CV templates and tips

CV templates and tips by Amber Rolfe Struggling with your CV? We can help with that…Whether you’re new to jobseeking, or you’ve been in the working world for a while â€" creating and maintaining a good CV can be tough. And if you’re short on time (and/or patience), you don’t know where to start, or you’re not sure what recruiters really want â€" it can seem like an impossible task.To make sure your CV is up to scratch, here are our best tips and templates:Check for typosOK, this may seem obvious â€" but some spelling mistakes can be easy to miiss*.To make sure your CV properly reflects your attention to detail, always check for typos before you submit it. And don’t assume a quick automatic spell check is enough.Although it’s a great way to check for some mistakes, it doesn’t always catch certain grammatical errors â€" especially when it comes to punctuation or words used in the wrong context (e.g. when words sound the same but mean too two different things).So to be safe, get som eone else to read over your CV as well.And unless you’re writing a ‘resume’, avoid Americanisms too. Your mom wouldn’t approve.What not to do on your CVTailor your CV to the roleSo you’ve written the perfect CV, so any changes will only make it worse â€" right? Wrong.CVs shouldn’t only be a reflection of you and your qualifications, they should also indicate why you’re right for each job you apply for â€" meaning you can’t get away with sending the same one every time.This doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch on every application though. Instead, use the job description to tailor your CV to the role, putting an extra emphasis on the key skills and attributes needed to do the job.By drawing less attention to the parts of your CV that don’t relate to the role, you’ll be able to ensure your application accurately proves your suitability (and is shorter and easier to digest).Eight myths about CVsGet in a recruiter’s mindsetRecruiters are busy people.This m eans they often use time-saving tools to keyword search candidates, and quickly skim through CVs to find what they’re looking for. If they don’t see it at first glance, your CV might not make the cut.So how can you pass the seven second test? Firstly, focus on creating a clear and easy-to-read font and layout â€" with short, succinct points. And keep it to two pages or less.Secondly, think about the keywords/job titles a recruiter might search for in your chosen industry, and describe your skills and experience using a variation of these words.For example, a customer service assistant may also be described as a sales or retail assistant â€" so including each term at some point in your CV (even if it’s to refer to your skills) is the best way to cover all bases.Size matters: How to keep your CV short and sweetWhat recruiters really are really looking for in your CVFour ways to help recruiters find your CVBack yourself up When it comes to job hunting, recruiters don’t just wan t you to tell them you’re qualified â€" they also want proof of it.To make sure your CV answers the ‘how’ as well as the ‘what’, include real examples alongside each task or duty you mention. Using the STAR technique is a great way to ensure you’re communicating your skills effectively.For example, saying you ‘made sales’ is OK, but adding the amount of money this brought back to the business, whilst referencing your most impressive achievement, will give your skills some unique context.Otherwise, you’ll only blend into a crowd of similar candidates who can also ‘make sales’.Five lines that are killing your CVWhat words should I use on my CV?Keep it up-to-dateYour skills and experience are always developing, so your CV should be too.To make sure you keep your information fresh, check back on your CV regularly to see if anything could be improved or updated. You might also find that older experience is no longer relevant, and can be condensed or deleted, for exa mple.And aside from adding new jobs, qualifications, and skills â€" you should also be making sure your layout and style is contemporary.After all, it’s unlikely that certain fonts (we’re looking at you, Comic Sans) will get the same reaction they did ten years ago â€" and there might be a range of new creative CV layouts that weren’t available when you first created your CV.And let’s face it â€" your CV deserves the occasional makeover.Five ways to refresh your CVCV layout dos and don’tsHow to make a CV onlineBuilding a CV can be a tough task to tackle alone.Luckily, there are a range of online tools and tips to help you do it.CV templates are a great way to ensure the information you’re including is appropriate, and is presented in a clear and concise manner. All you have to do is download one that matches your situation and what you’re looking for, and you’ll be able to tailor it accordingly.From graduate and school leaver to part-time and temp, there are a range of templates out there to fit your needs.Alternatively, you could use our free CV builder service (via desktop, mobile, or tablet) to make a CV online â€" allowing you to build a fully formatted CV in four easy steps.Simply input your details, and we’ll do the rest.How to write a CVFree CV template   Free CV Template Email address: Please enter a valid email addressmessage here By clicking Submit, you accept our Terms & Conditions and consent to receive emails and career related topics. See our Privacy policy for details. Continue without submitting Download Free CV TemplateSchool Leaver CV template School Leaver CV Template Email address: Please enter a valid email addressmessage here By clicking Submit, you accept our Terms & Conditions and consent to receive emails and career related topics. See our Privacy policy for details. Continue without submitting Download School Leaver CV TemplateGraduate CV template Graduate CV Template Email address: Please enter a valid email addressmessage here By clicking Submit, you accept our Terms & Conditions and consent to receive emails and career related topics. See our Privacy policy for details. Continue without submitting Download Graduate CV TemplateView all CV templatesNeed more CV advice?It takes an employer just seven seconds to save or reject a job applicant’s CV. This means creating a succinct CV is absolutely vital if you want to land that all-important interview. To find out how to make your CV stand out from the crowd, buy James Reed’s new book: The 7 Second CV: How to Land the Interview.*Intentional spelling mistakes for the win  Read more CV help tips  Still searching for your perfect position?  View all available jobs nowFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the

