Optimising Your CV

Whether rewriting or updating your CV, there are a number of key points that you should bear in mind:

The Basics:

• Each CV is particular to its owner. You must be comfortable with yours, no matter what anyone else says!
• Always remember that the purpose of your CV is to get you in front of an interviewer. It is the primary marketing tool for selling you and your expertise.
• Always tell the truth. You can put spin on it and embroider it, but falsehoods should be avoided. They could cost you a job offer. You must always be able to substantiate what you have written.
• You may consider re-writing your CV for each application, matching your experience and achievements to the stated job content and personal profile. Most people do not do this and, while it is undoubtedly a real chore, it can give you a clear advantage at the first hurdle. However, be very certain that you do not confuse yourself with multiple versions of your CV.
• Always submit your CV with a short covering letter. This should succinctly bring out the two or three key reasons for the interviewer to see you, the detail of which will be spelled out in the CV itself. You should state your current and/or desired remuneration arrangements in this letter and mark it confidential.

Structuring your CV

• Try to keep your CV short. No more than three to four pages.
• Start with a three to five line personal profile which, again, may relate closely to the content of the job for which you are applying. You should be comfortable that this describes you honestly and "sells" your unique blend of skills and experience. Then go on to summarise your career to date in reverse chronological order. Do keep it brief and relevant.
• The next section(s) should deal with your qualifications and education.  Do make sure to emphasise your accomplishments. 
• You are not obliged to include your age, date bound information, ethnicity or marital status, but you may if you wish.
• And finally, please avoid lilac paper, illegible handwriting, fancy fonts, including family photographs or attaching large documents to emails.

At Executive Selection, we will give you honest feedback on your CV. If we do not think it works, we will tell you. But remember our first point - it's your document and you have to be comfortable with it.