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Getting the application process right from the start - namely putting together a CV which will get across to a potential employer just how good you are - is crucial.
The following information will give you details regarding covering letters, presentation of your CV, and details that must be included such as personal details, education and qualifications, employment history, language & technical skills, interests & achievements as well as references.
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Covering Letter
This should outline what job you are applying for and, very briefly, why you are interested and why you should be considered. Most employers today are looking for good communication skills as well as technical expertise, so make sure that your letter communicates efficiently and succinctly and doesn’t create the impression that you are an undisciplined waffler. If in doubt, keep it short. If applying through a recruitment consultancy then they will require a short description of the position you are looking for, details of expected salary/package, your current rate/package, and your preferred location. As we cover positions throughout Europe, your location preferences are important. We also need to know whether you are interested in temporary work and will also require work permit/visa details as appropriate.
Presentation
Recruiters want a clear concise document, no longer than two pages and if sending by e-mail it should be in either Word or Rich Text Format. Spelling mistakes are an absolute no no - we once saw a CV from a candidate who claimed he was “responsible for ruining a department of eight people” he would have certainly ruined his chances of an interview had he sent his CV direct to a potential employer. In terms of structure, the CV should be split into four sections, namely Personal Details, Education and Qualifications, Employment History and Interests and Achievements:
Personal Details
Include your Name, Nationality, Address, Marital Status, Phone Number(s) and E-mail address. Please detail when you are contactable both by phone and e-mail and whether you are a driver and how mobile you are prepared to be.
Education and Qualifications
All educational establishments attended should be listed together with dates of attendance, exams taken and grades achieved. Your professional qualifications should also be listed here.
Employment History
The experience gained in your present post will be the most relevant to the job for which you are applying and this is what you should always start with and devote the most time and space to. Try to outline particular achievements or results such as saving the company money or hitting/exceeding targets – this can show that you are a committed achiever and proactive in your work. Be concise and use bullet points rather than rambling text about the different aspects of your position – keep it simple and clear. Recruiters like to see precise dates i.e. March 1996 – February 1998, not 1996 – 1998. If you have a gap in your employment, account for the time and be honest about it.
Language Skills
Detail all language skills and their level of fluency including your mother tongue level.
Technical Skills
Specify all software packages, programming skills, hardware skills and knowledge of operating systems.
Interests & Achievements
As the human resources function has grown in importance in many companies , more and more recruiters are looking for “rounded characters” and “team players” and this section is your chance to show that you have a personality as well as good experience and qualifications. The fact that you play a team sport, for instance, can tell a recruiter a lot about your personality – it can display motivation, commitment, dedication and the fact that you can operate as part of a team. It also shows a degree of time management as you make time for interests outside work. However, do not get carried away and remember that you are not applying for a job as a football player – keep the right balance. Do not, ever, put fictitious interests down on your CV to make you seem more interesting – you will end up being caught out and looking foolish.
REFERENCES
Provide details of two referees, either your last two employers or an academic referee. |
