Thursday 24 July 2014

CV writing advice: Using language to frame your strengths

You have a wealth of new knowledge alongside a catalogue of desirable attributes – everything you need to earn the job of your dreams. Transcribing these assets to paper, however, can be daunting.

Language sets the framework for how you present yourself to a potential new employer. Here are a few dos and don’ts to make sure this important document promotes your best attributes.

DO
 
Use the active voice: This is passive: The project was completed successfully. This is active: I completed the project successfully. The latter not only emphasises you as the agent in the role, it articulates your contribution.
 
Be specific: Short examples of your achievements are more informative than throwaway lines. Something like I am a fast learner can be improved by saying I started the role not knowing how to use the system but became an intermediate-level user within a week.
 
Highlight initiative: Even if your previous roles or experience haven’t been illuminating, you can frame it in a better light. Don’t describe the role that was given to you. Instead, narrate what you actually did. It’s the difference between answered phones and drafted emails for my manager and dealt with 30 to 40 customer enquiries a day and provided executive-level written correspondence.
 
Be positive: If you have a blight on your CV – for example a poor performance in a role – you can turn this around with the emphasis on the lessons you learnt rather than the negativity of the incident. Avoid words like struggled and use overcame, focusing on the outcome rather than the issue.
 
Be confident: Be upfront about owning your skills, knowledge and achievements, and use testimonials and other evidence to support this. Instead of writing managers have told me I'm good at writing reports, try I have strong written communication skills and managers often highlight the high standard of my reports.
 
DON’T
 
Use buzzwords you can’t support: It’s good to be positive, but don’t burden your writing with clichés or jargon that you don’t understand or can’t support with examples. Instead of using team player, for example, explain what you brought to the team.
 
Overuse lists: Bullet points are handy and they make a CV scan well, but overuse makes it look like you’ve handed them a list. Keep it to no more than five points per subheading and always add a concise explanatory note of no more than one line to clarify points if required.
 
Forget to conduct a spelling and grammar check: Small things like poor punctuation could put you out of the running if you’re coming up against a candidate of equal strength. One tip is to read the whole document aloud, or ask a friend to check it once you’re ready to send it.
 
Remember that a CV is a document that sells your skills and knowledge to a potential employer. By using the right language, they will understand what you can do and then use that information to decide if you should progress to the next stage.
 
 
Student MembershipGive yourself the edge with free Student Membership
If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.

Find out about Student Membership.

11 comments:

  1. Furthermore, I always check my CV in this software that verifies your grammar absolutely for free. I think that it is very important.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It was good to see the writing of professional dissertation writers. Back in the university I was unable to understand the requirements of the thesis writing and was worried due to the delays in submission. I would like to recommend Dissertation Help Zone for those students who are feeling the same stress level that I’ve been through. They managed to provide task on-time with premium quality. Their dissertation help is of great significance while working on the dissertation. That’s what exactly I was good for, economical prices but high-quality results for complete dissertation writing services. Thanks to the Dissertation Help UK.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi! How are you? I hope you are doing well. If you have read the above-written article and you have liked it, then I would like to corroborate the fact that the above write-up is indeed quality work. The grammar is on point and I cannot see any factual flaws in the work. Apart from that, the write-up is a unique blend of simplicity and vocabulary. However, one thing that has impressed me more than the rest is the research. It seems as if the author put more impetus in the factuality of the content rather than expressing views, which is a good thing. If you wish to read more work like this, you are invited to visit this link:

    Mcafee.com/activate
    www.mcafee.com/activate

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think you have great learning how to compose the great and quality article. I simply know somewhere in the range of few hints which I gain from bid4papers services and need to know more data about the great paper composing. I trust you will think of some more tips.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always useful to read content from other authors and use a little something from other websites.Cape Verde Accommodation Hotel

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where u got this from.witneycouriers

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello There! Are you a passionate reader of digital content? Then, you would agree with me that the above-written piece is as good as anything can get. The vocabulary, elucidations, and simplicity couldn’t have been any better, and the research accentuates the knowledge the author has tried to convey. If you wish to read more informative blogs like this one, then please use this link:
    การ์ดแต่งงาน

    ReplyDelete
  8. You've gained a plethora of new knowledge as well as a list of desirable qualities, giving you everything you need to land the job of your dreams. However, transferring these assets to paper can be difficult. Want to experience streaming site
    visit bypass netflix vpn block
    here

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you for this wonderful information looking forward for more. If you are in need for online assignment writing assistance for an assignment and thesis topic, then avail our assignment writing service in Australia and save your time to relax and do your studies properly. I was looking for such information and I really appreciate the efforts you put into this article. Here you find more information on HOW TO MAKE A GAY GUY FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU .

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey there! Howya doing.. its really amazing that you have given us a very informative blog Keep sharing Godbless!!
    oficinas de bancarrota cerca de mí!

    ReplyDelete
  11. "Crafting an impactful CV requires a delicate dance with language, where every word is a step towards your professional success. This invaluable advice on CV writing is a symphony of eloquence and strategic communication, guiding you to present your unique skills and experiences with precision. How Many Points For Careless Driving In New Jersey In a world where first impressions matter, this advice is the key to unlocking doors of opportunity. Elevate your career narrative with these linguistic gems and watch as your CV becomes a masterpiece that speaks volumes to potential employers."

    ReplyDelete