Guide for preparing a winning Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume is simply a brief account of somebody’s previous career and profile (usually submitted with an application for a job).
A director,at a Human Resources firm as well as the Head of Human Resources Department of a top Assurance PLC company revealed that most competent and qualified job seekers(applicants) lose interview opportunity due to their Curriculum Vitae (CV).

First impression counts. Your CV is the first chance you have to impress a potential employer. More importantly it is the only part of the job selection process over which you have 100% control. You cannot control who gets interviewed and the interview but you can control how you look on your CV. Once your name is on the interview shortlist, your CV has done its perfect job.
TIPS:
Write your own resume (CV) by yourself. The process of creating a resume will help you prepare for the overall job search process. Completing a document that you have worked hard on and are proud of, will give significantly boost your confidence about getting a job. It is an important step in the intellectually and emotionally challenging job search process. It does not forbid you seeking feedback from as many others (professionals) as you would like. But your resume is your resume.
Have a single resume,if possible, to support your job search efforts. Logistically, it will be easier for you. If however you determine that you need multiple versions of your resume targeted at specific areas,that’s fine,but be sure that each version is unique and carefully tailored for its area of focus.
Start by developing a resume in the standard reverse chronological format (for people who have bagged several professional experiences) Otherwise,use the functional format(for fresh graduates) the latter allows you to promote specific job skills without emphasizing where or when you develop those skills.
Keep your resume simple and straight forward: including the following (and generally in this suggestive and not prescriptive order;)

• Your name, Nationality,State of origin, Date of birth
• Home address, Residence; e-mail, phone number. sex, marital status.
• Discipline
• Job objectives
• Your former education, professional training and other qualification.
• Working experience (for experienced applicants)
• Seminal attended (If there is any document for it.)
• Personal profile
• Interests
• Referees

Provide only enough information to interest the reviewer.
Limit your resume to two pages or less than two.
Don’t make it too dense(crowded)
Write it in terms of employing organization’s needs and make sure it meets the requirements set out in the job awareness.
Avoid the common mistakes, which attracts negative attention. Keep it impeccably neat and legible.
Don’t print on both side (companies often photocopy or fax your CV and this makes it awkward.)
Omit any negative aspect of your work history, education, skills and personal profile
Be honest in your resume, present yourself accurately, but focus on the positive in your honesty.
Remember that any thing you put in your resume might pose a question or be a topic for conversation in an interview.
Never date your resume. It makes it look outdated after time passes…