Writing Effective CV

The first step in getting best employer is to make smart CV. The CV of experienced civil/structural engineer must have Power Words.

Power words can help you highlight your skills and abilities. Because your CV is about you to

begin with, you don't need to write the words “I”and “my”this is repetitious and clutters your CV

with unnecessary words.

For example: “I have good customer service skills”you could use instead “provided fast and

efficient response to site technical queries.”

Some examples of power words

Achieved, Established, Co-ordinated,Created, Supported, Arranged, Attended Developed, Designed, Marketed, Negotiated,Edited, Helped Planned, headed

Important Point in making effective CV

• Never insert photo in CV
• Only provide E mail address and Your Mobile / Land line Number
• Only put qualification above bachelor/diploma no need to put Class X or XII %
• Mention your soft skills ( Team Player etc.)
• knowledge of International standards / Good Engineering Practice / Engineering Softwares /tools and Procedures

How effective is your CV?

Use the assessment criteria below to rate your CV

1. Structure

Is it logical, relevant, and effectively ordered? Is there balance clarity between the sections?

2. Style:

Is the writing fluent & succinct? Is the style consistent?

3. Layout

Does it look attractive? Is it easy to read/skim? Is it suitable length?

4. Relevance

Does then content emphasise skills and or experience needed by the job/organisation?

5. Self-awareness

Are the skills backed up with good examples and evidence that shows understanding of the

process behind the skills?

6. Awareness of the employer and job

Is there evidence of research?

7. Persuasiveness

Would it convince an employer of your ability? Is there clear evidence? Are all the statements

positive? Does it communicate enthusiasm?

8. Mechanics

Are the sentences grammatical? Is spelling and punctuation correct? Is use of the personal

pronoun kept to a minimum (e.g. I, me, mine) kept to a personal minimum?

Many websites contain further examples of CVs and Covering Letters. We would recommend

you looked at the following sites:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/681/01/

www.prospects.ac.uk - click on applications and interviews

www.doctorjob.com - click on careers advice

www.graduatecareers.hobsons.co.uk - click on job-hunting advice

www.eurograduate.com - useful sections on preparing international CVs