Pages

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Tips for writing a readable CV and cover letter

Note: those are my personal opinions and by no mean I pretend those to constitute a universal truth.

I had the chance to read several curricula over the last few years and to be honest a very tiny percentage of that was something that I found enjoyable.

The thing is when you are reviewing CVs for a position you are facing a hard situation: there are something like 100-150 persons that want your attention and you already know that 70% of that will not be a good candidate (of course the odds might be better or worse depending on many factors, but as a rule of thumb that's what I found out).

So you allocate some time (usually a full day at least) to read those 150 CVs (you already know you will never make it), make a day 8 hours, that makes 3 minutes per each CV with no pauses and no interruptions. Of course the reality is that it takes 3 minutes maybe to read it, then another 5 to 7 at least to understand it, evaluate it, take some notes and decide what to do with it.

But anyway let's assume that a normal reviewer really has 3 minutes to dedicate to your CV (and cover letter).

What do you think it's the reaction when the guy sees 5 pages of CV? Three possible reactions: procrastination (you will go to the end of the queue), drop (you will never get read), evaluation (the guy is in a really good mood).

So first tip: make it 2 (two) pages. No reviewer has time to read your 5 pages CV.

Actually the first thing that a reviewer will read is your cover letter. That's even more important than the CV.

A good cover letter is something that tells the 3 essential thing about you to the guy who's about to read your CV. Is kind of a preparation to your CV. Think you are going on the stage in front of 1000 people. What do you want these 1000 people remember about you?

You think that "Hi, please find attached who I am" would work? Or "I am very interested in any position you might have to offer" works better?

Yeah I think you understood. You have to go there on the stage and be a freaking rock star (everybody knows there is only a limited amount of rock stars in the world).

Engage the reader, tell him really who you are and what great things you have done. Don't lie. Don't try to "I am sure you will agree with me when I say..." or quote Steve Jobs or give great names to tiny things. Be yourself, the real yourself. Tell them your story. That's what the guy wants to know: "Who the heck is this guy?"

So a cover letter should shortly say (e.g.):

"Hi there,

I found this rocket scientist position interesting because I love rockets. Rockets are all I ever wanted to do and there is nothing that will ever stop me from doing them.

I was graduated by the Rocket Science academy in Williwonkaland and since then I worked for 14 yrs in a garage building my own rocket. It flies, it went to the moon but never came back. But I did it all by myself.

You might think I am crazy but I am just a rocket scientist that wants to work with you."

Lately (and for the first time in my experience) I read a very nice cover letter. I don't remember the CV but I remember the guy because of the cover letter. This is what you want to happen.

Of course the cover letter has to be short and concise and exactly to the point. Use a big font and colors if you want as long as you say the right things in the right tone.

Of course if you are a musician and you applied to a rocket scientist position don't hold your hopes.

So second tip: Write a gorgeous cover letter. Short and to the point where you say why you like to work in this position and for this company.

Ok back to the CV.

What does the CV have to have?

Your name and contact details and where you are located (city, nobody cares about your address).

Who you are (even if you put it already in the cover letter). This has to be a one liner, something that should help the reviewer understand if she has to continue reading or stop there.

Example: "Rocket scientist with 14 yrs experience of building rockets in own garage"

Then write there where you got this experience. What you have done more than 10 years ago (unless is still your current job) does not matter. You have forgotten it, our brain does not have that much memory.

So third and last tip: write there your latest ( < 10 yrs) experiences

Per each position write your title, for what company (if you can disclose it), what was your assignment and 1 (one) important (really important) thing that you have done. Eventually links to proof of your work or portfolio. Order the positions you held in reverse order (from latest to oldest).

Example:

2005 - 2010 Cleaning manager at YMCA
 -  In charge of cleaning windows and floors. Once people were brushing looking their image on the floor so much it was clean. [Photos of the floor at Flickr]
2000 - 2005 Cleaning manager at ACME
 - In charge of cleaning all the windows. Once cleaned 73 windows in one day.

Then your education (only the most important/s, nobody cares about your primary school).

Then if you really want (but not many read them) your interests.

That's it.

This is of course if you want to have a "standard" CV. If you want to do something else (a PPT, a flash animation, a movie, comics, ...) then you are already different and you will already catch the attention of the reviewer. So ignore the tips in that case.

