flip side of the coin to analyse which skills you need to develop or refine.
The above-stated research and analysis aims to determine congruence between yourself and the current labour markets.
It should go without saying that the labour market is a highly competitive environment. As such, when compiling your CV-Résumé, you need to remember that Managers, HR Professionals and Recruitment Consultants are predominantly highly conservative individuals who are impressed with the content of the document, not the “Bells and Whistles”.
NB: “ Bells and Whistles” refers to clip art, photographs, multiple fonts, colours, borders etc.
Speaking from experience, the more Bells and Whistles one finds on a CV-Résumé the more one is likely to focus on what the applicant is hiding or not saying rather than what the applicant can do; as previously highlighted, the whole point of a CV-Résumé is to highlight what you can do for your potential employer not draw their attention to what you are lacking in experience and education.
5 Tips for Compiling a Clear and Concise CV-Résumé
- Optimal Page Length – 3 pages ideally, but no more than 5 pages
- Do not include discriminatory information, for example, your date of birth or marital status
- Do not include the Bells and Whistles; when formatting your CV-Résumé remember the 4 C’s: – Clean, Clear, Concise and Consistent
- Highlight your academic qualifications, key skills and competencies, professional affiliations, operational responsibilities, key achievements and projects, academic publications and, if appropriate, relevant voluntary work; and finally
- Always clarify your statements in the responsibilities and achievement sections
Stay Tuned for Part 3 – Creativity in the recruitment phase. Is there a place for it?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (2010 Version)
Katherine is the Founder of Blu Ripples, a Counselling practice in Sydney, NSW.
Initially commencing in 2003 as HR Aspects (Career Consulting Practice), Katherine rebranded her business to Blu Ripples in 2009 to incorporate Personal, Career and Workplace Counselling Services into her practice.
Katherine is a nationally registered Counsellor and a current Member of the Australian Counselling Association.
Before commencing her private practice in 2003, Katherine predominantly worked in Human Resources and Administration.
© 2010 - Katherine Foster T/as Blu Ripples
Updated Version 20 Oct 2023; Originally Posted 19 Sept 2010
Katherine's Photograph: 2023