Essentials of creating an effective CV

Victory greets the Prepared' is a famous adage that has stood the test of time. And in the world of job opportunities, the positions are limited; and aspirants unlimited. Job markets are like virtual battlefields with every aspirant staking claim on the job advertised. And while there are warriors aplenty, there is only one heir apparent. And every successful warrior owes his or her success to the most potent weapon of them all - a well-drafted Curriculum Vitae or Resume.

Your CV is your first point of contact with your prospective employer. And First Impression is often the Last Impression. Hence, if you want to lay your hands on that dream job of yours, devote considerable time and efforts in creating a CV that will get you the 'interview call

Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, without an effective CV your chances of converting a job-offer into an interview and an interview into a job are minimal. Your CV is not just a piece of document. It is your silent salesman that communicates your experience and expertise to a prospective employer. It accentuates your educational and professional qualifications as well as provides an insight into your overall personality.

So, if you are looking to create a CV or already have a CV which you think will do the job for you, just ensure that it has the following elements embedded in it.

Elements of a Successful CV

. A Reader's Delight - While creating a CV, bear in mind that you are creating it for the convenience of your reader. Hence, ensure that your CV is customised for the job that you have applied for, and that it contains relevant information to help you secure the job. The language should be simple, easy to understand, and to-the-point. Use standard fonts of appropriate size such as: Times New Roman or Verdana while creating the CV. The CV should be promising, inviting and authoritative in its tone; but it shouldn't be threatening. Divide your CV into various sections with appropriate headings, and avoid populating each section with too much irrelevant data. Be precise in your communication, and evenly space out the entire CV. The look and feel of the CV should be that of professional CV. Avoid grammatical errors as they are a big turn-off. Hence, it is advisable to make your friend(s) read it as well before enclosing it in your job application.

. Factual Information: You may be a die-hard fiction-lover, but stick to the facts while drafting your CV. Lay out things as they are in an organised and creative manner; but do not go overboard. Present factual and chronological information about your educational and professional qualifications. Showcase your skills and potentials, and give them a glimpse of what you have achieved and what you aspire to do, to accentuate that you are best suited for the career.

. Contact Information: Provide accurate contact information in your CV as it will enable your prospective employers to contact you. Provide your complete name, detailed address, telephone number, mobile number as well as email address. Make yourself as easily accessible to your prospective employers as possible.

. Qualifications and Competencies: Place special emphasis on your educational and professional qualifications as well as your core competencies or areas of expertise. Provide details about your skill set acquired through recent training programs or any additional relevant qualification that sets you apart from the other.

. Career History: Take your prospective employers down memory lane by providing brief information about the company/ companies you have worked for, your designations, and your job profiles If you have received recognition for exceptional talents and efforts in any of your previous companies, be sure to highlight this fact.

. Key Achievements - If you have achieved personal and/or professional milestones that speak volumes about you as a thorough professional or an all-rounder, dedicate a special section in your CV for the same. Take pride but avoid indulging in unnecessary bragging.

. References - A good reference is the backbone of your CV. Hence, provide reference details of your previous employers with whom you have shared cordial relations, and who can vouch for your abilities. A reference authenticates your experience and expertise, and removes any element of doubt in the mind of your prospective employer. Please provide essential information about your references, such as: Name, Designation, Company, and Contact number.

So, go ahead, and build yourself a promising and powerful CV by incorporating these useful elements. Browse through job portals or newspaper classifieds to zero in on your preferred jobs. Empower your application with your CV, and then, just go for the kill!