This is the first article in CV-Skolan’s series about who you can create powerful CVs.
In order to get your dream job experience and good qualifications are naturally a plus. But the job will never be yours unless you have a pertinent CV. Some manage fairly well purely on personal contacts but I have personally had to use my CV as a tool to get every job I have ever had – from the most trivial summer jobs to qualified consultant positions.
In a series of articles I plan to share my knowledge about writing powerful CVs. Actually it is simple when you understand what it is all about – and if love the language, form and personal marketing. If you do that you will have great use of my tips. Otherwise you more than welcome to contact me so I can help you.
A CV, or Curriculum Vitae in Latin means life-story. A CV is thus an acronym based on a defunct language that few (Swedes) know how to pronounce and even fewer know what it means. This is the core of our business idea. The very name suggests that there is development potential in this particular document.
A CV for the 21st Century
I think that the development of the art of creating CVs seems to have remained constant since the fall of the Romans. My ambition with CV-Skolan is to bring the CV into the 20th Century.
As mentioned the word means life-story. Great! I like writing and telling a story. But isn’t it strange that so many seem to think that point form is the most optimal way of talking about their life. Have you ever read a biography in point for? More about that later.
I would also like to add to the existing definition of CV. Now I don’t care too much about language definitions and other details. I want to say that CV = life-story + vision for the future.
And that is a great tip which will increase your chances dramaticall. Many make the mistake of thinking: “I’ll take whatever job I can get as long as I get one.” It is destined to failure. Who wants to employ a person only because they want a job – any job at all?
I think that employers are more likely to open up their arms to a person who says and radiates “Your company is the only one I want to work for. I love your company! Look, I even have a tattoo of your logo on my arm!” The last bit might be a bit exaggerated, but I have actually heard about people who have done just that – not something I can recommend though. But talk about enthusiastic!
And one way to show your enthusiasm for a company is to thing ahead. Use the following magical power in your CV: “I want to….” And tell them what you would like to do for/with them. In the future that is. When you have the job. Of course it must be something that you believe the company will benefit from.
I know that you might be protesting and think that a CV should outline what you have done, your education and training and your experience, and that’s it. That is the academic style (and Swedish). To look back. It is however not the only way to see things and my advice to you is to remember to look ahead in your CV. If you really do not have any suitable merit then you can put even more emphasis on the future.
I will finalise this first lesson by giving three other good tips for writing a CV.
1. Make your application specific
A general CV is hardly worth it. How much value is there is a mass-produced application? Always adapt your CV to the position you are applying for.
2. Why you?
You will not be employed if you are not able to show your interest in the company. Motivate and explain why you will remain in the company if you get the job.
3. What value can you add?
Can you add value to a position that has not been mentioned in the job ad? It is easy to fit the position as it is described. But can you read between the lines and provide something more that the company might be in need of? Better to take a chance than write nothing at all. You at least show you have initiative.