How to write a great CV
To get the opportunity you really want it's important that you put across the right picture to a prospective employer. Think of your CV as a 'business proposal' or a 'sales document'. This is your one chance of creating that right first impression, and you only have a couple of pages to document exactly what a prospective employer would like to read over coffee! The marketplace is extremely competitive, and you need to make sure that your CV is the one that stands out… the CV that the employer thinks 'Very interesting… I'd like to meet this individual as soon as possible!'
The key to a great CV is making sure that it is targeted to the industry you work in. Also, its good to know that many employers will make the decision on whether to interview you before turning the page of your CV! Forget about all the usual cliché's (no one's really interested in them because everyone's 'outgoing, a team player, hard working, enthusiastic' etc). The other important thing to look at when writing your CV is to make it interesting for an employer. Think about it… if you were hiring, you would want to read a CV that interests you, a CV that you can relate to the experience's of the individual who wrote it.
When you write your CV make sure it's no longer than 3 pages, and in reverse chronological order detailing your most recent/current position first. Start by documenting your career history, and remember… employers want to know what you can do for the project they are hiring for. This means that your priority is the experiences that are relevant to the role/industry you are applying for. Write down a history of your positions/roles over the last 3-5 years, and detail all your roles/projects, the technology used (and how you used it - if appropriate), your specific responsibilities, and maybe a little bit about the company.
Also, it's always a good idea to have 2 or 3 different types of CV that describe what you do from different aspects. For instance if you're a 'hands on' technical manager, you may want to have one that is more descriptive from a technical perspective with a lesser emphasis on the management, and vice versa, for those more management orientated positions. There's no ideal format for how you should write your CV, nevertheless it's good to tailor it to the position you're applying for!
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