Write CVs

With so many graduates applying for each role, you must demonstrate that you possess the employability skills that recruiters are looking for While the knowledge and skills required may vary from job to job, it's imperative that in your application forms you convey how you've gained the core attributes that you think would make you a worthwhile addition to the organisation. Here are some of the most common key skills that graduate employers will expect you to demonstrate. It's vital that you understand these skills, and how you can show that you've developed them, in order to  write a successful job application . Effective leadership and management Even if you're not applying for a management position, you'll still need to demonstrate to employers that you have the potential to motivate and lead others in order to achieve common objectives. On application forms, detail situations where you've had the opportunity to plan and coordinate tasks durin...

How to write a successful covering letter Why do you need a covering letter? “My pet hates: incomplete and inaccurate application forms, no covering letter, poor grammar and spelling, careless handwriting and letters written on scrap paper” Partner in firm of solicitors. The covering letter is vital to your CV.  This is why it is the first page and not an addition. "Please find enclosed my CV" won't get you very far. Your covering letter  demonstrates your writing style  better than your CV (which is usually more brief and factual). The covering letter puts flesh on the bare bones of the CV.  It points out to the employer the information showing that you have the qualities the job calls for, and makes a statement about yourself and your suitability for the job. It should give the personal touch that your  CV  will intrinsically lack. A  survey in the US of employers  found that 42.9% wanted candidates to...

Zen and the Art of CV Writing Or the importance of clarity, simplicity and economy in your CV That’s been one of my mantras - focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains. Steve Jobs Research by recruitment consultants  TheLadders research found that  selectors take about 6 seconds before they make an initial 'fit or no fit' decision" on candidates. The research tracked eye movements of 30 recruiters over ten weeks to record and analyse where and how long they focused. In the limited time spent studying the CVs recruiters looked at your name, current title and company, current position start and end dates, previous title and company, previous position and education. They found that it was important for CVs to have  a clear visual hierarchy and no distracting visual elemen...