How to Write a Killer CV

Because a great one is half the battle won

A curriculum vitae consists of two parts: The cover letter and the resumé. The resumé is the section where you present information about your work experience, education and skills. Your cover letter is like a short introduction to your resumé and indeicates to the reader your intention of applying for the job.

Cover Letter DOs

1. Keep your letter short. The length should not exceed one page.
2. Write the hirer's name, designation and the address of the company on the top left corner.
3. State the position you're applying for within the first sentence.
4. Briefly describe what your current job is and what you do.
5. State why you're interested in the job, for eg. "The challenges that come with this position will provide me with an opportunity to further my growth in this industry."
6. Use either Arial or Times New Roman as your chosen font type. No cursive or fancy fonts.
7. Sign off but remember to include your name, contact number and mailing address below.

Cover Letter DON'Ts

1. Avoid starting all your sentences with "I". It makes you look self-absorbed.
2. Don't mention salary. That comes in your resumé.
3. Leave out personal information that's not relevant to your application.
4. Never use slang like "cool", "yeah", "dude", "hor", "lah" etc.

A resumé seems easy enough to write. After all, information is presented in point-form or short sentences. But most people continue to make a mess of theirs simply because they don't know what to include and what to leave out.

Resumé content

• Start with your personal details.
• State your career objectives clearly, for eg. "To build an illustrious career in marketing in the hospitality industry."
• List your education history. All information should be presented from the most recent.
• List any work experience. Part-time jobs may be included only if they're relevant. In our opinion, stating your reason for leaving the job is not necessary but you should be prepared to offer that information when asked.
• List awards you've won for leadership, innovation or excellence.
• List THREE work-related projects that show your expertise and drive: "Led a team of four in creating a campaign for a new product. The product became Singpaore's all-time bestseller." Always start with an action work like "created", "managed", "exceeded" etc.
• List your involvement in community projects and recreational societies.
• List other skills that may be of value like language, mastery in Adobe Photoshop or IT-related skills.
• State your current salary and then your expected salary.
• Finally, include two references. These may be your lecturers or past employers who can attest to your good character. But remember to get their permission first.

Extracted from CLEO magazine January 2005 Issue.