CV 4 Jobs

As much as I preach and offer CV advice about the subject I still come across jobseekers that are sending the exact same CV for all jobs without tweaking or amending it. They leave the CV Layout, CV Format & CV Content the same. If this is you – then your job hunting is flawed and you will miss out on important interviews. Jobseekers with a general CV that they send to all jobs are saying to the recruiters – I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU WANT!!

CV Advice – Employer focused CV

As soon as you accept that every job is different and each employer is different you will appreciate that your CV must also be different and amended for each job you apply for. This could be major overhaul BUT it could also be minor tweaking. If an employer does not see what they want to in a short space of time they will file your CV under “B” for BIN

CV Advice – No pain no gain

Yes this will make the application process that little bit more time consuming BUT who said job hunting was easy. When you begin tailoring your CV for particular jobs then you will start to see increases in positive results.

If you need help and CV advice a professional can help.

I was asked an interesting question today – “Is there any difference in CV Layout, CV Format or CV Templates for the various counties in the South of Ireland?” I will quickly answer this question and then give some general information on CV Templates, CV Formats and CV Layout in Ireland.

Answer – There are 26 counties in Republic of Ireland and from experience the same CV principles apply to all 26. In fact the same principles will apply to most countries. Can anyone name the 26 counties? Answer at the bottom of the post BUT I am sure you all got it.

CV Template in Ireland

There are many CV templates used in Ireland varying from simple to fancy. Personally I sway towards simple. Whatever CV Template you use it should contain the following – Personal Details, Education & Training, Work Experience and Hobbies & Interests. The order of these will depend on the role and your background. Other topics can include Value Statements, Key Skills, Additional Information and References.

CV Format in Ireland

The most popular format in Ireland in Chronological CV. Most recruiters expect this type of CV and can access information easily. There are other formats that can be used in certain situations. This post will provide more information on CV Format.

CV Layout in Ireland

CV Layout is equally important in a CV. Ensure that you have a focused CV and this will ultimately dictate your Layout. Do you want to know how to focus your CV?

Here are list of counties promised – Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, Clare, Cork, Kerry Limerick, Tipperary & Waterford

Cover Letter Tips — CV Writing Tips & Help

CV Format

CV format is very important when writing a CV for the Irish job market or in fact any job market. Ignore this element and it will cost you valuable interviews. There are a number of popular formats which I will discuss but my advice is that a CV is a fluid document so never take a strict approach to CV format.

CV Format – The chronological CV

This is perhaps the most popular CV in Ireland. This is because recruiters expect it and find it easy to read and get the information the need. Basically it is a CV style that lists most relevant work experience first and works backwards. This option is great if you have continuous work experience with little job hopping. It is also great when your most recent work experience or qualifications are relevant to the role that you are applying for. This CV format can cause problems when you are returning to work after a long period out, when you have gaps in employment, when you have switched jobs regularly or when the most recent work experience is not relevant to the role that you are applying for. In these cases you might consider another CV format. There are a number of other CV format styles that I will discuss in later posts including the Competency CV or Functional CV.

CV Format is just one element for CV success.

Selecting a CV style is just one aspect of CV design. There are many other important points including basics like spelling & grammar but also layout and content. This site has free advice on CV writing so feel free to browse for information to help you design an impact CV. Read this useful article.

CV Service in Ireland

There are many CV service providers in Ireland to help you on the road to career success. Measurability offer CV services for professionals across Ireland. Visit www.measurability.ie for more information about the services.

CV’s have arrived in many size shapes and formats over the years. There are the detailed CV’s and then the one page summary, the plain white to the coloured paper, with picture and without. I have loved some CV’s, liked others and detested the rest. The question keeps arising – what is the best template or design to use.

CV Doctor.

My philosophy is similar to the “house doctor”. The House Doctor is a show on TV where a property expert gives advice to house owners who are trying to sell their property. Every week the formula is the same – de-clutter, neutral colours and simple is best. I (lets call me the CV Doctor) have a similar approach – the Magnolia sells houses approach to CV’s. White paper, black text, clear headers and matching font and format throughout. You might say this is boring and you are probably right BUT at the end of the day a hiring manager is normally only interested in the content and not your graphic skills. As long as the information is there and it is easily accessible this is what counts.

The Wizard CV.

The only time I ever recommend something flash is if your CV is not getting you results. We will talk about how to get more creative in a later post.