It is well known that first impressions are all-important in the workplace. However, what is easily forgotten is that your employer’s impression of you is made before you even step through the company’s door. Puth Sithy, the executive of TopJob Cambodia screens the CVs of at least 10 shortlisted candidates every day. He explains to you why an attention-grabbing CV is essential to getting noticed.
Top Job Cambodia receives hundreds of CVs every day, so we don't have time to look at each one in detail. We miss good candidates simply because they’re not writing good CVs. There is a set of easy rules to follow to ensure that your CV can take you as far as your potential allows.
Building Blocks
In such a highly competitive market, a clear structure will make a CV stand out. It’s best to start with the desired job title, followed by a summary; for example, a candidate could say, ‘I have 5 years’ experience as an account manager with X and X, and I want to go on and achieve X.’ Then, they should list their education, experience and achievements. Giving a simple, clear CV gives you a far greater chance of being selected. As a recruiter I first look at experience and education, and then make a shortlist of people that stand out. Only then I screen again, checking the details of the candidates experience
Designing the Details
Tailoring your CV to focus on the relevant parts of your personal work and education history is important. People with longer work experience should list their work experience above their education. With recent graduates and people with less experience, it should be the other way around. For skills such as languages, it’s important for candidates to state their skills levels clearly. Make a distinction between listening, reading and writing skills.
For me, I also judge a candidate’s English-language skill by how well their CV is written. We can see if they have good English, editing skills, good spelling and attention to details. As a candidate you should double check your CV to correct any spelling and grammar errors before sending it, or ask a friend to look over it. It’s not just what you say in a CV that is important – it’s how you say it. Sound confident! Using an active voice rather than a passive voice when describing your accomplishments makes you sound like a stronger, more confident candidate.
Common Mistakes
Personal interests are a common stumbling block for potential candidates. Too much irrelevant personal information - like weight, height, marital status and religion - that isn’t necessary. Some people put uninspiring interests like watching TV or playing on the Internet. Good interests to list are productive activities like team building, or research on specific subjects. Personal detail is not a priority: we can find out afterwards. It’s OK to just include a few hobbies near the end.
Employers don’t like CVs that are too long. For me, short is sweet: the ideal length is just a single page. Fussy and over-complicated design and format is also a no-no. Always use A4 paper, and make it simple but good looking. Use Times New Roman font in size 12, or Calibri font in size 11 or 12. Too many font changes makes the document harder to read, and the formatting takes away from the content. Don’t overuse underlining or italics.
Adding the Extras
Attaching a cover letter to a CV isn’t always appropriate, but in some situations it can be helpful to a prospective employer. It depends on what the company you’re applying to wants, but if I have questions about the CV, I look at the cover letter. Your CV should inform me about your motivation to apply for the position, and what abilities you can bring. However, it shouldn’t be too long.
Generally counts: CVs are about showing employees your best self and your fullest potential: If you’re struggling in the job market, it is worth taking a look to see if it’s your CV, rather than your skill, that is holding you back.
GOOD LUCK!
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