48 comments:

  1. Nice tips on cover letter writing. Writing a cover letter is an essential part when submitting your cv. It has become equally as important as the cv itself and is the first introduction your prospective employer will have.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's a great advice to write more updated experience. Because employers are not interested in what you have been doing twenty years ago because a lot of things changed in this big period of time.
    I'd like to also suggest to read article on how to write research technician cover letter because it has a lot of great tips for any field of job.
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Decide to attempt outlining this informative article for a starting... this might undoubtedly get you in to the swing of uncovering down writing down into the tiniest quantity for easy outlining and referencing. visit the web site to understand additional a way to get quality writing services.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Choose to try setting out this information for any beginning this may unquestionably enable you to get into the golf swing associated with discovering lower recording to the smallest amount with regard to simple setting out as well as referencing. go to my blog the web page to comprehend extra a method to obtain high quality composing providers.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is my personal experience that you should keep your resume short at least of 2 pages. Never add extra things in your resume and add only important things in the cover letter.

    ReplyDelete
  6. pixelgun3d mod This section usually comes after the "what," but keep in mind that an essay may complicate its argument several

    ReplyDelete
  7. This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform! https://london-tv.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  8. shopecocbd are a specialized supplier of 100% organic CBD products for people and pets, our products are produced from plants in Europe. Our products are manufactured under laboratory supervision. Through these laboratory studies, we remain within the legal standards for the production of our CBD oil, which means that the 0.2% THC content is not exceeded.

    Our mission is to offer a 100% organic product at a fair price that can offer you and your beloved pets any health benefits. We do not make health claims, if you have health problems, always communicate with your health practitioner. In our blog we spread the word with up to date information about eventual cbd benefiths and legalization.

    ReplyDelete
  9. "The purpose of marketing copy, or promotional text, is to persuade the reader, listener or viewer to act - for example, to buy a product or subscribe to a certain viewpoint. Direct Response Copywriting

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi, I think your website may be having internet browser compatibility problems. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in I.E., it's got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic site!plastic mold company

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've been striving for some time however I never appear to arrive! Value it.
    i am continually searching for some free stuffs over the web. there are additionally a few organizations which gives free examples. fortnite best settings

    ReplyDelete
  12. The three types of que es hosting that are generally available are: Shared, Dedicated, and Virtual Private Servers (VPS)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Commercial real estate includes shopping centers and strip malls, medical and educational buildings, hotels and offices. Apartment buildings are often considered commercial, even though they are used for residences. That's because they are owned to produce income.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Commercial real estate is used for commerce and includes anything from strip malls and free-standing restaurants to office buildings and skyscrapers. It is often distinguished from industrial real estate, which is practical space used in the manufacturing of products.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Commercial real estate is used for commerce and includes anything from strip malls and free-standing restaurants to office buildings and skyscrapers. It is often distinguished from industrial real estate, which is practical space used in the manufacturing of products.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This online journal site is really cool! How was it made !
    intrusion detection systems

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi,great post.thanks for your post. i have found the information that i want on your blog its such a nice theme .thanks for your informative post .Best PCIE WIFI card

    ReplyDelete
  18. https://stezz.blogspot.com/2012/08/tips-for-writing-readable-cv-and-cover.html?showComment=1594893970754#c6152508481468102767

    ReplyDelete
  19. https://stezz.blogspot.com/2012/08/tips-for-writing-readable-cv-and-cover.html?
    https://medium.com/@techhivepk/best-it-company-in-lahore-98518442d152

    ReplyDelete
  20. http://www.pictutorial.net/2015/10/microcontroller-project-bluetooth-based-temperature-meter-using-uart.html?showComment=1600246098991#c6180503901428166419

    ReplyDelete
  21. I was more than happy to uncover this great site. I need to to thank you for your time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to see new information on your blog.
    Best IT Company In Lahore

    ReplyDelete
  22. No need to mention the importance of 'knowledge chase' in the process of every type of writings. All findings start when you start finding the apt source. But don't be cheated by resources which are outdated. Be accurate in selecting the right assistance. essay writer

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hey! I would like to appreciate for this valuable and informative blog. best paver sealer

