KATHMANDU:

Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is the first thing that tells a prospective employer about yourself. It helps to create an impression and thus affects their decision of whether they consider calling you or not.

When you write your CV, you need to keep in mind the post that you are applying for and your CV should be done as per the requirement of the post. In your CV, it will be very helpful if you could put in your real life experiences that are relevant to the position.

The basic mistake that people make in their CV is using jargons that are not specific. The repeated use of such words makes recruiters indifferent. Your CV has to answer one simple question of the employer, ‘What can this person do for my business?’ So try to answer this question in an interesting way.

Listed are the most common clichés that you should avoid using and also the better way of stating the same qualities.

Team player:

Nobody ever claims that s/he doesn’t like to work in a team. Thus, the word team player has become meaningless. In order to make your recruiter notice this skill of yours, it would be better to point out a real life experience where you have worked within a team and achieved the desired goal. Explaining your role in that team will be a plus point.

Project management skills:

This is just a jargon that says you are organised. Be specific and let them know about the projects or events that you had successfully organised in your previous job. It is not only limited to events; if you have even managed a budget, let them know that.

Results orientated:

Every employer wants you to give him/her successful results of your task. They want their investment in you to be fruitful. Mention your achievements and potential to let employers know how are you going to be useful to them. For example, if you have achieved your targets even in difficult situations, do make a point to mention that.

People management skills:

The term is a bit vague. It can mean that you were a manger or it can also mean that you get along well with your colleagues. So it is better to specify your skills. Terms like ‘supervised’ or ‘coordinated’ will be more appropriate.

Responsible for:

Being in a job means you have certain responsibility that doesn’t necessarily imply that you are a responsible person. If you have carried out certain tasks with full responsibility, then state that. Like introducing innovative ideas, turning around a failing project.

Real life examples are much more effective than the widely used phrases that are mentioned in everyone’s CV. So just keep the jargons and clichés at bay and keep your CV specific and effective. — Compiled by Krita Raut