So
what is a global CV, or what makes a good global application, you may be
asking? Having a single CV that could be
used for everything would be a dream, but to secure that dream global move requires
thinking both globally and strategically. Measurement of technical abilities
may be similar worldwide, but application information will be received
differently, depending on the type of company, its global culture, their
recruitment needs. Resilience and
versatility is required for the people they recruit.
There
are numerous sources for developing or perfecting your CV and many will claim
to have the ultimate answer, or will charge you money to design your CV for
you. When trying to secure jobs in a
global market, it could seem like extra help is just what you may require. In
essence the global graduate needs to be smart enough to make use of what
information is out there, whilst also doing their homework on the country they
are applying to, enabling them to tailor their approach to suit the differing needs
of each organisation, which can even vary for the same company, based in a different country.
As
you will see from many sources listed below, there are different sections which
are more usual or expected in certain countries. Ensuring you get this right will show
respect for the jobs market that you are entering. You may be able to gain
feedback through LinkedIn networks, or others already working for the companies
that you are looking to apply to. Doing your homework can help in creating a
customised CV, which can really pay dividends!
The profile
statement
This
is becoming an expected feature for
many CVs or resumes, with different countries using different titles
to describe this. Whether calling it a Career Objective, Personal Profile, or
my preferred favourite ‘Career Profile’ it should clearly set out what it is
that you are doing, what particular qualities that you are offering and finally
what position you are trying to secure and the value
you could add. I have seen many graduates concentrate on what they are seeking
to gain, rather than what they
clearly believe they can offer. Offering something is likely to create a more
favourable response, the world over.
GradLink
UK provides useful articles on the application process and
sections you may wish to include in your CV. The example below relates to finding
work in China, but you can also these sources for example CVs from
organisations in other countries.
General tips for finding and applying for a graduate job in China
With the
development of China’s education system, over six million graduates enter the Chinese
labour market each year. Competition is high and possessing practical
experience and language skills will give you a head-start in finding a job.
Cover letters (求职信)
In general, a
cover letter is not customary in China. However, some organisations may require
one. Cover letters should:
·
be around
200 words
·
explain
your motivation
·
explain
your specific qualification – give its content and any selling points
·
emphasise
your outstanding achievements
·
mention
the added value you may bring to the organisation you are applying to
Templates and examples:
·
YJBYS.com
CV/resume
(简历)
A CV/resume
is an overview of a job seeker’s experience, qualifications, significant
achievements and personal information. It is generally advised that
your CV does not exceed two pages.
A CV should
include:
·
Personal
information (name, date and place of birth, contact details).
·
Academic
background (university, course name, degree obtained and dates of attendance,
content of key qualifications).
·
Previous
work experience (job title, description of job function and daily activities,
dates of employment).
·
Critical
skills that you have (eg mastery of software and languages).
·
Specify
the kinds of positions you are looking for and state your career objective.
Templates and examples:
GradLink UK, Going Global, Passport Careers, GradConnection and a host of other sites
provide key essentials for writing CVs for different countries, giving you the
potential to fit with the traditions and standards of each particular country.
Check with your university careers service to see what licenses they have to
explore these global resources, as you may only be able to access very basic
information. Employers will expect
global graduates to possess the ability to research, tailor and adapt their
applications to fit with the values and approaches they are seeking. The words
you choose can make a real difference.
Example extract for CVs
in Nigeria (GradLink UK)
Writing CVs
The majority of the Nigerian recruitment websites seem to prefer a
maximum of a 2 page ‘standard’ or ‘chronological’ CV, with headings in the
following order:
Personal details -
full name as the heading of the CV with address, contact number and email
address
Profile/Objective – career objective and summary of Education,
training and other qualifications – a list of the suggested headings; and
new graduates are asked for must provide their class of degree.
Employment History – a
chronological order of the jobs, starting with the most recent with details of
company name, job title, dates of employment and major accomplishments.
Additional Information – if
there is room this section can include hobbies, computer skills, or
memberships.
References – not
required but should be entered if specifically requested.
How do I start to write my CV?
Key global recruiters that I have worked with have advised the following: “When you look at the classified section of the paper, or read the jobs notice board, make sure you read the advertisement carefully. Decide what aspects of your personality, qualifications, skills and experience you can offer to this new job/career.
Write these down in a list and use strong "action words" - for example: "I am organised, efficient, and hard-working, I have managed and coordinated events and people. I studied and achieved personal and professional excellence and completed a degree in ..."
It is essential that you have a clear message, which fits with each
global company that you apply to. With
global jobs, how this fits with your personal stage of development, potential
family circumstance and your experience of being in that country will demonstrate
to the employer how likely you will settle in,
perform and add value to their business.
It is usually a risk to employ somebody who has not already shown
commitment to working globally.
So can I keep the same CV for each position?
Global
recruiters, even more than local recruiters, will be able to see how your study
specialisms, experience and achievements fit with their vision for their
organisation. If you have not matched your CV to your chosen company’s values, business
or client aims, it will be difficult for them to see how your achievements,
experience and ambitions demonstrate that you are the right candidate to work
in that position, or that global location.
Other tips
(Target Jobs on applying for positions)
Extract from one of their sources on China (Target Jobs) Applying for jobs
If you have contacts in China, try to use them for networking purposes as
some jobs are never advertised but filled via personal referrals. It's
advisable to secure a job before moving to China as it affects the visa you
need to be able to enter and stay in the country.
A short CV or résumé is used along with
a covering letter for most job applications. If you're applying to a Chinese or
government-owned company and can speak Mandarin it may be helpful to handwrite
your application in Chinese characters.
The information included in your application is
similar to that in UK CVs. Provide a summary or career objective at the
beginning and highlight academic and personal achievements. Include your
academic and work background and if your university features highly in
recognised rankings such as the Times
Higher Education University Rankings, include the position in your application as this is often highly
valued in China.
Take all the advice that you can get!
Within
most countries agencies will often recruit. Hays are a major global player, so
you can seek advice from them about what they are expecting from quality
candidates.
http://www.hays.cn/en/advice-services/EN-CHN_HAYS_373213 Global
recruiters- career guides.
The way forward
All
of this will take time, but once you start to be curious in exploring global
opportunities thoroughly, you may find key pieces of advice coming from
contacts that you make.
·
Consider approaching companies directly and asking them if they
would like some particular format or elements to be demonstrated within their
application
·
Develop a key facts document (a checklist of skills, values, key
words and personality traits you will demonstrate in your CV or application)
·
Think about alumni from your university and if they may help you
to glean key bits of information.
·
Think about establishing contact with people you have spent time
with in that country. You never know when you may need their support- so keep
them feeling positive towards you.
·
Quality checks of your CV or application prior to sending- Ideally
somebody working for that global organisation would provide this support, however
this may be unlikely.
Think also of others who work in that country. This could include agencies who seeking to
recruit the right talent, who have local expertise in CV and applications.
·
Remember that what is on your CV, will need to be supported by
what is online.
It is their best chance of developing a clearer picture
of who you are, how you act and the connections you have.
Contact your
Careers Consultant at your university for their opinion on how you match up to
particular company and job specifications.
Potential
sources of information
Chris Steventon
Careers
Consultant
International
Students - request to join my LinkedIn group - http://owl.li/BQV57
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