What does 'CV' mean?
Find out what CV means. CV is explained by Jo Parfitt and Colleen Reichrath-Smith - authors of Career in Your Suitcase
CV
A formal document that outlines your career history. CV is short for curriculum vitae. Can also be called resume or biodata. What a CV should contain varies from country to country so it is important that you do your research before producing one in your new location.Search result for 'CV' in Career in Your Suitcase
Chapter 2:
Find Your Passion
"...continue in the field of career development with limited skill in the Dutch language. I considered a few other options to help me work and learn the language like teaching fitness classes again or working in a store for the first time. When I went to adapt my CV for this purpose, however, I got stuck. It was at that point, with the help of my portfolio, I found my hot tracks and again found a way to follow my passion.
..."
"...fear of success than by our fear of failure. Sadly, we receive more attention from others if we recount tales of failure instead of success. It is not as socially acceptable to be one who ‘blows their own horn’ and this is exactly why many have difficulty writing their CV
..."
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Chapter 4:
Creating Your Career
"...work, community activities and hobbies. This combo-career offers a mix of activities able to satisfy a person’s wide range of needs for fulfilment, purpose and variety. When I (Jo) lived in Muscat, Oman, I had a portfolio of careers. I taught desktop publishing and creative writing, ran a CV-writing service, did some journalism, sold books via a party plan scheme, made and sold date chutney, ran a take-away service for my Indian maid and even made Christmas tree decorations to sell at festive bazaars. That kept me busy, and the variety of so many different projects at once ..."
653.
"... I want to meet and add to my network?
• Where can you find your clients/potential employers?
• Where can you network?
• Where will you advertise/post your CV?
• What will you do for free to reach this goal?
• What will you need to do/produce first?
• How will you find out ..."
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Chapter 5:
Networking
"...across countless examples of people who found work through the hidden job market. One of my (Jo’s) friends, newly arrived in Dubai, found herself a job as a secretary for an airline company by chatting to someone at a drinks party. I started working for an employment agency writing CVs, because my husband had told someone he’d met in a bar that his wife had arrived in town and was looking for work. I once ran a writing workshop for a large ferry company because I met someone who worked there at a wine tasting event. And I found ..."
"...not necessarily with that specific company, and to see if you can obtain the names of some more people you could contact who may also have additional further information. You should always dress for such a meeting as if you were going to an interview, and take along your CV just in case. You can ask for feedback on your CV or marketing materials, so you are better able to target these when you do start actively searching. You never know, you may be offered a job or contract on the spot, but let that be on their initiative.
..."
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Chapter 6:
Marketing Your Skills
2.
"... Opportunities -
Regardless of what type of opportunity you are looking for, you will need to market your skills. There are occasions when you will need to submit your CV on its own or as part of a proposal. As well you will need to write cover letters and emails.
Jo has been freelance ..."
"...Marketing your skills will require you to prepare a summary of your skills, accomplishments and qualifications, otherwise known as a CV or resume. You will need to write a cover letter or email to accompany and introduce a CV or proposal. Few jobs and contracts are offered until at least one, often face-to-face, interview has taken place. Even if you are offered a position through your networking efforts, you will ..."
"...Conducting a focused work search requires a method of organising the information you’re collecting, and of recording the concrete steps — such as information interviews and sending out CVs — that you have taken. Getting and staying organised has several advantages over just trying to remember what you’ve learned and done. Unless your search is short, or you are blessed with an extraordinary memory, you won’t remember everything.
..."
"...• An opportunities binder, alphabetical filing system or online document access like Google docs in which to keep track of all the companies you research and the vacancies you find and to which you apply. Keep a copy of the vacancy, the targeted CV itself, to whom and how you sent your CV, and when you sent it. Keep track of when you called to ensure the CV was received and to whom you spoke. This is an essential opportunity to use ‘charming persistence’ and to monitor progress of the process
..."
"...We suggest you use these fairs primarily as a networking and information gathering opportunity. Don’t expect an immediate job offer to result. With good preparation beforehand, a career fair can be enjoyable and interesting. Bring your networking CV, your business cards (ones you have made up specifically for your work search) and a notepad and pen. Dress as if you were attending an interview. Research in advance the websites of the companies who will be hosting a booth. You can use some of the same questions you ..."
