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Executive CV in Ireland

Many people think that an Executive CV is like any other CV –and they are right!! There are providers in the market who would lead you to believe that an Executive CV takes a different approach to all other CV’s. Ok there are some differences in that the language may be different, the content different and the reader different BUT Executive CV’s follow the same principles as any other CV.

Executive CV – Principles

The principles for Executive CV are similar to that applied to all CV’s. Executives should perhaps pay even more attention to these principles as they will normally have accumulated a vast amount of work experience with various companies and bodies. Some of the principles include;

Focus – Executives must pay extra attention in this area when writing an Executive CV. Most CV’s fail because they lack focus. Ignore this point and you will lose the reader. I have seen many Executives who are responsible for destroying our rain forests in a bid to list everything they have achieved.

CV Layout & Format – Executive CV’s must incorporate advanced layout and formatting. This is not to be confused with flash and fancy. Executive CV’s must use top-end CV layout & format techniques to highlight relevant information and maximise the use of space.

Executive CV – Choosing a provider

There are a few recommendations I would suggest when choosing an Executive CV provider. Ideally they have worked at a senior level themselves, understand modern business terminology and language, possess a high degree of intelligence with a strong grasp of the English Language. As stated earlier the language and content has to match the seniority of the CV and the expectation of the recruiter. One could argue that a CV writer skilled at questioning can access the relevant information to write an Executive CV but I would still prefer experience to go with this.

Measurability is a sponsor of this site and they offer Executive CV services nationwide – Dublin, Meath, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford & Sligo.

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.