Most people would scoff at the title of this article -The Art and Science of CV Writing,’ because to most people it isn’t an art form and there isn’t much science at all when it comes to writing a CV. For many it is simply a matter of following the age-old set of rules, or filling in the blanks on a template. /p>
The trouble with this attitude is that it is somewhat naive as well as outdated, and although for the vast majority, the art and science of CV writing has stood still for decades, for some at least, it has moved on. And I detail some of the very latest developments and revelations in my forthcoming CV book.
You should be aware that just because most people write CVs in the same laissez-faire haphazard manner, it doesn’t mean to say that everyone else does. Indeed, the very best CV writers (who are few and far between) apply real science and methodology in their work; amongst other things drawing upon psychology to attract the employer as well as sales and marketing techniques to pinpoint and hammer home the right message. All this is far easier said than done, and takes more than just methods, but writing talent, originality and creativity.
CV writing in the 21st century really is an art and science in itself.
Of course, most people are still using 20th-century techniques, and it is not impossible to get jobs with an old school CV, or even one which isn’t as powerful as it could be. However, the thing you should remember is that just because there is still a chance of landing good jobs with an unspectacular CV, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is best to apply with one. It isn’t. After all, the job market is extremely competitive these days, you need to stand out from the crowd, and you need to present your case in the most powerful terms. And the prospect of doing this with a conventional CV is becoming ever harder. If you want a brighter career future then rather than looking backwards you really need a more futuristic CV. I’m not talking about a -beam me up Scotty’ neon light sabre of a CV – just something professional looking, but very hard-hitting and highly effective once it falls in the lap of an employer.
If you listen to most CV companies they will almost all tell you they can write just that. However, since the vast majority of CV companies use outdated methods, it is highly unlikely they can. So just beware of that when you are contemplating who you want to help you with your CV.
Author biography Paul Hichens is highly respected UK based CV writer, his radical CV book is due for publication in the summer of 2013 .