"...is revolutionizing the world and the way we connect with each other. This includes how we are networking and finding out about work opportunities. Do not underestimate the value of these tools for finding opportunities in today’s labour market. Online work search today is more than posting your CV on a website or reviewing job listings. It is about developing a relationship with your potential employer’s recruiter and developing trust. A 2011 US survey from Jobvite reports nearly two-thirds of the 800 employers surveyed had used social media in their recruiting; 55 percent of these were ..."
"...Facebook is another key social media site. Use the timeline feature of Facebook to create an online CV-like profile. Facebook has a number of related apps for work search available including ‘the who button’ and ‘BeKnown’. Another way to use Facebook for your work search is to follow their job hunting and careers pages. The Branchout app has over three million jobs and ..."
"...If you are a supporting spouse and your partner’s company is a member of Partnerjob, you will be able to post your CV on a member site for viewing by all other member companies. In addition you will be able to search for vacancies. This site is designed to offer the kind of short-term contract work perfect for mobile spouses. Find it at www.partnerjob.com.
..."
205.
"... individual work searcher. They provide insights into and support for work search in more than 75 different countries around the world.
Online CV databases
Just as you can search the Internet to find out what jobs are available, hiring employers can search the Internet themselves to find ..."
"...find out what jobs are available, hiring employers can search the Internet themselves to find potential candidates to fill their available positions too. Online databases offer you, the job seeker, a ‘billboard’ on which to advertise your credentials and your interest in finding a new position. Hundreds of CV databases are online today, each offering different services. You’ll need to understand the various features and then decide which arrangement will best suit your needs. A few sites charge a fee to show your CV, but most are free for the job seeker. All-encompassing websites like www.monster.com ..."
"...‘I found a job listing, applied with my CV, was asked for an interview and secured the job. I have secured four jobs this way. Having worked in career and professional development for many years, I probably have more knowledge than most about how to create strong career marketing materials and present a compelling case in the ..."
215.
"... what sorts of companies use it to locate candidates and what their success rates are.
They should also have a privacy policy for what happens with your CV when you are finished your work search.
Online privacy
According to Richard Bolles, once your CV is posted it is almost ..."
219.
"... you are finished your work search.
Online privacy
According to Richard Bolles, once your CV is posted it is almost impossible to completely remove it and he quotes an estimated 40,000,000 lost CVs floating around in cyberspace.
Decide what level of privacy you feel comfortable with ..."
268.
"... values
Be easy to find — don’t expect a job or business to come looking for you. Make sure you get your website, brochure, CV or your product/service details out to as many potential customers as possible. Have a business name that communicates your service or product clearly
Be easy to ..."
"...Develop your online presence by creating your own website to post your CV and include related materials. Some people are creating online CVs. Your website is a place for you to more fully describe your mission, achievements and provide related proof. In this way your website can act as an online portfolio. Add a blog to it and a Twitter account and ..."
"...A portfolio can act as an archive or master CV for all your key information. Traditionally, artists, writers, photographers, models and designers have used portfolios of their work to market their talents in their constant search for freelance work. The benefits of a portfolio have now been recognised by other professionals. A targeted portfolio can be used to ..."
"...A formal work search generally means preparing a CV (curriculum vitae) and cover letter as well as going through an interview process whereby the employer or contract- provider selects the successful candidate. It is possible that through networking you have already ‘got the job’ but you need to provide the required documentation to formalise it. Here we provide ..."
418.
"... the required documentation to formalise it. Here we provide an overview of the tools needed for this process and tips to prepare them well.
TYPES OF CV
The CV is a concise, targeted, summary of your work and learning experiences. While it describes past experiences it is also a ..."
"...The CV is a concise, targeted, summary of your work and learning experiences. While it describes past experiences it is also a forward-looking document aimed at achieving your future goals. The CV will summarise your experience and highlight the most relevant points for the work you are wanting. The purpose of ..."
