Make Your Curriculum Vitae Stand Out

 

Do’s

 

Once you have decided where you are going to apply, the next step is to draft your application. Though it takes a lot of time and effort to master the art of making your application different from the rest, it is worth it.

 

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Right Stationary

Use good quality white bond paper to type the application and use matching quality colour envelope.

 

Your coloured personal stationery is acceptable, if it not garish. The envelope should be large enough so that everything goes in easily.

 

Get the application neatly typed, with a layout pleasing to the eye and without errors.

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Covering Letter

Attach a brief covering letter of not more than one page to your CV, which highlights your qualifications and experience, which are especially relevant to the job that you are applying for.

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Your strengths and Weaknesses

Your strengths should be emphasized, especially the ones which have a bearing on the job.

 

However, your weaknesses must not be totally eliminated or cursorily glossed over. This approach will reflect your honesty making the interviewer more receptive.

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Address your Application

Applications must be addressed properly. If the application is not addressed to a manager in a specific department then it should be addressed to the Personnel Manager. Never send it to M/s So and So Ltd. In all likelihood it will never reach the concerned person.

 

Do not forget to enter the date on your application.

 

Give all the details, including the name of your present employer. It does not make much sense to keep the name a closely guarded secret, as it serves no purpose.

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Give References

 

Always try to give the name of at least two references in the bio-data. However, the references should be known to you and should be appropriate to the level of job applied for. Your college professor or former boss, someone who knows you well enough and has some evidence of your performance and ability are better referees to use.

 

Follow the basic courtesies by obtaining a prior permission from the referees and only then give their names as references. Do keep them informed whether you did or did not get the assignment.

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Clarify certain details

 

It is also essential to clarify if you are agreeable to be placed anywhere in the country, or whether the choices are restricted to a few, or even one location.

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Specify Emoluments

 

Specify the emoluments you expect with clarity. If you quote a salary plus the usual perks, they could mean anything from a car, house or chauffeur or nothing. Instead of helping you, such camouflaging of the actual emoluments which project your image as one who does not give all the facts.

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