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Top CV tips

When you're starting a new career finding a job can be an both an exciting and daunting task. Your resume and cover letter is your first opportunity to present yourself to potential employers and let them get to know you. Taking the time to write a detailed CV and thoughtful cover letter can help you put your best foot forward and show that you're the right person for the job.

Whether you're looking for full-time or part-time work, your CV is an essential part of the application process. When you submit an application for a new job, your CV will speak on your behalf to your prospective employer, so it's important that you've taken the time to make sure your resume highlights your qualifications, skills and strengths.

When you're preparing to write your CV, start by compiling the information that you'll include on it. CVs come in several different formats, and the education and experience you have will dictate your resume format. Make a list of your education; have you won any special awards or undertaken in any specific research projects that might be of interest to your employer? If you can, emphasize courses or programs that will be directly relevant to your job.

Next, make a list of past work experience. If you have had several jobs in the past, start with the most recent ones and work your way backwards, or pick and choose the jobs that are the most relevant to the position you are applying for. Think about your responsibilities in past roles and what skills you developed and used in your time in that job. This is not the place to air out past grievances; focus on the positive and emphasize how you contributed to the workplace environment, paying special attention to skills that will translate to your prospective job.

If you have any awards or other special qualifications, make some room and list them in your CV. Stating any awards or other initiatives you have undertaken will help present you as a well-rounded candidate who is involved in a number of different things, and you may even share similar hobbies and interests to your potential employer that could help you connect with them during the interview process. In this section, think about the things that make you stand out from other applicants. What makes you special? What do you have that others don't? Use every opportunity in your CV to shine and highlight your achievements.

Once you've organized all the information in your CV, turn your attention to layout and formatting. Take special care to edit and revise your CV all the way through the process, and before you submit a CV make sure there are absolutely no spelling or grammar errors; even the slightest mistake can put an employer off, and a poorly presented CV sends the message that you don't care enough about the job to take the time to make a good impression.

When it comes to your resume, it's all about the little things, and even if you feel you may not be as qualified as another candidate, you can improve your chances of landing the job by thinking carefully about what content you include on your CV and formatting it properly. If you're struggling, look for CV Help from friends and family members, or look to a third party service to help you create the best resume possible. Once your CV is written, you'll be ready to put your best foot forward and start on your new career path.

Clint Starr writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

About the Author

Clint Starr writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Author (cstarr). Submitted on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 Time: 8:47 PM

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