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is very well written and it's so interesting.I really enjoy your site with effective and useful information.best electric pencil sharpener

    ReplyDelete
  25. Really decent post. I just unearthed your weblog and needed to say that I have truly delighted in scanning your blog entries. After all I'll be subscribing to your food and I trust you compose again soon!
    Best Online Experience

    ReplyDelete
  26. Very good write-up. I certainly love this website. Thanks! Best Wax Melt

    ReplyDelete
  27. Goodness, this is truly intriguing perusing. I am happy I discovered this and got the chance to peruse it. Awesome employment on this substance. I like it.
    Online Web Hosting Services

    ReplyDelete
  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  29. You are so interesting! I don't believe I've truly read through anything like that before. So wonderful to discover another person with a few unique thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is something that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!
    Modest Web Facilitating

    ReplyDelete
  30. very good article. Hey! I would like to appreciate for this valuable and informative blog.if you are looking Best primer for oily skin drugstore.you can visit our article for more information. Best primer for oily skin drugstore

    ReplyDelete
  31. Goodness, this is truly intriguing perusing. I am happy I discovered this and got the chance to peruse it. Awesome employment on this substance. I like it.
    Register Domain

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks for the great article. It helps us a lot to discover more about this topic.
    Visit our article as well as this informative article. Best drugstore smoothing primer

    ReplyDelete
  33. Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article.visit our article as well as this informative article.best memory for ryzen 2700x

    ReplyDelete
  34. I truly like your composition style, awesome data, thankyou for posting. Best yankee Candle Scents

    ReplyDelete
  35. This is artical is very informative for me. I really like this post. If you need more informative post just click on the link. Check out How To Make a Great Kilt.

    ReplyDelete
  36. 2013 seems to be your year as far as board examination is concerned. It will be a highly rewarding year for you on the academic front. You may even get a scholarship and admission in your dream college. Kerala HSC Model Paper 2021

    ReplyDelete
  37. There should be no plagiarism, of course, nor any 'ghosting', but online academic writing services exist for the important task of editing for 'clarity, flow and consistency.' The student can submit their essay for assessment in the vital areas of grammar, spelling and punctuation - and turnaround could be within 12 hours if necessary. assignment writing service

    ReplyDelete
  38. I like your website that's why i come to comment on your website.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I was more than happy to uncover this great site. I need to to thank you for your time due to this fantastic read!!
    I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to see new information on your blog.
    Classified Ads WordPress Theme

    ReplyDelete
  40. I was more than happy to uncover this great site. I need to to thank you for your time due to this fantastic read!!
    I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to see new information on your blog.
    Freelance Marketplace WordPress Theme

    ReplyDelete
  41. I was more than happy to uncover this great site. I need to to thank you for your time due to this fantastic read!!
    I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to see new information on your blog.
    Classified Ads WordPress Theme

    ReplyDelete
  42. I was more than happy to uncover this great site. I need to to thank you for your time due to this fantastic read!!
    I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to see new information on your blog.
    Freelance Marketplace WordPress Theme

    ReplyDelete
  43. A professional essay editing service can help you with writing academic papers, which can be a very intimidating process -- especially for college entrance essays or for publication, and not just typical college essays. pay for essay reddit

    ReplyDelete
  44. Bank of Baroda Net Banking facility which is very easy to access International banking facilities, Register with required as BOB retail user for corporate banking, Check the login facilities of BOB Internet banking and use the online system to pay the credit card bill and more services. bank of baroda net banking Bank of Baroda is a multinational Indian bank with the best online banking services which is known to be one of the top public sector banking services all across the world, and there are very few and simple browser requirements for Bank of Baroda Internet Banking (BOB Net Banking) usage, for that the retailer or corporate user needs to follow in order to login to the online net banking facility.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hey! I would like to appreciate for this valuable and informative blog.
    best plumbing services


    ReplyDelete
  46. Hello! I just wish to offer you a big thumbs up for the great info you have right here on this post. I will be coming back to your site for more soon.
    Best Shoes for Wide feet
    myshoesreviews

    ReplyDelete
  47. Professional essay editing services help students and job seekers. Essay Writing Service UK

    ReplyDelete