Certified Professional Resume Writer
Archive for the ‘CV Formats’ Category
Email your CV in plain text.
When you cannot use attachments or formatted documents, copy and paste the relevant sections of your Pro-CV PLAIN TEXT.txt file or your own .txt file (without line breaks) into your EMAIL ‘compose’ box.
If a job description asks you to include a plain text CV in the body of an email, make sure your email software is set to send plain text. Otherwise, your email browser will add formatting to your CV and the recruiter may assume you didn’t follow instructions.
The method for sending a plain-text email depends on the email program you’re using. Look for a “Plain Text” button or option and/or make sure the “Rich Text Editor” is off. Further information can usually be found in the “help” section of the program.
Here are instructions for some major email programs.
* GoogleMail/GMail:
Choose “Compose Mail”. Click “plain text” option amongst the formatting options. Then, simply copy and paste your CV into the e-mail. You may have to make some minor formatting changes.
* Yahoo! Mail:
Create a new e-mail. At the bottom of the email, click the “plain text” button. Then, simply copy and paste your CV into the e-mail. You may have to make some minor formatting changes.
* Hotmail:
Create a new e-mail, in the pull-down field labelled “Tools” make sure the “Rich Text Editor” is off. You’ll be able to tell if you’ve successfully turned the Rich Text Editor off as all the formatting options will disappear from your compose screen. You may have to make some minor formatting changes.
* Windows Live Mail:
If you don’t see a menu, press ALT. Click Tools then Options. Click the Send tab. Next to Mail Sending Format, tick the option for Plain text. Click the Compose tab. Set the Compose Font for mail to 10 pt. Courier New. Click OK.
* Microsoft Outlook:
Create a new email, click on the “Format” button and choose the “Plain Text” option. Then, simply copy and paste your resume into the new email. You may have to make some minor changes, but most of your formatting should remain intact.
Note:
Before sending an email, read over all the contents of the compose box to ensure that you have copied and pasted the relevant sections. For instance, have you inadvertently included your references?
Looking for the perfect gift for you or someone else?
Resumes that Pop!
hit the bookshelves of major US booksellers
and is available on-line at Amazon in the UK
The book’s author, Pat Criscito, says that the perfect resume is the one that fits the personality of its owner – but where do you start to find a format that is right for you?
There are many choices and most of them are discussed in this comprehensive book. They include ideas for hard copy paper versions, for electronic files, and for LinkedIn and Facebook profiles.
For inspiration on how to manage your on-line reputation using blogs and e-folios and increase your chances of securing the job you want, check out the 200 samples in Resumes that Pop!
CV Formats: (2) Functional / Competency-based Format
The functional CV uses the target job’s key skills as section headings.
Pros …
- Gaps in employment are less obvious.
- No continual repetition of skills.
- Skills, capabilities, and accomplishments are emphasised and prioritised according to importance rather than chronology.
Cons …
- This is not the traditional format and the reader could suspect that you have something to hide, such as gaps in employment or a history of job hopping.
- Does not emphasise career development and promotions.
- It is not easy to see what you did when.
Use it to …
- Highlight your skills and achievements, including those from past experience.
- Draw attention to skills and achievements gained outside of employment.
- Avoid repeating skills and responsibilities.
The traditional reverse chronological CV lists your experience starting with your most recent job.
Pros …
• Preferred by most employers because it clearly shows your experience, job titles, and gaps in employment.
• Directly ties your responsibilities and accomplishments with companies and timeframes.
Cons …
• Key achievements could be buried.
• Gaps in employment are very evident.
• Job hopping is revealed.
• If your most recent job is not relevant, this could be distracting to the reader.
Use it to …
• Highlight your most recent job.
• Draw attention to your consistent career development when you are looking for a similar or more senior role in the same industry.
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Supplied by Pro-CV Writing Services (http://www.pro-cv.co.uk)
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