Writing Credits on Resume

Writing Credits on ResumeWhile writing credit information for your resume, it is important to be careful about the type of credits that you include. You do not want to make a mistake and write false information and eventually destroy your chances at getting a job. As a result, below are a few important pointers to help you make a better decision.First, you need to make sure that your references are valid. Some employers may not even bother to check your references. If you are going to include any personal or professional references, make sure that they are from reliable sources. It is okay to include references that are from your current company but you must ensure that they are valid.Second, be very cautious when writing the credits on your resume. Try to make sure that you actually use the right credits. Many employers are not really paying attention to these details and may end up making a mistake when they do.Third, try to take into account for deductions that may have been made on your employment. You should take note of any kind of discrepancies when you are preparing your resume. If you notice any discrepancies, it is best to contact the company and request an explanation.Fourth, there are many companies out there that offer the opportunity to fill out your credit information online. This is quite convenient and easy to do. However, you must be careful that the information you submit on the website is accurate.Fifth, you can try using services that claim to provide you with updated credit information. However, many people fail to report inaccuracies on their credit reports because they don't want to pay for the service. You need to read the fine print of the agreement so that you know what kind of restrictions you have to adhere to when reporting information.Sixth, make sure that the credit information you are submitting is current. Sometimes employers will remove entries if they find that they were made before the year is over. It is important to make s ure that you have everything up to date.Seventh, while it is important to be careful when writing credits on resume, it is equally important to be sure that your credit information is accurate. Always ensure that you are not making any errors. Remember, employers are not going to hire a person who has a lot of credit issues.

Monday Motivation Introducing Classy Career Girl!

Monday Motivation Introducing Classy Career Girl! Happy Monday!   Big announcement today!   Classy Career Girl has a face! ??   I have decided to no longer be an anonymous blogger.   You can check out my photo and learn more about me on my about page now.   I am so excited the secret is out! Another big announcement is that I am now offering coaching!   If you have read my blog for any amount of time you know that I LOVE helping you nail interviews, knock down your networking barriers and find fulfilling careers.   I have a passion to help you all  change your career and life so that you are successful, happy and balanced.   If you are interested in a free coaching call, please check out my about page and send me an email at anna@classycareergirl.com. Remember to stop by Facebook today and share your goal for the week!   Here are your careerlinks to start your week off right! Summer reading list for students by My colleges and careers. Thanks for including my book recommendation! The best cities for young professionals by Forbes How to deal with a boss from a different generation by Adam Rico at Work You Enjoy How to become a leader by Corporette A guide for Summer Interns by Great on the Job. The only thing holding you back is your own fear. -Seth Godin

