Tackling your CV "problems"
Where to start…
Few people have absolutely straightforward careers so some CVs can be harder to write than others. Below we’ll take a look at some of the more common problems you might come across when putting your CV together – and then show you how to handle them. When faced with situations like getting your first job; returning to work after a career break; and continuing in work as a mature employee, it may initially seem difficult to express these things positively on your CV – but it can be done! By highlighting key parts of your CV, you can emphasise your strengths rather than stressing your weaknesses.
Most CVs are a maximum of two sides of A4. Generally speaking, people tend to put the key facts and high priority information that tells an employer you know how to do the job on the front page, with back-up and lower-priority details on the second page. A good CV would display your Personal Profile (brief description of yourself, personal qualities, experience and skills and personal strengths), your Key Skills (the main skills you’ve developed that are most relevant to the job), your Career Objective (where you feel you are heading) and your Career History on the front page. On the back page would be details of your Education and Training (starting with the highest, most recent OR most relevant qualification), any Professional Training (undertaken at work) and your Personal Details.
Here are 12 of the most common CV ‘problems’ – and how to tackle them…
Problem 1. ‘My CV would fill four pages, at least’
The things you have done recently are more important to an employer than things you did years ago. Highlight the skills which are most relevant to the job you are applying for. Detail your recent experience and summarise everything else.
Problem 2. ‘I’ve just left school/college/university – what do I put in my CV?’
Without a career history you need to tell them what sort of interests and aptitudes you have. Include a Personal Profile to give a clearer picture of you. This should describe your positive qualities and your main strengths, while stressing the direction you hope your career will take.
At this stage, Education and Training is vital so cover your qualifications in detail. Also, make sure that you highlight your achievementsand any work experienceyou’ve done, demonstrating that you are familiar with a working environment.
Problem 3. ‘My work history doesn’t look consistent’
Your CV needs to sum up the main themes of your career history so that an employer can easily identify the common threads. Your Personal Profile should emphasise the recurring points from your career; your Career Objective should indicate where you feel you’re heading; and your Career History should be a brief summary of where you have worked.
If you’ve had a lot of jobs try and condense your employment record. Focus attention on the skills you’ve achieved through your experience and only give details of your most recent and relevant positions.
Problem 4. ‘I’m doing more than one job’
This situation is becoming more common as people adapt to different career structures. Keep your CV as simple as possible by summarising the main theme of your career in a Profile, and organise your range of skills and experience under separate headings. When you come to your Career History, group your jobs together under the relevant date.
Problem 5. ‘I’m changing careers’
If you would like to change your career path, include a Career Objective at the beginning of your CV to make your new direction clear. Pick out the skills, qualities and achievements that are most appropriate to your new career and emphasise these.
If you don’t have much experience for the job you want to do, you need to make the most of what you can offer, so pick the most relevant points from the qualifications, training, and current experience that you do have. Don’t overlook your relevant personal qualities either!
If you get the opportunity to do some work experience, job shadowing or informational interviews, this is always a good idea as it shows potential employers that you are committed to your career change and willing to do whatever it takes to move into the new field.
Problem 6. ‘How can I make sure my CV is tailored to suit a particular job?’
When you find a job that you know is just what you’re looking for, make sure you take the time to prepare a CV specifically for that vacancy, using the skills and qualities listed in the job advertisement or job description. Match your own qualifications and experience closely with the employer’s needs.
Problem 7. ‘I’m over-qualified for the job I want’
If you feel that you are academically over-qualified for the job, emphasise the relevant practical skills and experience that you have and focus on your Key Skills section. Discreetly mention ‘excess’ qualifications in the Education and Training section but focus more on any relevant on-the-job training you have had.
Problem 8. ‘I don’t have many formal qualifications’
Concentrate on what you do have and emphasise your practical skills and experience. If your lack of qualifications is likely to block your progress, think about further training (this can now taken in the workplace without returning to full-time education).
Problem 9. ‘My age is an obstacle’
If you’re over 50, ensure that your CV clearly states your experience and successful track record, as these things tend to come only with maturity. Make sure you carefully edit your early career history, focusing in detail on your most recent and relevant positions. If necessary, group together less recent positions on your CV to make it appear more straightforward and less cluttered.
If you’re under 25, you might not have much experience – but don’t panic as this doesn’t have to be a problem. Just focus on any training you do have and highlight any skills you may have from school/college even if you haven’t had the opportunity to use them at work yet. Make sure your energy and enthusiasm for the role (and the company) shine through.
Problem 10. ‘I’m returning to work after bringing up children’
Stress your capabilities, qualities and experience. Highlight any skills gained in voluntary positions in the home, school or community, as well as any training or re-training you may be doing in preparation for your return to work.
Problem 11. ‘I’m applying for two different types of jobs’
If you’re applying for different types of jobs requiring different abilities and qualities, you will need to prepare two different CVs, each with a different emphasis.
Problem 12. ‘I’ve had gaps between jobs’
If you’ve been unemployed for a long period of time, the answer is to focus on your positive points and emphasise these in your CV. You should try to only mention your weaker areas briefly. Make sure you include any skills you may have learned through further training during your period of unemployment.
If the gaps include voluntary work or relevant experience – travel, for example – put these down as part of your skills, qualifications and achievements. Otherwise, giving only the year of employment, rather than the month and year, will cover short employment gaps.
To sum it up!
To overcome problem areas in your CV, take out negative, out-of-date and irrelevant information. Try to phrase things in the most positive way possible. Concentrate on your strengths rather than drawing attention to your weaknesses. Despite the obstacles, you’ll be able to put together a CV that shows your future employer your skills and experience clearly and concisely.
About Lynn Williams
Lynn Williams has worked as a life-coach and trainer for nearly fifteen years helping individuals and groups develop their full potential. She writes regularly about job search skills such as CV writing and interview techniques. She also runs workshops and classes on a variety of topics from career strategy to leadership skills. She is the author of Readymade CVs and The Ultimate Job Search Book, due out this autumn.
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