Contents of a good CV

Does Your CV Answer These Key Questions?

Most recruiters and employers basically will take just a rough glance over your CV and this should be able to tell them who you are in the following nine ways.
A good CV
and that which will keep the recruiter staying more should answer most of these questions.

Most people, no matter what job they seek or how long they've been part of the working world, make the same mistake when it comes to the CV-writing process. They forget -- or simply don't know how -- to
develop their CV from the employer's point of view.

Employers want to know several things about you within seconds of glancing at your CV. Your job, then, is to be “hit-them-over-the-head obvious” about who you are, what job you're seeking and what you have to offer them.

When sifting through CVs, most employers and recruiters know exactly what they're looking for. CVs that meet their expectations are ones that respond to all nine of the following questions:

1. Who are you?

To determine how well your CV addresses this, have friends or colleagues read it. Within five seconds of them looking at the CV, snatch it back from them and quiz them on what they know about you as a job seeker based on what they read. If they can't offer a quick answer that truly describes you, your CV's summary needs some work.

2. What can you do for me? The most effective way to show employers the value you offer is to show them how you've contributed to an employer's success elsewhere. To be truly compelling, these examples must be specific, measurable accomplishments that cite numbers and other details.

3. Do you have the skills I'm looking for? Scan job ads and job descriptions to discover which skills are most relevant to the employers and recruiters receiving your CV. Then strategically place them throughout your CV to ensure it makes into the hands of employers and recruiters.

4. Where have you worked before? This one should be simple. Employers want to know where you worked, for how long and which job titles you've held that may indicate how prepared you are for a role at their organization.

5. Is your experience relevant to my needs? Sometimes it's necessary to expand upon a job title or job description to truly demonstrate that you have experience that applies to the job you're seeking. Consider using bullets to present brief and interesting information that is relevant to the employer.

6. Do you have the right education and credentials? If you have the education, credentials and training needed to qualify for the job, be sure to say so! Use commonly accepted terminology and keywords in this section to ensure your information isn't misinterpreted or overlooked by employer. 

7. What kind of person are you? Adding insightful information about what makes you special can be a definite plus on your CV and help decision-makers discriminate between you and another candidate, even before you've met in person. Include "extras," such as a branding statement and relevant information about foreign languages you speak, computer proficiencies or activities you enjoy.

8. Do I see any "red flags" in your background? Gaps in employment (an indication of job hopping), spending too much time in the same job or CV errors may alert employers and recruiters that you are not the type of candidate they're looking for in their organization. To avoid drawing attention to "red flags" on your CV, make sure you make your accomplishments and skills stand out as strongly as possible.

9. Can I easily get in touch with you? After all your hard work in putting together a powerful CV, don't forget the essentials! It doesn't matter how great your CV is, if you don't include a phone number, address and e-mail address somewhere on the CV, you'll never hear from the employer or recruiter. Just be careful not to include too much contact information. This can be overwhelming for people wanting to know that the number they call first is the one that puts them directly in touch with you.