Socially Inspecting What You Are Expecting - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Socially Inspecting What You Are Expecting - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Social media has truly changed the way people do business and connect with each other online. What’s great about social media is the fact that it’s fast and easy. Typically, you communicate with others in short and concise messages, so it’s important that you learn the best way to get your information out there using the shortest amount of text. Though it’s easy to set up accounts in different social media sites available online, it’s essential that you plan your strategy before using social media for your business or your brand campaign. It is definitely an effective tool that can produce results if used properly. So,   how do you make social media count for you or your business and yourself   ? Here are some tips. Get feedback from your clients/fans Feedback is an important part of a business. You want to ensure that you’re taking into consideration what people are saying about your products or services, because as you know, customer satisfaction is extremely important for a business even for a person. One way to make social media count for you is to ask for comments and feedback from your clients. Generally, most people like voicing their opinion and offering advice. You can also ask your viewers for suggestions on a new product line, or ideas for a promotional campaign. When people see that you’re really listening and implementing their suggestions, they’re more likely to become more enthusiastic about participating in future discussions. Step up your personal or business branding With social media, you can definitely step up your personal or business branding campaign. You want to get the most exposure for your business, and social media can definitely help you with this. Using different social sites, you can easily post new blog posts, product events, promotions and announcements, and so on. What’s great about social media is that it enables you to reach a wide array of audiences in an instant. A word of caution, however; you should use social media to engage your customers in a dialogue or conversation, not merely to sell your services. Social media actually personalizes business, making them more appealing to your consumers. So you want to first connect with people and establish credibility before you can even consider trying to sell them any product or service. Widen your network Social media makes it easy to connect with your clients as well as other businesses. You never know if the next person you add in Facebook or follow in Twitter could be your next customer or business partner. Because social media is typically used for instant, real-time conversations, it really helps engage your clients and form relationships with other brands. To successfully make social media count for you, plan your campaign strategy. In the beginning, you may be unsure what works or not, but through trial and error, you can ultimately find what works for you and your business. Remember to concentrate on your target audience â€" social media has truly changed how business works, putting the power back to the consumers. When you are able to establish a group of loyal followers who are willing to tell others about your brand, then that’s the time you can really see social media work for you. For personal brands, Im anxious to hear back from you on   how you harness the power and inspect the actions you do on platforms.   Organizations have always connected with someone for their skills, abilities, possibilities, potential and connections. We, very much, operate in environments that revolve around not just who you know and who knows you.   It is also about who knows you well. Word of mouth has always been mighty.   Now, with social media, it is mighty and fast. How do you inspect that your social platforms are highlighting your authentic brand attributes? Author: Maria Elena Duron, is managing editor of the Personal Branding Blog and is also the CEO (chief engagement officer) of buzz2bucks.com â€" a word of mouth marketing firm. She helps create connection, credibility, community and cha-ching through mobile marketing and social commerce around your brand. She is co-founder of #brandchat a weekly twitter chat focused on every aspect of branding.

How to Use a Resume Template For You

How to Use a Resume Template For YouA resume template is a very simple document that uses templates to help you format your information. It is used to create a resume that is going to be unique and different than what others are using. This is a great thing for many people because it saves time and money.There are various methods that are used to create a resume. Some of them may take longer than others. When it comes to creating a resume, you can simply go with the method that will save you the most time and money.Each person has their own individual needs. You want to ensure that your resume is formatted in such a way that it will fit into your profile. After all you should not have to spend hours trying to figure out how to correctly format your information. If you did you would probably have a hard time writing your resume.Once you find the various methods you can then start working on your resume. The next step would be to start looking for companies that are currently hiring. M ake sure you do your research and find the company that will fit your skill set best.In order to format your resume you first need to get an initial resume. You can then get a second one which will allow you to make changes to your resume when you know the company you are working for is open for more applicants. Your second resume will also allow you to get hired faster and get your foot in the door.You can easily get a resume template that is perfect for you. These templates are designed in such a way that they allow you to format your information in the exact way that you would like. You will find that once you are finished with your resume it is the easiest thing you have ever done.You can also use these templates to help with your recent college graduates. If you are in your final year of college and are looking for a job right away. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and get a job as soon as possible.If you are interested in this process then it is important that you begin to do it as soon as possible. Do not wait until you are in your late twenties and old to take advantage of it. You need to start working now so that you can find a job and get hired quickly.

