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Here we examine each of the questions we asked in the CV analytics and explain which answers were right, and why...

Which description best matches the way in which you have presented your CV/resume?

1. Imaginative use of logos, text boxes and photographs, and a creative approach to typography and font usage
2. Formal approach to typography, same font style and size throughout, with little evidence of creativity

This question carries five points. The correct answer is to keep the CV simple, formal and neutral. Some people may not appreciate your ideas of good design and originality.

Which best describes the way in which your CV is laid out?

1. Gaps between paragraphs and wide margins mean you are limited as to the number of words you can fit to a page.
2. You’ve used every inch of the paper to ensure you’re able to say as much as possible about yourself.

This question carries five points. The correct answer is the first. A CV with plenty of white space is easier to read than one which is cramped and packed full of text.

Which of these two statements applies to the profile you’ve put on your CV/ resume?

1. Five to seven lines, short and sharp! You’ve used it to say things about yourself which you can’t say elsewhere in the CV and / or taken the opportunity to show how an aspect/s of your background meet their particular needs i.e. you’ve tailored your profile with the needs of the job. You may even have included additional facts which substantiate your credentials.
2. You’ve used colourful words to describe your skills and personality in general.

This section is worth ten points. Correct answer is the first. People should use the profile as an opportunity to substantiate why they are suitable for this job in particular rather than using vague and meaningless comments which are without substance, and which anyone could say about themselves.

Which of these best describes your educational qualifications and their location on your CV/resume?

• Strong academic achievements, but little experience should place them at the front.
• Average academic achievements and qualifications significant experience within the field - place them at the back..
• Outstanding academic achievements and qualifications (for example you have an MBA or Masters, or your degree is in a relevant subject area to the position for which you are applying) should be placed at the front of the CV.
  

This question is worth five points. The correct answer is the first one.

Are you confident that anyone reading your CV/resume will understand the nature of your employer's lines of business?

This question is worth ten points. Correct answer should be “Yes.”

This question carries 15 points. Correct answer is “Yes.”

If someone is submitting their CV blind or to a jobs board, the potential to tailor the CV to the target organisation will be limited. Tailoring your CV to the requirements of the job, particularly if you have relevant skills, will massively increase your chances of success.

Have you included plenty of achievements?

The correct answer is “Yes.” This question carries 20 points.

Employers want to know what you have actually done (accomplishments and achievements) as opposed to what you were supposed to do (responsibilities). This has been the case in the private sector for many years, and it is now more so the case in the public sector, where the focus is increasingly on delivering good service to the citizen/public/community and outcomes. If you don’t substantiate accomplishments and achievements with facts and figures they are meaningless. The emphasis should be on the positive - highlight the good news.

Does your CV include a lot of technical jargon?

The correct answer is “No.” If you get this wrong we’ll deduct 5 points.

The reader of your CV needs to be crystal clear about your experience and skills.

If you are including technical terminology combine this with a plain English expression so that someone familiar with your specific skills can recognise them, but that it’s also understandable to anyone else reading it.

Even someone knowledgeable in your field may not be familiar with some particular terminology with which you may have gained experience.

Have you included 'key words' which organisations/hiring managers may choose to search on?

The correct answer is “Yes.” This question carries 5 points.

Sometimes the process by which candidates are selected is determined by key words. This is increasingly the case where either the process of short-listing candidates for interview is delegated to someone who may have limited knowledge, and who instructed to look for key words OR in others where software programs are used to scan for key words!

How many pages are there in your CV/resume?

The correct answer is “two pages”. This question carries a maximum of 20 points.

Two pages and you get 20 points, one or three pages you get 10 points and four pages – we deduct 20 points.
One page CVs often say too little unless of course you are at the start of your career and three page CVs cause little offence but current preference is for two pages. Four page CVs are often thought of, as being outdated and you don’t want to come across as being out of touch – do you? Long CVs are boring and don’t get read.

Have you asked someone to check over your CV/resume?

The correct answer is “Yes.” This question carries 5 points.

We’ve only given this 5 points because you’ve probably had someone look over your CV at some point and it’s more likely you’ll be loosing ground in other areas. Whilst we’ve only given this 5 points – it is actually as important as any other point.

Mycareercoach.com is the first to bring you CV analytics, conceived, developed and tested by Robert Tearle founder of mycareercoach.com

Use the tips on the mycareercoach.com web site to find out more about how to improve your CV and find a better job faster