Professional CV writing service Archives

What does your CV say about you?

10th January 2017 By The CV Branch

I think that the obvious answer to this question is that ‘you are remarkable’. But unfortunately, this is not enough. Your CV should explain to a prospective employer exactly why you are so remarkable. (Our professional CV writing service will achieve that for you.)

1. Confidence

Are you? Confident?

‘Confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.’ – Samuel Johnson

I dislike quotes that encourage the reader to just be confident. My immediate instinct is to say, ‘Yes, and how exactly am I supposed to achieve that?’

The way to overcome this obstacle, whether you have great or little confidence, is to write your CV in a confident manner. Id est, use positive language. If you write your CV in the passive voice, you will sound uncertain, doubtful. Use strong verbs; improved, increased, managed. And sell yourself; shamelessly but truthfully.

2. Understanding

Your CV should convey the message that you are aware of your strengths and have applied these strengths to make a difference. It indicates that you understand your own value and are certain that a company will benefit by employing you. You will be able to negotiate from a position of strength.

But you must emphasize those abilities in your professional CV, up front, instantly noticeable.

3. Jargon

Please, please leave out the buzz-words and the jargon. Mostly, they mean nothing and explain nothing.

‘I am results-driven, goal-oriented, and hardworking.’ Okay, so how did you apply those adjectives? How did they enhance/increase/benefit?’ Do you understand what I mean? Unless you can show how you have ‘driven results’, jargon will be annoying and a waste of precious space on your CV.

It will also seem as if you have no idea how to describe yourself and your skills accurately.

4. Grammar

Let someone proofread your CV. I know from experience that it’s difficult to spot errors in your own writing.

Use present tense in describing your current position and past tense for previous employment.

A CV filled with grammar and spelling errors will say that you’re careless. You don’t have pride in your achievements or yourself, and that you don’t make the effort to at least attempt perfection.

5. Length

I can promise you that nobody will read a CV that is nine pages long. Two pages, three at the most.

Don’t discuss every position you’ve had since the moon landing. I’m not referring to students or school leavers. It will indicate that you are too lazy/ blasé to write a new CV aimed at a specific position.

A CV is not a document that you create on the fly. You simply have to invest and apply yourself. A professional CV writer will achieve that

Reference

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2015/09/11/five-things-your-resume-says-about-you-instantly/2/#337af73a6407

7 Steps to a grand LinkedIn profile

13th October 2016 By The CV Branch

You probably know that a great LinkedIn profile is invaluable; whether you are searching for employment, candidates, or to establish a professional network.

But perhaps you don’t know the etiquette and interaction behaviour for LinkedIn. For instance, you should try to accept (or reject) requests to connect as soon as possible; good manners are applicable everywhere.

Don’t underestimate LinkedIn’s significance; The CV Branch has written numerous CVs for clients who have found us on LinkedIn. This professional platform is ideal (almost a must-have) for presenting your talents and skills.

So, following are a few simple enhancements you may consider.

1. Photograph

This is easy; do not use a photograph of you sitting next to the pool with a drink in hand or visiting a spa. Leave that for Facebook. Speaking of which, please make sure that your Facebook posts are private, employers will have a look. To return to the LinkedIn photograph, it must be professional; head and shoulders with a neutral background or showing you in an area of your profession.

2. Your name

Use your name and surname. LinkedIn is not the place for nicknames. However, I believe that using the name by which you are known is not necessarily a bad idea. For instance: ‘Elizabeth Margaret Cookson’. If nobody knows who that is, use ‘Elize Cookson’. (Not really my names.)

3. Headline

You have a hundred-and-twenty (120) characters in which to explain who you are. To give you an idea, here are a couple of examples of headlines that I’ve written:

‘Senior Manager: Operations, Marketing; applying knowledge of Strategy, Technology, Risk, Finance, Contracts, Projects’

‘Executive Manager and Director; International Leader, Strategy Expert, Marketing, Sales, and Business Developer’

4. Summary

A summary is vital for establishing a search presence. Explain who you are and what you can offer in at least forty words (maximum 2,000 characters), and don’t forget to use a few industry-specific keywords.

5. Your profile

Complete your profile. Your chances of being found in a search increase exponentially. To achieve an ‘All Star’ rating;

photograph,
industry and location,
a detailed current position,
two previous positions,
skills, and
50+ connections.

6. Skills

Don’t be afraid to list all your skills. Endorse your connections and they would hopefully do it in return. You can ask to be recommended, I’m not brave enough to do that, but if you are, click on the ‘Ask for recommendations’ button as shown in the screenshot.

7. Participation

Be active on LinkedIn. I’m not saying that you should create your own content. Share your connections’ or articles that are pertinent and interesting. You can, of course, prepare your own posts to use as a showcase for your projects/skills/successes. Connect with people in your industry and follow interest groups.

References:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/271919

https://content.linkedin.com/content/dam/press/Download-Assets/Media%20Resources/Infographics/5%20Ways%20to%20Rock%20Your%20Profile.jpg

http://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/linkedin-profile-perfection-cheat-sheet#sm.00001etbyn1efdficrxc3ldr9fwjy

6 Questions to ask your CV writer

11th October 2016 By The CV Branch

The CV writing industry is competitive. Choosing a professional CV writer with whom you feel comfortable with can be a daunting task. I have compiled a list of questions you may want to ask a CV writer. Needless to say, I have answered these questions in my personal capacity as the owner of The CV Branch. (I, of course, want to be your supplier of choice!)

1. What qualifies you to write a great CV, Cover Letter, Résumé, LinkedIn profile or personal CV Webpage?

I am client-orientated and my caring nature will always be an asset. I pay close attention to detail, an irreplaceable skill. My command of the English language is superb and I believe in the Plain Language movement. In other words, I write your CV without unnecessary frills and adjectives which will mean nothing to an employer and more often than not, will create distrust.

Writing is my occupation, therefore I will make 100 per cent sure that your CV is accurate and free from errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. I have experience, having worked in the industry for four years.

2. How do you decide what layout or format to use?

I invest time in assuring that my templates remain up-to-date with current, as well as emerging, trends. My CVs are not written as one-size-fits-all. I am creative and understand the need to change my template should your industry demand it. Each client is unique, and I write only for you. My templates have an understated visual appeal, creating a better chance of an employer to look at it for more than just a few seconds.

3. Who writes my documents?

I personally write your CV, Résumé, Cover Letter, LinkedIn profile, and personal CV Webpage. The Language Branch: The CV Branch is my company and I take pride in the work I offer. My reputation is of the utmost importance to me.

4. Can I speak to someone if I have questions or concerns?

You speak to me personally, telephonically, via email or Skype. I am there for you throughout this process as much as I am able to be.

5. How does the revision process work?

I provide you with a first draft of your CV. Most of the time there is some material I require from you. You also have the opportunity to add or delete information. (The CV Branch does not take responsibility for false information.)

Once we have all the facts, I present you with your final copy.

6. What if I don’t like my CV, Résumé, or Cover Letter?

Within reason, I will continue working on it until it is perfect. Should we not understand each other at all or if I feel that the expectations are unreasonable, we may look at a partial refund. This, however, is not standard practice. But at the end of the day, I want my clients to be satisfied with my service.