Business Writing: How to write CV like a pro? -- Part 2

Image from shropshirestar.com

An interesting point to note from last Friday's article, Business Writing: How to write CV like a pro? -- Part 1 is that the format of your CV has always been changing with time. Like fashion, at different times in different countries applying for different jobs, your CV format will be different.

Then how do we know which format to follow?

1. You could use the internet to find the most updated trend, 
2. ask your head hunter what your target company prefers as the CV format, 
3. ask a senior who knows a lot about the field, 
4. buy a "How to write your CV" book

But the best answer that I personally agree most is to write an email to the person who posts the job on the web or newspaper, and ask them what CV format they require -- Reverse chronological, Functional or Hybrid résumé? Maximum 2 or 3 pages? What font size and spacing? With or without photo? Require an Objective Statement?

Image from dayjob.com

Since they are ultimately the ones who will read your CV, it is worth a quick email before you start assuming the structure and design they want to see.

Today, we will use lexically-dense sentences to write descriptions of your skills and experience, focusing on reverse chronological and functional CVs.

At the planning stage of writing your skills and experience section of the CV, you should always put your most important achievement first, and the least important last.

For example, say I was a HR & admin officer and I am looking for a senior position of the same post, I first list out my skills according to the level of achievements.

I have worked for 8 years in the field. I have changed 3 jobs doing the same thing. I have trained many colleagues. I have interviewed and hired many applicants. I have worked with many big bosses. I have done administrative work. I can type fast.

Then you need to wow your readers by using lexically-dense structure and adding true and impressive numbers, take out your calculators.

Possesses 8 years of hands-on experience in the human resources field. Served 3 renowned international and local companies in Hong Kong, including ABC Corp, Baby Wheel and Human Energy.  Trained over 300 new staff  for various departments. Interviewed over 4000 applicants and hired 300 quality new staff up to the senior management level. Served 6 generations of superiors including 2 Asia-Pacific director and 3 regional directors. I have done administrative work. (delete this) I can type fast. (delete this)

Combine sentences if necessary, delete those routine and weak points that do not make you stand out.

Possesses 8 years of hands-on experience in the human resources field and served 3 renowned international and local companies in Hong Kong, including ABC Corp, Baby Wheel and Human Energy.  Interviewed over 4000 applicants, hired and trained over 300 new quality staff up to the senior management level for various departments. Served 6 generations of superiors including 2 Asia-Pacific director and 3 regional directors.

So, how's that? Nice? Impressive?

Homework:
Now, try that using your own skills and experience.


Resources:

Business Writing: How to write CV like a pro? -- Part 1 @ Locky's English Playground
http://lockyep.blogspot.com/2010/12/business-writing-how-to-write-cv-like.html

Résumé @ Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9sum%C3%A9