Have you ever sent your CV to an IT Recruitment Agency and received no reply in your in box? No phone call? Not even a text message? Fear not, we have some insight into this modern epidemic that is making excellent candidates despondent.
Firstly, you need to ensure your CV is crisp, clear and concise. Tailoring a resume for every role you apply for is a very high maintenance approach (though for executive roles, this may be preferred), so it is best to get it right first time. However, if you find your CV hard to read, imagine how difficult it would be for a recruitment consultant or client who has never met you.
Therefore, here are a few common sense tips.
- Be professional and consistent. Sloppy formatting and spelling mistakes won't go in your favour and neither will viruses, so make sure that you have updated your anti-virus software before submitting the document. Many organisations will just delete it otherwise. If you are not a confident writer, ask a friend to help you. A CV needn't be War and Peace, but it should emphasise your intelligence and ability to write a document. You could also ask a recruitment consultant to recommend a resume template.
- Include a cover letter that demonstrates you have read the position description and, if possible, researched the company. Point out where you feel you can add value and stick to the point. Keep the reader interested. There is little point going beyond a few paragraphs, for most readers will only skim over this document, believing that any relevant information will be contained in the resume.
- Send your CV as an email attachment in Word, using a standard font of 11 pts or above. Research has also shown that Times New Roman is the easiest font on the eye. This allows the consultant to read it online and should avoid your CV getting overlooked in an in-tray for weeks on end.
- Get to the point about your skills. Highlight your responsibilities and achievements for each role and perhaps give a brief overview of the company. Use the same format for every different position and if you have worked internationally or in other states, mention it. Try to keep your resume under 6 pages and remember that most companies are interested in your most recent 5 year working period. Any gaps between jobs will be picked up on, so make sure you have plausible reasons. If you're not so sure, how can you expect a a consultant or client to feel?
- Never include a photo or company logos. Your CV is not a glossy brochure! It is a professional business document and You are the product. Remember it is often the first thing a consultant or client knows about you, so make the right impression.
- Sell yourself in a balanced way. There is a fine line between overconfidence and low self esteem, so try to focus on your achievements without sounding pompous or pretentious. It may be helpful to build a brief SWOT analysis about yourself. Decide what your Strengths and Weaknesses are and recognise the Opportunities you offer against the Threats of inexperience or costs of necessary training etc. Concentrate on the positives and remember that skills can be taught to someone with the right attitude. Personalities, on the other hand, are something that we are born with and there is only one person who can bring that to the fore.
Mike Hollobon is the director of Sydney-based MPH iT Consulting .
