CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Résumé

Curriculum means "running", "course", "race" in Latin. So it won't be too inappropriate to translate Curriculum Vitae as "Life Course". Isn't that what we do on a CV? Write down the history of our lives?

Briefly, CV is a clearly stated, easily understood, impressive summary of your qualifications, skills, experiences and other qualities related with what you are applying to.

Résumé is French, meaning "summary". Please keep in mind, summaries are short!

The "Perfect CV"?
The truth is there isn't a magical "Perfect CV" as many people think, although there might be a right formula, which is often different every time.

In reality, a "Perfect CV" is the one that gets you an interview - and that's pretty much all it will do no matter how good it is. I haven't met many individuals who have acquired a job just on the basis of a CV and that for me is the key to the whole issue of writing one - It has to open the door to an interview for you. To walk in and get the job depends on your personality, your skills, your intelligence and how suitable you are for the job.

Your CV is the first impression that your future employer has about you. Since it is not possible to change the first impression, it is very important that the "first" impression should be the "right" impression.

Employer's Point of View
Employers receive hundreds of CVs every day. They have no time to read the CVs in detail and test the suitability of your qualities with job. They glance through and look for certain predetermined key points, for example, age, experience, qualifications, education, overall appearance of the CV etc. Any CV not suitable in terms of key points is destined for the dustbin.

A well-prepared CV should be noticed among hundreds. The design and presentation of your CV must grab attention. It should be simple, clear, well organized and related to what is required. It should point out the important points about your work experience, skills and education.

Following the initial elimination, the CVs are forwarded to related managers. Depending on the number of CVs and time, the manager will examine your CV and if you are lucky, read all of it. Being different and creative will make the difference.

So, it is important that your CV should contain job related and correct information. Not only what you write but also how you write reflects your personality. It should convince your future employer of your qualifications and skills. If your CV succeeds in that, then you will be in the short list and even in the interview list.

The Cover Letter
Another important thing to remember is a good cover letter. Both a CV and an application form require a cover letter, but the formats differ. For an application form, the cover letter can be short, just stating the post applied for-if not included in the form. A CV requires a longer letter, which personalizes your approach to an employer. Here a few tips for the main paragraphs of the cover letter:

• State what you are applying for and where you saw it advertised.
  
• Indicate your present situation.
  
• Highlight relevant aspects of your experience, both academic and work. Explain what you
  learned and how it would be useful to the employer.
  
• Sell yourself on the basis of your personal qualities, making sure that these match up
  with the requirements of the job
  
• Say something about the company/organization - what attracts you to apply to them
  and what you know about them but...please don't exaggerate.
  
• Close with some reference to availability for interview and the usual signing-off phrase.
  
• Make it clear, concise and interesting, keeping it informative and relevant. You can either handwrite or type your covering letter, according to your personal preference unless otherwise stated. However, a printed letter will always look better, especially if your handwriting in not good enough.

14 Tips For Writing A Good CV

1. Keep It Focused
A powerful CV should be specific, focused on goals. Don't try to look too smart or too cute. You are asking the employer to invest valuable time and money to choose you over other people. Your work experience, skills and education are important for the employer, not your witty remarks.

2. Trim It Up
For new graduates, people with less than 2 years of experience or students, keep your CV to one page. Even experienced ones should write maximum 2 pages and not more.

For information such as projects, courses and conferences attended/given, publications and other information that is "available upon request", additional 1, max.2 pages is sufficient.

The cover letter must not exceed one page but should be more than a few sentences!

3. Pay Attention To Spelling And Punctuation
Wrong expressions, typo and grammar mistakes, spelling and punctuation errors will create the image of a "careless" person no matter how good your CV is.

The language should be simple and easy to understand but don't make it dull. Use a dictionary and a thesaurus for enrichment.
After writing your CV, read it a couple of times. Pass it over to a friend with good writing skills to do an editorial review and proofreading.

4. Numbers Are Important
Numbers grab attention and stay in mind. Use numbers in your CV.

Sometimes a number is worth ten words. For example "I have achieved %45 increase in sales" is more powerful than "I have contributed to the increase in sales".

5. Read Between The Lines
Read the ad carefully. Read it again.
Customize your resume to match the requirements in the ad, but be honest. You might write a different CV for each job application, especially if you are experienced in different areas. Make sure that your CV is not misleading.

Pay attention to key words and the qualifications in the ad. Use the same words or the synonyms in your CV. Try to learn about company culture and organization structure. If possible visit the company web site to learn about the company. You can make use of this information while writing your CV.