"...To clarify terms, in North America it is referred to as a resumé while in Europe it is called a CV. To further clarify terms, an academic CV is a much longer document and includes details of all published papers, qualifications, research and presentations. Traditionally there have been three kinds of CV: the chronological, the functional and the combination. More recently some new forms of CV have been developed: the ..."
426.
"... CV.
Chronological
The chronological CV lists your most recent experience first and progresses backwards through time. This is the most commonly used CV format and is preferred by employers as it is easy to see what skills were used when and where.
Functional
The functional ..."
"...The functional CV emphasizes skills, abilities and achievements without direct reference to employer and timeframe. Employers are more suspicious of this format as it can be used to disguise gaps in work history. It is most effective for people who have worked for longer periods of time in similar positions or for ..."
"...The combination CV contains the best of the chronological and functional CVs. It provides the most flexibility to tailor your CV to your specific situation and goals. Generally in this type of CV, experience and accomplishments are listed under skill headings and a work history is also provided in a separate section. ..."
"...A new type of CV is now available thanks to the advances and accessibility of technology. It is called a visual CV and incorporates more graphic elements like charts, maps, scales and pictures. Some employers may be more reticent to accept this type of CV, preferring to stick to what they know and not ..."
"...The networking CV allows you to follow-up your elevator pitch and elaborate your skills further. It is not targeted at a specific company or job opening but at opportunities in your desired career direction or business sector. Using the vision of your ideal opportunity to guide you, write your networking CV ..."
444.
"... elements of the above CV’s formats.
Vehicles which also perform similar functions to a networking CV include your LinkedIn profile, your Facebook page and Pinterest collection. They are all ways to profile your skills, experience, interests and values.
GETTING IT RIGHT
The saying, ..."
"...The saying, ‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression’ is extremely relevant when it comes to your CV. Most CVs are read the first time within a few seconds with the intention to reduce the number of CVs to be read fully. The reader is looking for reasons to disregard your CV. Make sure your CV is well written, with the most relevant content easily found and ..."
452.
"... Find out locally what is required in a CV. In some countries, it’s standard to enclose a photograph. In others, such as the US, the employer is required to dispose of these CVs. Check with employment agencies, government agencies and local work search websites to learn about local customs.
..."
"...Regardless of where you are, it is essential you customise each CV to highlight the skills required for the position in that company. You do not need to include every task that was part of your responsibilities in a particular position. A CV is a marketing document and summary aimed at getting you an interview for the work you want.
..."
460.
"... you an interview for the work you want.
One option is to create a master CV with all your information so you do not need to remember it again every time you create a different version. Then all you need to do is tailor it to each position.
Be aware that page sizes in Europe are A4 ..."
"...Be aware that page sizes in Europe are A4 while North America uses ‘letter size’. Choose the appropriate paper size for where you are applying when writing your CV so it looks the way you expect when printed. If possible when sending your CV by post or courier, purchase stationery that has the same dimensions as the recipient’s and mail or fax your resume and cover letter on this stationery.
..."
466.
"... The average CV you will send will be two pages long. While for a work searcher with less than five years’ professional experience a single page is sufficient, those with more experience should work hard to keep it to two pages. If you are struggling with the two-page maximum, try the following:
..."
475.
"... job you are seeking. Consider leaving the rest out
Scanning
Some agencies and employers may scan your CV electronically and for this reason you should use a simple font, such as Arial, Helvetica or Times New Roman, at about
12 points, using black ink on white paper. Fasten separate sheets ..."
"...When emailing your CV, ensure the CV received on the other end looks the way you intended. Word now allows you to save and send a document in Adobe (pdf ) although this means it may not be saved in the employer’s recruitment software system. Save your document in the version of Word ..."
"...The content of the email will be well written, concisely referring to the position title, the attached cover letter and CV, expressing enthusiasm and interest for the position and noting you will make contact to ensure it has been received and could be opened. It will also include your contact information.
..."
"...Key words are used by larger companies to sort through resumes. The more key words you use which connect with the position you want, the higher up on the ratings your CV will come. Key words are used by search engines. As a result, if you post your CV content anywhere online you will want the most important and relevant key words to be there, so your CV will be found and read by your target market. You can learn more ..."
