Your CV, a “pen picture” of you
In this difficult jobs market for senior candidates, I’ve been trying to help job seekers stay positive. Some days I wish that I could wave a magic wand and all would be OK in the world of job seeking. Among the horror stories doing the rounds, it seems that all I can offer is a modicum of wisdom, lots of understanding and a great big dollop of originality. I suppose that’s my “magic dust.”
If you’ve read some of my blogs already and considered my ideas on creating a stand-out CV (for all the right reasons) then you’ll understand my starting point. Everyone has their own story, it’s unique to them and that’s it’s charm. Your story is where you’ve been, as well as where you want to go. It’s how you do what you need to do and want to do. And it’s created in a style that you feel comfortable with. But not everyone likes to write I get that.
The reality is that I’ve always sought to encourage a CV that looks good (less is more), is easy to navigate (signposts the reader) and tells your story in the best way possible. Remember my advice to ditch multiple adjectives and select a different verb? Be discerning, if you’re using “help” tools, remember you may get carried away and oversell a particular point.
I get that driving or spearheading innovative approaches work for some people, although these “masculine” words often make me giggle, especially when used out of context. Imagine spearheading a novel approach to baking using self-raising rather than plain flour?
So, let’s get back to your CV. Your story needs to translate well on the page or if you’re making use of video, it needs to “pop” on screen. This is where painting the picture comes in. Consider the views or landscapes and seascapes around you, then think about how one of your favourite artists or painters might tackle what you see.
Lowry is well known for urban landscapes depicting the industrial districts and residents or workers of Greater Manchester and Salford. Lowry’s people images are often referred to as “matchstick people.” Then, there are the watery impressionists like Monet. Before you yell at the screen, I know that Monet used oils although I’m referring to his images as though looking through a pool of water. Neither Lowry nor Monet included every photographic detail of what they saw – it was their impression. They wanted you to enjoy the essence of life in Salford or Giverny.
I’m hoping that by now you’re beginning to get my drift and see where this is going. Your CV should represent your career as a whole and demonstrate its evolution. It’s not a 100% perfect reproduction of previous JDs, your swimming certificates or every single training course you’ve completed. It’s the essence of your story. Be discerning; opt for recency and relevance. And a word of caution, if you were the “best ever” at a particular task, although that doesn’t fit with your current aspirations, then blur its edges like an impressionist painter.
How your story plays out is the basis of my suggestion to create a pen picture. A positive impression of your achievements rather than an exact replica of everything you were ever asked to do at work. It’s important to remember that your CV should be accurate, although it’s not a legal document.
Try to be true to your own story and not others’ opinions of what it should be. Just recently I’ve chatted with a few too many people from my network who are bewildered by what their story ought to be, instead of what they want it to be. Try not to worry about how many key words should appear and how often. In the garden I try to plant in threes, fives and sevens so that the planting themes wind around the different beds. Aim to do the same with your story, reiterate the points that matter to you and your values will shine through. They’re a constant.
And just before you go rogue, please remember the principles that make a good CV a great CV. I’m hoping that this piece gives you the confidence to keep going and be true to your instincts when telling your story. I’ve included links to other pieces I’ve written about CVs (most recent at the bottom) although if you’re still in need of someone to listen then Let’s Chat.
Be outstanding. Practise out loud.
Thinking outside of the box … or is it the jam jar?
Great Story. Great CV. Great Performance.