6 Simple Steps for Increasing Your Productivity in the Workplace - CareerMetis.com

6 Simple Steps for Increasing Your Productivity in the Workplace Increasing yourproductivity in the workplace is mostly your job. If there is motivation from your superiors and your co-workers, increasing your productivity levels is going to be a bit easier.But motivation is not easily found. So you must work under the assumption that, the only one that will motivate you in the workplace is going to be you! But is this going to be enough?evalHere are some easy to do steps that will help you increase your own productivity in the workplace:1. Calculate the time you spend for your tasksStudies have shown that, only 17% of people are actually able to accurately measure the time they spent for their tasks in the workplace. If you do not know exactly how much time you spent for every task thenincrease your productivity is not going to be easy.You need to know exactly how much time each task is going to take. That way you will be able to give more time to where it is needed and less time to where it is not. This will help you pick up your pace, work bett er and faster.2. How often do take a break?You need to commit to your job. You need to be ready to give it 100%. But how will you do it if you are tired? Did you know that, after a few hours, the human brain actually loses its flexibility?If you open your computer at 8 o’clock in the morning and you start working, non-stop until 4 o’clock in the afternoon then you need to know that your brain is not going to function the same way. At 8 o’clock in the morning were a lot more productive than what you are at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock or 4 o’clock in the afternoon.By taking a break every few hours to drink some coffee or simply take some fresh air, you will give your brain time to relax and start functioning properly again.3. Give yourselves a few deadlinesYour boss is definitely going to do that. You will always havedeadlines for your tasks. However, if you know that you are a fast worker then, give yourselves a personal deadline.evalIf the task is needed in two days and you ca n do it in one than set the deadline that seems more convenient to you.Applying just a little bit of extra pressure yourselves will be able to increase your productivity within just a few days. Don’t overdo it though. The key here is to pressure yourself enough to work better but not completely fry your brain.4. Decrease the time of meetings in the workplaceIf there is one thing that takes a lot of time and most of the times, it is abundant then that would be workplace meetings. Meetings are important of course.However, even during meetings, there has to be a deadline. If you are responsible to organize the meetings make sure that you will know exactly what each meeting is going to be about. Calculate the time you’re going to need and keep that timeline.evalDon’t waste your time chatting with your co-workers or changing the subject during the meeting. It will waste your time and decrease your productivity.5. Perfection does not exist. Accept it!Everyone wants to be the best at what they do. Everyone believes that, their work can be perfect. And, it can definitely be very good. But perfect is an exaggeration.Perfection in the workplace does not exist. Or if it does, it is nearly impossible to achieve. If you strive for perfection and you never achieve it then your productivity levels are going to drop.Accept the fact that, perfection does not exist. That way, you will be able to increase your productivity in order for you to achieve your maximum result. It will help you calculate your time better and not waste it chasing after an illusion.6. Don’t let others interrupt youSpending time at the office means that you will be spending time with your co-workers. Some co-workers do not understand that, constant interruptions are going to bring you out of your zone. They do not understand that you will have to devote more time into getting back on track.When you are working you need to let your co-workers know that you are not to be interrupted. If you have dec ided to spend two hours on a particular task you need to do so without any interruption.That will allow the productivity to flow. Try it a couple of times and you will see amazing results sooner than later.These are six simple steps to take in order to increase your productivity levels in the workplace. Of course, these are just the beginning. Each individual is different.Perhaps, there is something else that might help you increase your productivity levels while you work. For example, it must not come as a surprise to you to learn that, some people work better during cold days. For these people, the summer could be really bad for their productivity.evalAlways remember that, creating the perfect environment for you is most certainly going to help you increase your productivity. Make sure that you will talk to your manager about it.Let them know that, if you do all of the above, you will definitely be able to give them much better results. They do welcome increased productivity level s. They will help you achieve them. Just let them know what it is that you want to do and how soon you should do it.