6. Make Sure Your Qualifications Match
Don't send your CV if your qualifications don't match with what is required. It would be a waste of time on your side and on the employee's and the only place your CV will end up will be the dustbin. Besides your expenses like paper, stamp, postage, you would be stealing the other side's time.

7. Sell Benefits Not Just Skills
A washing machine producer does not sell a machine that only cleans your clothing. It sells the benefits of owning a washing machine that will save you time and effort, give comfort and protect your clothes, save on electricity and soap.

Don't forget that you are selling the benefits of your skills to employers, not just skills, qualifications and experience. Explain the benefits of these to your employer but don't exaggerate. Focus on what the employer will gain by giving the job to you.

8. Make Sure It Looks Good
Use a simple and plain format. If you are going to use one of the formats in programs like MSWord, choose the plainest one. Stay away from using too colorful and contrasting templates. Your CV should be easy to read and not strain the eye.
Add a recent photo but be careful! Your photo must be business related.

Another important point is not to use fancy fonts. If you are going to send your CV by e-mail, always use the standard fonts. If the recipient doesn't have your font on the computer, your CV will be viewed as a mess and sent to the dustbin.

9. Talk About Your Recent Experiences
Don't talk about your childhood. Focus first and foremost, on your recent experience that is most relevant to the position at hand. Focus on the required skills. Less relevant and/or dated experience should be either eliminated or summarized in brief point form near the end of your resume.

If the resume gets too long, don't mention your irrelevant past experiences at all or just summarize them at the end. The employer would be interested in what you have been doing recently and whether you are suitable for the position, not your childhood success stories.

10. Be Honest
Be creative but do not exaggerate your experiences and skills. Don't say you can manage with a language when all you can do is count to three and ask for water. And think about it- if you happen to get a job based on lies, you will live your days with the fear of eventually being found out. Think about the embarrassment and loss of personal credit afterwards. Is it worth it?

11. Stick to Rules
Submit your CV exactly in the form required by the employer. If e-mail or fax is preferred, do it that way. If they ask for regular mail, send it by mail. This is their playing field and you have to show respect. Maybe they have a processing system that accepts only the advertised sending style?

If a reference number is given, don't forget to write it. Write the reference number on CV, cover letter and on the envelope if it is going to be mailed. If a name is given, make sure you write to that name.

12. Don't Get Lost In The Mail Or In The Company
Check to make sure the name and the address of the recipient is correct before mailing. Make sure that your name and address is written. If you are sending by mail and there is a deadline in the ad, send it by registered or express mail.

Make sure that the person you are addressing in the cover letter is the same person on the envelope.

13. Avoid Repetitions
In the cover letter, don't repeat what's already in the CV. It is a "cover" letter. It should be short and to the point. Introduce yourself first, and then briefly point out the reasons why you believe you are suitable for the job more than anybody else. Show your enthusiasm about the job and the company. Finish by saying that you are looking forward to hearing more from them soon and that you will follow-up if necessary.

14. Be Careful With E-Mail
Application by e-mail is a cheap and fast method but your CV might be thrown into dustbin just as fast if you don't pay attention to certain points.

If you are applying to more than one job, then send your e-mail to each of them separately. Never send to more than one address in the same e-mail. Every employer would like to feel special.

Always write your CV and cover letter using a word processor and send it attached to your e-mail. Make sure that you say what the e-mail is about in the Subject section of your e-mail.

When you are saving your CV, make sure it has a specific name, preferably your name, like "JaneAustinCV". Don't use meaningless names like "CV" or "resume". Make it specific.

Finally ask for a confirmation to make sure that your e-mail is received.

Finally...Do's and Don'ts for CVs

Make your CV stand out!!!... But for the right reasons.

• Aim to impress but don't let your imagination run wild.
  
• Keep your CV to the point. Maximum 2 pages.
  
• Be careful with the details. Avoid jargon and embellishment.
  
• Make it easy to read, use a computer or a typewriter.
  
• Watch your spelling, punctuation and grammar!
  
• Include all relevant information.
  
• Avoid chronological gaps in employment or educational history.
  
• Let a sharp sighted, trustable friend read it.
  
• Choose an easy-to-read format but try avoiding standard layouts.
  
• Try a different layout. Remember, it is a CV, not an application form. Maybe they are looking for something different.
  
• For creative posts BE creative.

Please send your questions about CV and cover letter writing to career@tangram.com.tr.