CV Writing Tips

A good CV forms an important part in the job screening process. An effectively written CV can place you in a better job position in contrast to others. It is extremely important that a CV should be complete in all possible aspects so as to leave a strong impression on the prospective employer. Here are some tips about CV writing:

Keep your CV short, simple and to the point:
It has been estimated that a CV doesn't receive more than 30 seconds initial consideration by the employer. Due to this fact it is necessary that the information included in CV is clear, short and logical in order that the employer gets a clear idea about the candidate. Having a good CV or curriculum vitae is important as it can help you in getting the job of your choice. It is a marketing tool that can promote you for a possible job. Generally a CV comprises of your life history, your job history, your achievements and your skills.

Avoid using flashy fonts:
Your CV is a formal document. Avoid making it decorative with flashy fonts and images. These can be supportive only if you are applying for a creative position with some magazine, publisher or advertising company.

Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors:
Try to avoid making spelling mistakes and grammatical errors as these may put a very bad impression on the interviewer. They show your hypocrisy towards the most imperative document of your career. Review your CV multiple times before you start sending it out.

Avoid using jargon and abbreviations:
Try to avoid using jargon and abbreviations as CV's are screened by people from the HR department who may not be aware of the abbreviations and jargon used in different industries. Writing a CV in a readable manner is very essential to get invited for the interview call.

Choose the right format:
Make sure that you select the appropriate format for your CV depending on the position you are applying for or the one that matches with your skills and experience. It can be either chronological, functional, combination and targeted. Always choose the one that highlights your strengths and key aspects of your life. Make sure that you don't emphasize on your weaker areas or failures of unemployment. Try to use appropriate fonts and colors and avoid using too much creative fonts and bright colors. Always try to organize the information with appropriate white spacing between different sections. Make use of bullet points where ever required and avoid paragraph after paragraph. Also, it is advisable not to go beyond two pages for your CV.

Choose the right particulars:
In addition to education, past employment or skills, CV writing should also focus on achievements as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, grants and fellowships, institutional service, professional associations, accreditation, licenses, honors and awards. Make sure that you place the required, relevant, correct and up to date information at the appropriate section of CV template. Never include your photo, your salary history, references, and reason for leaving the previous job as it leaves a bad impression on the employer. Also, don't forget to check your CV for grammatical and spelling mistakes.

Choose CV template as per the job and position:
It is always advisable to have different CV writings for different jobs and positions for which you are applying. This is because employment needs of different jobs differ. You can view a large number of CV examples and CV templates online. CV samples available online can help an applicant to create an effective CV that best fits in with his job requirements.

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About the Author:
Mike Kelley provides professional resume writing service, free CV examples, templates, tips and free advice for writing your CV, covering most people's occupations at all levels since 1989. For more CV writing help see Mike Kelley at his Google Profile and at http://www.cv-service.org