Empty Words or Interesting?

When writing your profile on your CV (which is a good idea) think about what skill set or attributes you have that would interest your potential new employer. Some people believe when writing their profile they should talk about how much they enjoyed their 2 years travelling around the world and how much they learned, the people they met or some potential applicants explain what it is they are looking for from their next employer i.e. I want you to employ, train and pay me. Whilst these are well meaning introductions they are not necessarily going to encourage a meeting or even a response. The employer is thinking “what do you have that I can develop, or what value will you add?” There’s no doubt that companies are nowhere with out their staff and everyone wants to work with the best people and get the returns they deserve – training, security, good salary, benefits, career path etc. So stop using empty words “extensive experience, dynamic individual, exceptional communications skills, stop describing your travels in unnecessary detail or indeed stating that your degree was the best thing you ever did (10 years ago) and start selling your self. Yes I am using that dirty word “selling”. Keep your profile simple and pick out your actual skill set and describe that briefly. For example: “Strong Credit Controller working for a multi-national organisation for almost 5 years. Experienced in Letters of Credit, credit insurance, analysis of accounts and client meetings. Capable of providing resolutions when necessary but mainly capable of keeping the debtors close to terms agreed. Litigation exposure. Target driven”.
Good luck.
Janet Moran, Priority Placements