Template details:
Why you should create a draft CV
So you’ve chosen your favourite CV template and now you’re ready to get typing. But is this the best approach to writing a CV?
Creating a draft CV is typically a great way to get started, and will often provide you with a better end result. With a draft CV you are more likely to construct your final version in a more detailed and methodical way.
Here are some great tips on how to create a draft CV…
Map out the sections for your CV
After choosing a CV template you will now be able to see what sections need completing, but before entering your details straight onto the template you should consider a much more caution approach.
Grab a pen and paper and write down all of the sections you need to complete. A good place to start is the ‘skills’ section where you can begin to list everything you’ve learnt. Then, highlight all of the most important and relevant skills and consider crossing out the ones that won’t have any bearing on the new role you’re applying for.
Using the job advert and job description, you should be able to identify the most important aspects of the role. With this knowledge you are in a great position to begin creating a draft copy of your CV.
A draft CV is a great way to brainstorm
Creating a draft CV allows you to throw ideas onto the page as quickly as possible, and effectively brainstorm whatever’s on your mind. It doesn’t matter how insignificant it may seem, you should always jot it straight down and come back to it later. Even if you don’t use half of what you brainstorm, you’ll often find that one idea inspires another, and then another.
Another great way to write a draft CV is to have the job advert sat next to you so you can keep checking that what you are writing down is relevant to the employer. This will allow you to focus on what’s important right from the start!
Brainstorming at this stage prevents you from doing so on your final version. If you ignore the draft stage, you are more likely to insert irrelevant information and make mistakes on your CV. Instead, a brainstorming session creates a foundation for a more measured and thoughtful approach.
Use your draft to tailor your CV
By creating several draft versions of your CV you will be able to customise it to the role and the business. Your initial brainstorming session can then be used to create an initial draft, closely followed by a more accurate draft. You may go through this process several times before you settle on a final copy.
All the way through these ‘drafting’ stages you can constantly check the information you have on the company. Read their website and social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and so on. Alongside this you should have the job description next to you so you can continue to compare what you’ve written.
Are you using the same keywords from the job advert in your CV?
What is the culture of the company, and what type of employee are they looking for?
These questions need to be answered, and a well tailored CV that has gone through numerous stages before its completion will yield greater results.
good