Each month Industry Expert Liz McKeon shares her wisdom with us, and this time around she’s talking all things Curriculum Vitae. 

Job Searching isn’t easy. You may not get the first or second job you apply for, but you must make sure you are a top-notch Candidate with every job application. The first impression you give a potential Employer is the most important one, and the first impression is not when you turn up for an interview!

Instead, it is much more likely to be your email, phone call, cover letter, job application form or CV. For example, if you have a bizarre voicemail or an unprofessional email address, you application may be overlooked. Before you apply for your ideal job, make sure you have the appropriate ‘tools’ for a professional and business-like job search.

1. Make A List
List any work you have done, paid or unpaid, organisations you belong to and any volunteer organisations you have helped. When you’re applying for a job, you will usually have to describe how well your skills and previous experience fit the job description. Even if you are short of experience in the workplace, these are the key skills that Employers look for that anyone can demonstrate, such as good communication skills, evidence of teamwork, computer skills, showing initiative and commitment.

2. Email Address
Set up an email account for job searching with an address that is appropriate for business use. All your employment related communications should be as professional as possible. Make sure to proofread your emails for grammar and spelling… even an emailed note needs to be error-free.

3. Voicemail
Have a professional voicemail, and if necessary, buy a separate phone for job searching, so if it rings, you know it may be a potential future Employer.

4. Keeping Track
Keep a note of your job seeking applications, CVs sent, email enquiries, responses from Employers, as that way you will be prepared when you are called for an interview.

5. Interview Attire
When in doubt, dress up not down. Add an interview outfit to your wardrobe.

6. Don’t Stop
Don’t apply to one salon or spa and wait for the phone to ring. Complete as many job applications as you can, send emails and letters of enquiry to every salon you would like to work for an consider a variety of positions to get started. The more you apply for, the better chance you have of finding your ideal role.

Layout
There is no universally accepted format for a CV, but the most important attribute of a successful CV is that it clearly explains to the Reader what it is that you can do for them. A CV should be well-presented, a source of interesting, relevant information and a script for talking about yourself.

Purpose
The purpose of the CV is not to get you the job. Its purpose is to get you an interview. You are not writing a CV for yourself; you are writing it for the Reader. As you write your CV, put yourself in the shoes of the Reader. A CV should also be prepared in the following formats:

• A standard two-page printed CV
• A one-page summary CV
• An online CV

Buying Decision
The decision to recruit is like a buying decision on the part of the Employer. This creates a very clear picture of what a CV must include: It must meet the needs of the business where possible. This means that a single generalist CV is unlikely to be sufficient. It must highlight your achievements and how they relate to the job you are applying for. It must give the reader a clear indication of why you should be considered for the role.

• The first page of a CV should contain enough personal details for a potential Employer to contact you easily. Employment history should commence with your current role or most recent job and work backwards. Achievements should be short, bullet pointed statements and include your role, the action you took and a comment on the result of your action. You need to present your CV well and make if user friendly. For example:
• For your printed version, use good quality paper. For most cases, be conservative and print your CV in black in on white or beige paper. Cover letters should use identical paper.
• Lay your CV out neatly.
• Don’t make the margins too tight or too narrow.
• Resist writing lengthy paragraphs – be concise.
• Typefaces such as Times New Roman or Ariel are fairly standard.
• Do not use type size less than 11pt.
• Check for spelling or typographical errors. Whoever types your CV, errors are YOUR responsibility. Sloppiness and lack of care could lose you the opportunity of an interview.
  The ultimate test of a CV is whether it meets the needs of the person making the buying decision, and whether you feel comfortable with the content and style.

Cover Letter
After putting together a concise resume, next comes the cover letter. The goal of a cover letter is to tell your story, to tell a Hiring Manager that you are more than just your CV. A cover letter is also an opportunity for you to share your professional goals and help explain how the position to which you are applying would be a part of your career.

Additional Context
Cover letters make a difference, as it will help to get your CV noticed. Make sure to use a formal style or writing instead of abbreviations and acronyms. Proofread your cover letters carefully and adapt your template for each position you apply for. Use the cover letter to provide a brief summary of your career and accomplishments. It gives you the chance to establish a relationship with the company. A good letter will also provide additional context to an applicant’s resume, which lists experiences and achievements.

Length
Though a cover letter should be somewhat formal and respectful, it doesn’t need to be boring. It is an opportunity to explain why you are interested in a special role or company, which your CV may not include. Less than one page or about four paragraphs will suffice.

The letter should end with a request for a meeting. The application is the first step, and a cover letter is an important part of the package. By establishing a follow-up interview request, Applicants can express active interest in moving forward to that perfect role.

More Info
Online: www.lizmckeon.com
Instagram: @lizmckeonbizliz