Poor CV equals poor job prospects

22 February, 2011

A CV is a powerful marketing tool for job seekers, but you will struggle to get a job if you don’t get it right, says Career Services general manager operations Janet Brown.

Ms Brown’s timely advice follows a story that appeared in the Waikato Times last week, in which Waikato employers criticised the quality of CVs they receive from job applicants, saying that in many cases they did not stack up. Ms Brown said it was likely the problem was not restricted to the Waikato region.

She said a CV was one of the most important tools a person could have in their “employment toolkit” and it was a concern to hear that a number of job seekers were sending employers applications that didn’t represent them well.

Among the complaints from employers in the Waikato were spelling mistakes throughout CVs, simple errors such as applicants getting the name of the company wrong and people not targeting CVs to the job advertised.

“The point of the CV is to get you an interview – it’s basically a one-two page sales pitch. It needs to tell an employer what skills and attitudes you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, as well as a bit about you. A good CV will answer this essential question: “How will I benefit from employing you?”

Ms Brown said the feedback from employers showed there were a number of people either starting out on theircareer journey or trying to get back into the workforce who didn’t know how to write an effective CV.

She said help was at hand for people struggling with their CVs as Career Services, a government agency, was tasked with providing advice and tips on career development to all New Zealanders – all of which is free.

“Career Services has lots of advice on writing CVs, such as what to include, how to tailor it for different jobs and circumstances, as well as some useful information on CV presentation. We also have other CV information, including tips on writing CV cover letters,some common CV styles and how to put transferable skills into your CV.”

The website also includes an online tool called CV4Me that lets you create your very own step-by-step CV. Ms Brown said the tool can be used to write and save a CV, get some tips and hints as you go and will even let you choose from two different layouts, one basic, the other more traditional.

“It really is a great tool, and particularly useful for those people who are just starting out in their career.”

Other features of the online tool include the option of two types of CV – one for young people and school leavers with no work experience and another for people with work history - spell check to ensure an error-free CV, the ability to compile a CV in Te Reo M?ori and the option of receiving step-by-step instructions.

“This is still a very competitive labour market and employers are often sifting through a pile of CVs, so you really have to grab their attention. You justcan’t do that without a decent CV.”

To access Career Services’ online CV4Me tool, visit the web site at www.careers.govt.nz/cv_4_me.

Visit Career Services’ website www.careers.govt.nz to access the CV information, webchat with a careers expert or phone their advice line on0800 222 733 to talk through your options.

ENDS

© Scoop Media