6 Creative Ways to Stand Out in the Job Search! (guest blog by Peggy McKee)

6 Creative Ways to Stand Out in the Job Search! (guest blog by Peggy McKee) 0 Flares 0 Flares This post was guest blogged by Peggy McKee of the  Medical Sales Recruiter Tips Quips Blog. Peggy is also the founder of PHC Consulting, a nationally recognized medical sales and life sciences industry search firm. Can’t get an interview? Can’t get past the first interview? Are you demonstrating the levels of commitment, drive, tenacity, skills and  organization employers want? Here are 6 tried and true ways to separate you from other candidates and be the candidate everyone wants to hire: 1.   Preparation =  SWOT Analysis: SWOT is a strategic planning tool.   It stands for Strengths (attributes helpful to achieving the objective), Weaknesses (attributes harmful to achieving the objective), Opportunities (external conditions that will be helpful to achieving the objective), and Threats (external obstacles or conditions that will harm the process).   Look at the pictureâ€"it helps.    Doing a SWOT analysis on the  company demonstrates your drive, commitment, and skills, along with helping you  create a better 30/60/90-day plan. Click here for advice on how to do one and avoid mistakes. 2.   30/60/90-Day Plan : A  30-60-90-day plan is a short, 1-3 page  outline for what you will do when you start the job.   Essentially, you spell out for your future employer, in as little or as much detail as necessary, how you will spend your timeâ€"in training, learning company systems, introducing yourself to customers, and your initial plan to build sales.   It demonstrates exactly how you’ll be an asset.    A 30/60/90-day plan is  an almost-guaranteed way to impress any hiring manager or hiring team. If you absolutely can’t get an interview, you could try  e-mailing your 30/60/90-day plan to the sales manager.   It’s an attention-getter, and it  could be the key to get you in the door. 3.   Video or Audio Communication -: Send the interviewer an audio of video clip of yourself.   Keep it short and sweet, and make sure you’ve checked lighting, background, and sound quality.   One idea:   Structure it like an  elevator pitchâ€"what can you do for the company and why can you do it? 4.   Brag Book  : A brag book is a folder/ binder that you can use during  your interview process to clarify your skill sets.   It can include letters of recommendation, “attaboy” notes (or any notes commenting on what a good job you’ve done),  staff ranking, annual reviews (if you include some, include them all), rewards letters, your resume, types of equipment you’ve used or marketed, certifications or other educational courses, any financial or PowerPoint presentations, copies of articles you’ve written, brochures you’ve helped develop, and a college transcript (though ONLY if you’re just getting out).   Here’s a  link to a video that explains more. 5.   References : It’s critical that you have  winning references.   Some people believe that references never get called, but they do.   You should know  how to choose a good reference, and know with stake-your-job-on-it certainty what they will say about you.   You can (and should) even coach them beforehand, to help them tailor their answers to the job. 6.   Follow-up/Thank You Notes : Don’t underestimate how important  thank you letters are in the job interview process.   Everybody “knows” they’re critical, but unbelievably, not everyone writes them.   Thank you letters accomplish several things: They get your name in front of the hiring manager one more time. They are your last chance to package yourself as the best, most qualified person for the job. They are polite, and manners count. They can be an example of your ability to take in information (the interview) and process and provide feedback or new ideas about whatever the problem was. For example:   “I thought about your concerns about how to handle xyz delivery issues, when I was a product manager at ABC corporation, we used………” (See what I mean?) Handwritten thank-yous are nice, but e-mail thank yous are fast.   Sometimes, hiring decisions are made quickly, so a timely note can be critical. I know these things will help you become an outstanding candidate! If you need more personalized help, please see my  custom consulting page.   If you’re really having trouble, a fresh pair of expert eyes can point out  issues or problems  that are keeping you from getting the job you want. Guest blog written by Peggy McKee the medical sales recruiter Get top medical sales candidates at PHC Consulting Contact Peggy: Click here to follow Peggy on Twitter Click here to connect with Peggy on Linkedin

