Archive for the ‘Advice and Articles’ Category
February 21st, 2012 | 
Author: When you are job searching these days, whether it is for jobs in retail, banking or the leisure industry, knowing how to put together a CV or resume is a vital skill. Here we will use the example of jobs in retail as we look at the difference between a CV and a resume, and how you can adapt a CV to resume format. The main reason for using this example is that there are still plenty of vacancies in this sector – just take a look at the jobs in retail on the reed.co.uk site. While many of these jobs don’t require formal training, you are nonetheless only going to be in the running if you present well, and the very first introduction that you make to a potential employer is going to be through your CV or resume.
But just what is the difference between a CV and a resume? Well, the most basic difference is the length of each document, and what it is used for. A resume is basically a short summary of the longer CV. A good resume should be tailored to include only the details that are relevant when applying for the post, and so returning to our example of jobs in retail, the resume will generally be the most suitable format for entry level positions.
Wherever you are in world, the CV does not really differ in the type of content that it contains. However, the way that the CV is used is slightly different in the U.S. to the way that many European countries, including the U.K, use the CV. In the U.K, many employers will ask for a CV, regardless of the type of job, and so both a qualified manager and an entry level shop assistant will often be asked to submit a CV when registering interest for a post. In the U.S, the longer CV format is generally only used for applying for education, academic, research, or scientific positions, or applying for grants or fellowships.
Quite simply, the CV contains everything about your professional and academic life, as well as extracurricular activities. From high school through to college or university, and then on to professional training, the CV will have details of not just qualifications, but any publications or major presentations that you have produced. Awards and honours should also be included, as well as affiliations. Every job that you have ever done will be listed and described in your CV, as well as voluntary work and hobbies. This is why the resume format is more applicable to the job market, especially when applying for jobs that require no formal qualifications.
So why do employers require the full CV in the U.K? Well, the fact is that many don’t – this is actually something of a definition issue. The term CV is used a bit more loosely in the U.K, and can describe what is in effect a resume, as well as meaning the full story of your academic and professional life. The type of job determines which version is required. For more information on the difference between a CV and a resume, try looking at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curriculum_vitae.
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Using LinkedIn for Job Hunting
It is no secret that LinkedIn is an important tool to scout for jobs and develop professional contacts. Jobseekers can use this social media website to attain several benefits. For example, it can find information on the kinds of people that an employer is looking for or the hiring manager’s or recruiter’s name. The job seeker can also develop a personal connection at a company to increase his or her chances of recruitment. However, there are very few savvy job seekers who are actually able to use this network to their advantage. Most job seekers usually fumble around and stay completely unaware of the benefits that LinkedIn can provide.
Several HR management experts believe that LinkedIn is a powerful, yet underused tool for job searches. However, many users think that simply being active on the website will help them find the right opportunity. The fact is that your profile activity plays a very small role in getting a job interview, irrespective of how much or what kind of activity is taking place. If you have still not got a good connection or an interview through LinkedIn, you may have to rethink the way you use the website. Here are some guidelines that can help you use LinkedIn in the best possible way-
Approach Your Contacts the Right Way
LinkedIn is all about connecting with like minded professionals, so the first tip for you is to never be shy or hesitant to connect with anyone, including a former co-worker who you have not talked to in a long time. Everyone who is part of this network is also looking to spread their network, and a contact request from your end is expected. LinkedIn users are often more open to do things with other users because they expect the other person to do the same too. The point here is that you should not hold back from forming new contacts and building up your network on LinkedIn.
However, you must avoid coming across as too needy or zealous on LinkedIn. When you find someone in your LinkedIn network that can help you through his or her connections in a company you are applying for, then your approach is very important. You must inform your contact early on that you do not expect him or her to go out of the way to help you. In other words, you must say something along the lines of ‘I am not expecting an intervention or endorsement for this position from your behalf’. This will make the person adopt a more relaxed and friendlier stance.
If your LinkedIn contact is still new or someone you are not familiar with, you need to let that person know that you will be the most active person and do not expect or need too much of an effort from the contact’s side.
Talk To Your Contacts Offline
InMail is LinkedIn’s instant messaging service, and it is perfect if you are planning to establish first contact with someone. However, after the initial conversation, it is best if you use personal emails or phone calls for future contact. A personalized connection is faster and more effective than LinkedIn profile connections.
Just as when you meet someone for the first time, you want to make a good first impression, so it is with a cover letter. A cover letter is your introduction to a prospective employer, a chance for you to sell yourself. A good cover letter will make a good impression on that employer, and possibly get you an interview, if not get you hired, for the job that you want. Of course, the opposite is true if you have a cover letter that is bad. A bad cover letter is an unfortunate waste of time for everyone concerned.
A good cover letter will be formatted properly, using a business block style. It should have the date on it, your name and return address, and be addressed to the company you are applying to work at. Whenever possible, use the name and title of the person who does the hiring for the company, and use their name in the salutation. Salutations like, To Whom It May Concern or Dear Sir or Madam should be avoided.
Your cover letter should be typed using traditional or contemporary fonts like, Times New Roman or Arial. The font should not be more than 10 to 12 points. These fonts and font sizes are professional looking and easy to read. You should make sure that your spelling and grammar are correct, and that the tone of the letter is a positive one. A good cover letter should be no longer than one page in length, and printed on white bond paper. Nothing will get your cover letter ignored more than one that has a negative tone, that does not look or sound professional, and that is riddled with misspelling, bad grammar and slang terms. Also, a cover letter that is lengthy, and printed on colored paper will not make a good impression.
It is not good to send a cover letter that has little or no substance to it. It must contain concise details pertinent to the job that you are applying for. You should not send a cover letter that only states that your resume is enclosed. A good cover letter should contain coherent information organized into several paragraphs. It should start out by referring to the position that you are applying for, and how you came to know that the position was available. The employer will be interested in why you would like to work for the company, in the position that you are applying for, and he will be impressed when he reads your cover letter giving him some details about the business and position. This shows that you have done your research about the company, and that you are truly interested in the job.
In addition, a good cover letter will highlight your skill set. Take some the skills that you have listed on your resume that match up with the skills that the employer is looking for, and explain how the qualifications that you have can benefit the company and/or the department. It would also be advantageous for your cover letter to list a few of the good qualities you may have; for example, you might mention things like you are punctual, customer service oriented, or that you have a positive attitude. If your cover letter does not catch the eye of its reader by showing the skills or qualities that an employer is looking for, your resume may never be looked at.
In the last paragraph of a good cover letter you will want to express that you are looking forward to an interview, and indicate that you will call to follow-up in a specific amount of time. This should be done in a way that does not sound too pushy. You should also conclude your letter thanking the prospective employer for their time and consideration. Use a professional and proper closing such as, Sincerely, to end your letter. It would not be looked upon with favor to use a closing like, hope to hear from you soon, best wishes or be good.
The difference between a good and bad cover letter can mean getting an interview for the position you are applying for, or finding yourself applying for other positions.
