CV writing workshop: Preparation

Before you begin, you need to have a clear idea of what you are aiming for. It may have been several years since you last wrote out your CV; since then the industry and your own goals and ideals may have changed considerably.

Even before you begin creating your new CV, it's important to establish what your ideal new job would be (be realistic: Britain already has too many struggling rock stars!) and what information would need to appear on your CV.

So, to start off let's take a few minutes to lay the basic foundations.

Who am I really?
Part of your job hunting or career change process should be a self-assessment. This may sound long-winded, but without a clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses, a realistic idea of what you can expect or step up to, and confidence about your own unique selling points, you may never find an ideal job.

Remember, you can't be all things to all people and your CV needs to be tailored towards a targeted sector. Why not spend five minutes sketching down a few notes about your professional profile to date? Here are a few guidelines:

• What are my strengths?
• In which areas did I excel in my previous position?
• In which working environment would I thrive?
• How can I minimise my weaknesses?
• What are my mid to long-term professional goals?
• Which areas of past experience are no longer of any relevance?
• Can I define exactly what it is I do, professionally?
• Do I have a proven track record?
• What personal attributes can I bring to the role?
• How motivated am I towards this change?

Your CV is a reflection of your professionalism. It needs to state quite clearly that you are the man or woman for the job. A good CV should contain:

• An attention grabbing summary page
• A clear, uncluttered layout
• Active and precise description
• Job specific information
• Articulate, concise language
• No mistakes
• No more than two/three pages

Throughout this process we'll be considering what the recruiter would like to see on your CV. Further on in the workshop we'll be discussing customising individual CVs for each application, but at all times you should consider the following points which recruiters look for in a CV:

• The right skills and quantifiable experience
• Suitable interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to flourish in the company's environment
• The competence and confidence to adapt to the job

With the advent of word processors, the visual impact of CVs has improved dramatically. Attention to layout not only reflects your sense of professionalism but, more importantly, makes it easier for the recruiter to browse through.

Bear in mind that they may be shifting through dozens of CVs and may not take the time to notice the important details. Without creating a CV that looks like a Christmas tree, you should aim to effectively impart a limited amount of information which will ultimately secure you an interview. Quality takes precedence over quantity.

The most significant change is the introduction of a summary page. Although there are several popular styles which we will be discussing, the summary page is the first and last selling point of your CV. It outlines your professional profile, key skills and experience, and strengths and achievements.

We will look more closely at this in the very next section. If presented effectively, it could land you an interview, at the very least it will prompt the recruiter to look further at your CV.

And finally?
Here is a list of assets which every employer looks for when filling a professional post, your aim is to include as many as possible in your CV.

• Competence and experience
• Relevant skills and the ability to adapt them to the new role
• Strategic thinking
• Creativity and problem solving ability
• Leadership
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Personal management skills
• Integrity