19.8.11

C.V. matters?

If you are a student who just completed your B.Sc. and intending to further your application to post graduate course in overseas, people don't expect much of you. If you have an excellent research achievement people will add points to you. Having no eye-catching accomplishment people won't deduct your points. If the professor wishes to take you while you don't have severe competition from others, your c.v. will usually be sufficient to impress him. If there is someone far more outstanding than you, your c.v. won't serve much to help also. This is the way how i see c.v. for the purpose to apply as a Master/P.hD candidature. For this purpose, it does not need you to boast or decorate your c.v.. What you have with you, just represent them on the document.

Some people are very 'good' in making 'excellent c.v'. Often it is rather a fabrication process. However skillful you are in fabricating a c.v., you can't make a stone to float on water. if you have it, you have it. If you don't you can't create one instantly on paper (assuming we all stick to the code of not cheating). People who believe that decorating a c.v. is of utmost importance are usually people from the commercial world. These poeple believe in impressing people by the look. People who believe that the quality of a c.v., irrespective of the information contained, is determined by how fancy it is presented, are superficial people who has no insight for what is essential. I often see advocacy about writing an impressive c.v. Classes are conducted and fees taken to teach people how to produce a c.v. that sells you on the market at good values. But how could you write such a highly valued c.v. if you have not any achievement to write about? It's the accomplishment of your past determines whether your c.v. is of high value or otherwise. It is not determined by the English language you used, the fancy format / font / colourful background / animation of your personal webpage that go in to that document called c.v. Having an impressive c.v. without having an excellent achievement record is a contradiction. One who claims to have an impressive c.v. without actually inheriting any real past achievements renders others to suspect him of faking his own achievement record. You would rather have a mediocre c.v. rather than having one that arouse suspecion.

Overall, what i want to say is that, there is really nothing much you can do to your c.v.. If you already have it, you will have already recorded it on the paper. My assumption is that a conscientious professor who sincerely look for students with competent academic capability will is not like those superficial people. You will get your offers if the condition favours to the happening in that direction. The wording, format, or other cosmetic ingredient in the c.v. is not really a single factor that could possibly effect your chance to be accepted. You are your achievment, but your c.v is not.

1 則留言:

  1. I agree - CV is just a step to the doorway, and very important to stay honest. In my humble opinion, CV and Resume is also very important to get a job.

    These are my lessons learnt over the years, and I hope its of use:

    - First impression counts. If English is not your 1st language, have someone review it. Even if it is, still have someone review it.

    - Focus on the achievement, not just the job/project scope

    - Proper formatting is just as important as content and grammar

    - Customize each CV for different jobs or companies. P/S: Not by lying, but emphasizing your experience that is suitable for the job. For example, if I were applying for teaching job, the reviewer/interviewer will not see much value in achievement which is company-specific. Likewise, for industry/specialization, no point emphasizing teaching/general knowledge.

    - Just as important to secure the job and have a good career is communications. Worth polishing speaking/interviewing skills. Joining Toastmasters or some debate/public speaking class helps tremendously.

    Good luck!

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