the cv – first impressions are lasting!
If required get help, not everyone is genius in literature expression!
Remember the person reviewing your CV is looking for key words that qualify you for the Role; so for each company you apply to; it makes sense to rework the content so that it includes relevant experience. You don’t need to do a total rewrite, just a few touch ups here and there will suffice.
Leave something to the imagination! You need something to talk about at the interview. Keep it short, two pages maximum. Spelling mistakes are a humungous NO!! Ask a peer to review.
Be concise, clear, and professional, no need for bling bling, as we said, leave something for the imagination. Consider the poor reader, they are looking for relevance, keep it relevant.
Don’t lie; you will get caught out eventually. Colourful is okay, if you have big gaps in career, it will be picked up on, so maybe it is best to mention years (2007) and not specify months (Oct 2007), you can always explain the gap during the interview.
Most of all, prior to sitting down to create your masterpiece, think not what the new employer can do for you, more what you can do for them.
Personal Details
Your personal details comprise your full name, title, nationality, marital status, your postal address and contact details including your e-mail address, current location and a mobile number.
Education and Qualifications
Present your most recent qualifications first, providing details of more relevant qualifications reducing the detail for less significant qualifications. Mention relevant training detail of all courses or company training you have received.
Your Profile
This section is used to indicate your career aspirations for your specific industry, and to convey in a positive way why you are seeking a career move. e.g. ‘a Retail Operations Manager having extensive fashion experience, with a proven track record of achievement in the profitable development of new and existing stores.
Be aware however that a poor personal profile can do more harm than good, so don’t try to be clever. Avoid terminology that has no relevance to your CV, and steer clear of clichés and buzzwords.
Career History
This is the largest part of the 2 pager starting with your current or most recent role and working back.
List each position held, along with the name of the company and the start/end date of your tenure. Also include a brief outline of your role and reporting lines.
Highlight, as separate bullet points, your achievements – quantified where possible and with a brief illustration to show how you did what you did e.g. given below.
Start each bullet point with attention grabbing verbs, such as: ‘grew’ ‘saved’ ‘managed’ ‘opened’ ‘planned’ ‘drove’ ‘motivated’ etc. Remember – make it interesting and always quantify if you can.
Example
CAREER HISTORY Bob the Builders (based in England) - Turnover QR3.3m, store size: 330 m2, 33 staff.
Mar 96 – Feb 01: Store Manager (Area Coordinator), responsible for delivering sales targets, costs and profit. - Co-ordinated 15 stores, ensuring policy and procedures were implemented in line with management expectations.
- Managed all store operations, maximizing sales and profit through implementing tight controls on store costs and reducing staff cost to sales ratios from 12% to 10%.
- Ensured that the Brand culture of selling and customer service excellence was achieved and apparent.
- Motivated the Store personnel to achieve individual targets.
- Developed staff knowledge and competence through regular evaluations and subsequent training.
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References
Usually not obligatory on the CV, still it’s good to have them ready as you need to supply two references, and ideally, one of these should be your current or most recent employer. Rest assured they will not be contacted without your permission being requested. However it demonstrates that you are comfortable with the referees being contacted at the appropriate time.
For a more in-depth assessment of your CV please email inretail by Clicking Here.