Accentuate The...Negative (Part 1)

Accentuate The...Negative (Part 1) options, originally uploaded by recovering lazyholic, found via kind over matter As creatives, we’re doubters. We doubt our talent, our ability. We doubt that the world will receive us positively. We doubt we can support ourselves without “stability”. We doubt that what we do is “good enough”, or “unique enough” â€" or just plain good unique. We worry. We take that Vampire voice, the one that whispers negative thoughts into our heads, listen to it. We let it take away our trust, our enthusiasm, our energy our optimism. Why does The Negative stick, The Positive gets thrown away? In two separate sessions with two separate clients â€" artists both â€" the theme of positivity/negativity came up, they were eerily similar. One client realized that she can listen to compliments on a loop for 24 hours â€" all genuine, all different, all sincere â€" without any of them sinking in, while that one negative comment, “You have no voice” or “You copy other people’s work” lays on her shoulders with every piece she works on. The other client discovered that he was embarrassed to send a link to his website to family friends, even though two of his relatives asked how they could get prints of his work. Even though he was getting positive feedback from putting his photos on his Facebook profile, his Vampire Voice was saying, ‘You’re not good enough” “You’re not perfect” “They’re all gonna laugh at you.” So, why is it that we don’t allow the positive comments, the kudos the accolades, sink in? Why does the one negative comment â€" or the fear of it â€" overshadow the 100 positive ones, or hinder our ability to move forward? When we go to paint, or set-up a shot, or perform a song, why does The Negative haunt us? Why don’t we allow ourselves to focus on the relatives that want our work hanging in their home, or on the fan emails we’ve received saying that something we’ve done meant something to someone else? Why can’t we accentuate The Positive? I wish I had the answer. Well, I kinda do. I have a few answers, actually. Obviously the same answer won’t apply to everyone, but here are some possibilities: You’re making yourself unresponsible for your own success. If you hide behind these negative comments, then you’re taking ownership away from yourself.   If you don’t let your friends family know that you have a website, that website has a shop, that shop will let you order prints, then you have something or someone else to blame when nobody pays you for your work. Youre not in the drivers seat. You use it as excuses to not move forward. Aren’t those excuses warm cozy? “I’m unoriginal”, “I’m embarrassed”, “What if they talk about me behind my back?”   Just like a blanket to hide under. You don’t want to be vulnerable. Let’s face it, being original unique is freakin’ scary. Putting yourself out there for the world to judge…shiver. If you just play it safe, then nothing can hurt you. You don’t want to set yourself up for disappointment. I spoke in my recent vlog post about covering up The Good Things so it doesn’t look like you’re bragging. And, if you start believing The Good Things, then you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Right? I know I conditioned myself as an actress to never allow a good callback â€" one complete with a lot of positive reinforcement â€" to make me think I booked something. Because, when I didn’t, that wall I spent so much time building up would come tumbling down, I’d be more than disappointed. I’d be devastated. But now I’m a life coach, here to make my clients see all the good they bring into the world, all they have to offer. And let’s face it: we all have something unique to bring to the table. Even if your style of painting or photography or dancing is similar to someone else’s (that’s why broad categories like “Pop Art” “Modern Dance” exist), it doesn’t mean that it’s a copy. It can’t be. If you go to a ballet, do you see the same routine every single time? If you see a still life exhibit, does every bowl of fruit contain the same fruits, shot or painted the same way with the same colors the same style? Of course not. It’s impossible, really. So how do you embrace you? How do you allow yourself to be vulnerable, and not only hear the positive comments but embrace them, letting them guide you to creating your best work having fun in the process (because, let’s face it, it’s never a good time with a vampire on your back)? Ill be back tomorrow with some ideas, but until then, please comment with your own! Id love to hear how you accentuate The Positive (e-lim-en-ate the negative.)!