CV 4 Jobs

It amazes me how many jobseekers have only one CV which they send to every position the see without any content or format changes. In reality what you are saying to the client that this is what I do and I don’t care what you are looking for. Jobseekers that follow this approach will have a lower CV-Interview ratio. Ultimately they will miss out on opportunities and possible job offers.

Jobseekers must realise that each employer is different and each job requirement is different no matter how small. Most employers have job vacancies to help them solve a problem and when reading your CV they don’t see this in a short space of time it will be filed in the bin. In reality it is the employer and their job specification that will dictate your CV content and format.

Yes it does take more effort to have an employer focused CV for each position. This may mean complete CV overhaul in some cases but it can also mean just tweaking the CV with minimal changes. As the saying goes “the harder I work the luckier I get” and you will find an increase in responses and CV success by this additional effort.

The employer decides if you will be called for interview. They have the power and your CV must make an immediate impact. You must realise that your CV should be designed with the employer’s need in mind. Best of luck in your job hunting.

CV Preparation & CV Distribution

There are many great articles on this site telling you how to prepare an impact CV. There is excellent information about CV Layout, CV content, CV design and cover letters. There are occasions when I come across clients who spend that much time perfecting a CV that they neglect distributing the CV. Yes you need to spend time on your CV BUT remember if employers or recruiters do not see it you will not get a job.

Rather that focus on preparing a CV lets look at where you can locate suitable jobs to distribute your CV.

Recruitment Agencies – Probably the most popular job search tool as it takes the work out of job hunting for the jobseeker. Remember to identify agencies that tailor for your skill set and try if possible to meet the recruiter.

Online Job Boards – There are unlimited job boards in Ireland including EmployIreland, RecruitIreland and SalesJobs to name a few. My only advice here is to visit them regularly and not rely too much on job alerts.

Newspapers – There has been a sharp decline in newspaper job advertising and the fact that most newspaper groups own the online job boards would highlight this point. Certainly no harm to review the main job papers of which Thursday Irish Independent Jobs Supplement is still No.1.

Networking – This is a proactive approach to find potential jobs. Can be hard work but introduces you to valuable industry contacts and can unearth real job gems. When you consider that over 50% of jobs are never advertised it is strategies like networking that will help you access the hidden job pool.

Choosing a CV Writing Service

I review some really bad CV’s on a daily basis. A lot of the mistakes are quite basic. Interestingly I often deal with jobseekers who have already forked out good money on bad CV services. Ok – I don’t like people throwing money away but most of the time they are their own worst enemy.

We are getting ripped off in Ireland for groceries BUT we are creating this situation. We pay the prices and we are too lazy to shop around. Similarly many jobseekers run with the 1st CV service they see on the web without shopping around or checking out the provider. Below I will outline key criteria to consider.

CV Service – Considerations.

What qualifies the CV writer? – OK there is no official qualification for writing CV’s in Ireland BUT the background of the writer is important. Any CV provider who does not have a bio on their website – BEWARE!!. Typically a good background for CV writing is a vast experience in recruitment or HR. Basically somebody who has been heavily involved in recruitment, sifting CV’s or interviewing.

Reputation of CV Writer – Are they known in Ireland? Who refers them? I have references on my site (they are legitimate) BUT these can be made up. Does the CV writer have any industry or company references? Do they blog? Do they write for any online sites or newspapers?

Price of CV Writer – As we all know price can no give a true indication of service. A high price does not mean good service and visa versa. Ok we all have a budget BUT remember an IMPACT CV will help you secure that dream job.

And now for the sales pitch – CV Writing Service Ireland.

An impact CV is a key ingredient for success in the job market. Unfortunately most CV’s I review do not sell the owner and lack impact. Below I have outlined a number of excellent articles that can help you improve your CV preparation skills. Improve the quality of your CV and you will increase interview invitations. This will help you land your dream job.

Common CV mistakes – Avoid!!

As stated most CV’s I review are flawed. They fall down in many areas but there are common mistakes I see every day. Here are a couple of articles which will outline some of the most common CV mistakes you should avoid. Read CV Advice – mistakes and CV Preparation – mistakes.

CV preparation – CV Layout & CV Format

CV layout and CV format are very important for an impact CV. CV Format & CV Layout outlines some of the basic CV format and CV layout points to consider. Take these on board when writing your CV.

How many pages? – CV Writing

A common question I am asked by jobseekers is “how many pages for a CV?” CV Advice will answer this question.

CV Writing & Interview Coaching

Do you need professional CV writing support? Measurability CV Service offers a professional CV advice to jobseekers across Ireland. Need Interview coaching?

Many jobseekers are reactive when it comes to job hunting. When I say this I mean is that they rely on recruitment agencies or job board and sit back and wait for the interviews to roll in. Great if it is working (there are some great job boards in Ireland) but what if you are not experiencing positive results. You have a number of options;

1. Keep doing the same thing – BUT you will keep getting the same results!!
2. Try a different approach when dealing with agencies or search the job boards.
3. Try a proactive approach.

What is proactive job hunting?

There are a number of possible strategies available including speculative CV’s. Here are some tips if you are following this strategy.

Take a focused approach –target an industry sector or a geography region. Approaching this strategy in an ad hoc manner can prove fruitless.

Bypass HR – Sending a speculative CV to Human Resources can prove a waste of time. Although recruitment is managed by the department they may not be completely aware of what is happening in departments. For example the Finance Manager may know that an accountant has just handed in notice or that it has been agreed with the Directors to increase headcount and this information has not reached HR.

Focused cover letter – A generic cover letter will lose impact. Find out the name of the department manager and address it to him/her directly.

Follow Up – Follow up with the person you have sent the CV to. Prepare short sales pitch for the call.

This article was provide by Paul Mullan a CV expert in Ireland.

Quite often the CV is not the problem

I regularly get requests for CV writing and design services from jobseekers only to find out that this is actually not the problem. When jobseekers are not attending interviews it is obvious to think the CV is not working. Quite often the CV is reasonable and the problem lies in level of activity and job search strategies. This is where a little black recruitment book comes in handy as it will provide a clear picture of what you are doing. It sounds obvious but if you are not applying for jobs you will not get any interviews.

Are you struggling in the job market and don’t know why. Speak to an expert!!