I believe that just like there is no perfect advertisement, there is no such thing as a perfect CV.
There are too many ?it depends?.
It depends on what you have to offer, what you want, what the employer wants, what compromises can be accommodated and a bunch of other things.
However, I believe that there is a definition of a first-class CV, and it refers to outcomes.
It is simply the one which represents and positions you the way you want and gets you to (and sets the agenda for) the interview. If it does those things, then it will work. If it does not, then it needs work.
I emphasise the word ?you? in this simple definition for a reason.
What works well for your brother or your neighbour or for anyone else in the world may not work well for you.
This is essential to understand.
You are unique.
What you have, what you want, what you have experienced, what you have accomplished; these things are truly unique to you.
There is no-one else exactly like you and there should be no other CV like yours.
Similar format perhaps.
Similar content maybe.
But never exactly the same.
If you have the same academic background and even the same experience as someone else, you may not have the same target nor the same aspirations nor the same personal motivators.
An excellent CV is one that also should enable YOU (and not only the recruiter) to direct the interview.
By this I mean that when you get the interview, the recruiter very often uses the CV to probe into your background and personality.
If there are events or facts which you do not wish to speak about, you ought not to include them, so that when questions arise from the CV, they are questions you want to answer.
However, be honest at all times.
Always tell the truth, just not necessarily the whole truth.
It is also important that when, in an interview, you have encountered a tricky question which was triggered by something you stated in the CV, you should take note and change your CV accordingly, so that next time there is a reduced likelihood that this awkward question will come up.
Finally, a really good application will describe what you do (or have done) rather than what you are (or have been).
For example, you may refer to yourself as a secretary or a mechanic or a banker or a salesperson.
But these do not describe ?the real you?.
You need to tell people what you can do, rather than what job-label that your last company or society in general (or even yourself) might have placed upon you to date.
So, while there is no such thing as a perfect CV,
your objective should be to avoid all the errors
that would make yours an imperfect CV.
So this part of the process is vitally important, and, in this blog, you will find a number of articles and tip-sheets providing guidance on how to go about it.
If you prefer to get it all in one place, you can download my best-selling book
DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO
at a special member?s price.
Till next time, always remember I am rooting for you!
With love & blessings
Peter Fleming FCMA
Your Career Success Coach