Whether you are applying for a job directly to the employer, or through a recruitment agency, the one thing that will always stand in the way of an interview, is a C.V.

The C.V. is the first and only impression that an employer has about any candidate before the interview stage.

If applying for jobs through recruitment agencies, in many cases, the C.V. might not even reach the employer if it isn’t presented "correctly".

The short listing process adopted by recruitment agencies, might see candidates that haven’t taken the time to present the information in the fashion expected, excluded.

To ensure a better chance of success with an application, candidates should do everything they can to make their C.V., stand out from the crowd.

Coloured paper and other such methods aren’t advised, but things like the layout, and more importantly the content, can make a positive difference.

Layout

Try not to make the layout to elaborate, or use images.

Clear, concise information about your skills can be placed near the top (after your name and contact details) to immediately catch the eye of the employer or the recruitment agency.

A short personal statement, followed by a list of skills can help to make the C.V. stand out.

For example:

I am a highly adaptable and focused worker, with a proven track record of success in delivering innovative and relevant technical solutions, including direct marketing, search engine optimisation, branding, and other technical issues to a range of clients. I am able to communicate effectively at all levels, and have the ability to capture the vision of clients, and develop a creative, user-friendly, solution to their internet requirements.

SKILLS:

1. Proficiency in all Adobe website design software applications 2. Proven search engines optimisation skills 3. Advanced XHTML, PHP, and ASP programming skills 4. Etc, Etc.

Content

The content of a candidate’s C.V. is the most important aspect.

Recruitment companies, and direct employers, will use the information contained in a candidate’s C.V., to try and establish if the candidate possesses the knowledge, qualifications, and experience to fulfil the position.

Qualifications and experience are the two most important parts that recruitment agencies and employers will look at.

Candidates should use these sections of their C.V. to highlight their strengths.

When discussing previous employment, candidates should include information about their role in the position, achievements, skills learned and used, and more.

For example:

Feb 2006 – Present ABC Web Design Co. – IT Manager

My main duties included supervising a team of ten website designers and three graphic designers, and I was responsible for all server related issues, including maintenance and repair, supervision of internet usage for the entire network, and backing up critical data on a daily basis. Utilising strong interpersonal and management skills, I was able to increase productivity levels by 35% in the first quarter, and a further 50% by the second quarter – leading to a profit increase of 85%.

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