488.
"... words you think are most relevant. Reviewing the words in the results you find will also help you sharpen your list of key words.
THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF A CV
All CVs will generally contain these elements:
The objective
An objective can serve the purposes of providing an organising ..."
490.
"... the words in the results you find will also help you sharpen your list of key words.
THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF A CV
All CVs will generally contain these elements:
The objective
An objective can serve the purposes of providing an organising principle for the author and a guide for ..."
"...objective can serve the purposes of providing an organising principle for the author and a guide for its readers. In this way the reader doesn’t need to guess what kind of job you are applying for. A cover letter is often not read and can get separated from the CV. For this reason stating your objective in the cover letter alone is not an alternative. A good objective is stated briefly in a few words. In our opinion, if you are short on space, the objective can be left out as long as the CV is targeted and saved ..."
498.
"... A ‘professional profile’ or ‘summary of qualifications’ or ‘highlights of qualifications section’ allows the reader to quickly find the most relevant points which demonstrate you are a candidate with a CV to read more closely and invite for the interview.
Your ..."
"...As a general rule, you should list both your educational and professional qualifications in reverse chronological order, from most recent to least recent, regardless of the CV format you have chosen. Use bullets to make the content easy to read quickly and get you through the first speed-reading. Make sure your bulleted items begin with active and engaging verbs. Search online for ‘action verbs CV’ or ‘resume’. These lists can help you find the right word ..."
"...your voluntary experience. State the position you held, the name of the company and its location. Always state the start and end date (month and year) for each position you’ve had. Then list your most relevant and important responsibilities and achievements. Answer the foremost question every reader of your CV will have in mind: ‘What can this person do for me?’ Make sure it’s clear you are a person who has produced results in the past and will be able to do so for this employer as well. For past positions use action verbs in the past tense and ..."
"...If your volunteer experience does not connect directly to the position you are seeking, list it under its own heading using the same formatting as your professional experience. Include a short list of specific hobbies on your CV to provide a well- rounded impression of yourself. Stating you are taking guitar lessons demonstrates you are someone who is actively learning in their private life, and has self-discipline (as anyone who has tried to do this as an adult knows). Do not list reading and watching TV ..."
526.
"... be cautious or eliminate mentioning associations with, for example, a political or religious connection.
CV samples for portable careers are available at www.careerinyoursuitcase.com.
COVER LETTERS
A cover letter should always accompany your CV or proposal, using the same font and ..."
"...A cover letter should always accompany your CV or proposal, using the same font and paper as the CV. They may also be called ‘letters of interest’ or ‘motivation letters’. Your cover letter should be of the same quality as your CV and thus deserves equal attention and targeting effort. It may be read before or after ..."
"...The cover letter will refer to the CV and encourage the reader to continue reading the CV. An effective cover letter will introduce your CV to the reader, establish the frame of mind the reader brings to the CV and provide your reasons for the application. It can add positive background and supplementary material ..."
"...The tone of the cover letter will indicate a motivated candidate and find the middle ground between formality and familiarity. Using a generic letter to cover all your CVs communicates you have no special interest in the particular position. Compare it to how you would feel when someone makes an invitation to you in a way that you know they don’t really care one way or the other if you take them up on it. To prevent this ..."
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Chapter 8:
For the Journey
"...and transition, as well as life’s other challenges, is something called resilience. We have mentioned it several times throughout this book as a key skill for your career development. What do you do when Plan A doesn’t come together? When your computer dies with your masterpiece business plan or CV unsaved?
..."
470.
"... Self-discovery
• Occupational information
• Labour market information
• Planning
• Making choices
• Self marketing: CV, cover letter
• Networking
• Interviewing
• Staying organised and focused
• Troubleshooting and advice
• Support and ..."
"...development process as described in the model at the beginning of this section. Others work specifically with people to guide them through one or more of the various elements of career development: learning more about yourself, conducting career assessments, understanding the labour market, making choices, setting career goals, writing CVs and cover letters, learning networking and interviewing skills, negotiating a salary and other aspects of career development and work search. Some consultants are also trained coaches or certified psychologists.
..."
