Your cv is not…
Most of my clients worry about their cv. They really don’t enjoy writing one or refreshing it when the time comes to apply for a new job.
And that’s because the idea of a cv has a lot of false ideas around it.
About what it should be, how it should or shouldn’t be written and what it’s for. So here are a few things I’ve discovered over the years that might surprise you.
- your cv is not a full chronicle of your career that must show no ‘gaps’
- your cv is not a document that defines or sells you
- your cv is not a once and for all exam you must get right or fail
- your cv is not a means for others to judge you as good enough
So – what IS your cv?
Well first of all, you don’t need to even think about it until you’re really clear about the role or job or company you want next.
It’s the last thing on the list, after you’ve worked out your personal skill preferences, what you want to do more of (and less of) and what you consider relevant achievements, skills and motivators that will help towards your next work goals and the job you’re looking for.
Just leave it for now if you’re not sure about all the above.
- Your cv, if it’s successful for you, is an easy way for prospective employers – or anyone else – to see what you’ve really enjoyed doing in the past that is relevant to what you can do for them in the future.
- A good cv is a reflection of your working life that others can recognise as focused, clear and highly relevant to a particular role or work environment they need help with.
- Your own cv may have a basic format that you use and re-use if needed, but is a carefully crafted document with phrases and key ideas that respond to only one company or one role at a time.
- Your cv is only a tool to create enough interest in the reader to get you to meet someone face to face – probably at interview.
So – your cv is not anything you ever need worry about again.