Jobs & Money Detail
NZ: The perfect corporate CV
Stephen Morgan, the talent sourcing manager with the ASB Group of Companies tells us what he looks for when viewing CVs
Having spent over ten years reviewing CVs in both agency and internal recruitment roles, I have seen thousands of 'people on paper'. I see plenty of different formats and styles, for many different positions.
Since joining the ASB Banking and Financial Services group six years ago I have advertised roles abroad and attended events like European employment expos as part of international search strategy for 'hard to find' specialist skill-sets. It is interesting to see the subtle national differences in layout, content and style.
It is my personal belief there is no right or wrong CV. Each document is a reflection of the skills and experience, as well as often offering some 'flavour and personality', of the person writing it. Your CV should be given as much priority and time as anyone else's - after all, it is all about you! However; corporate recruiters in NZ do work in a small market with an abundance of recruitment agencies and online job boards and there are some easy ways to ensure your details are seen quickly and more easily understood than others.
A NZ corporate recruiter takes care of anything between 10 and 30 vacancies at any one time and a typical day can sometimes include looking at several hundred CVs just for one role. The simpler and easier you make it for the recruiter reviewing your resume, the more likely you are to make a long-list for further review.
Tips for those applying for financial services jobs are as follows:
- Include specialist skills, qualifications or softwares unique to your role or industry. Make sure you clearly and correctly list these in a 'searchable' format. Many companies now use 'online application systems' and your cv is stored in a candidate database which often has 'key word' search capability. For example, a candidate in investment administration should list more than their qualifications, title and general duties. List specific task skills such as 'attribution analysis' or 'rebalancing' for example. When certain skill-sets such as these are in short supply, databases are often searched purely on the keywords. A fancy layout or nice looking tables will do nothing to ensure you are found first if you've missed out your key skills.
- PDFs are great for protecting a document and presenting it in a professional way, but unlike sending or attaching a CV in word, cannot give the recruiter easy access to alter or make suggested 'tracked changes' back to you before forwarding it to a hiring manager. Remember, many recruiters learn the ability to 'read between the lines' and can quickly see suggested improvements to your CV. They cannot easily make suggested changes for your approval when is in PDF format. If you are in a different time zone, this can slow things down.
- Continental Europeans tend to want to give us a resume format often in just one page. Don't be tempted to 'sell yourself short' by trying to get all your work history on one page and missing out key information. Include all your qualifications and work history into a second or third page. But remember; 3-4 pages are fine - ten pages are not!
If you are including a cover letter; include it with the CV – that is, on the same document. If you end up applying for more than one role with the same company don't worry; just update and upload the whole new CV to your profile on the company's application database. If you upload a separate cover letter the CV and cover often get separated by the system. The cover letter then gets lost in the online system, not read, or can't be updated more than once.
The popular CV templates such as those provided by Microsoft Word under 'general templates' are what we see most often. Given the choice between a functional or skill-based CV and a chronological layout, I have to say that a hybrid of the two is probably best.
Sample cover letter
Stephen Morgan,
ASB Group Recruitment,
Auckland
26 February 2009
Re: Application for Portfolio Analyst position
Dear Stephen
I am writing to apply for the above position that I was made aware of by you.
Having the experience working as an analyst in xxx Investments, I would like to continue my career progression with ASB Group Investments. The company is fast growing, exciting to be with, and currently ranked third largest NZ fund manager with $5.3 billion in funds under management. Furthermore the portfolio analyst position would expose me to analysis and trading skills. These qualities enhance my desire to work with this reputable organisation along that this position would utilise my skills and abilities.
I have enclosed my CV and I believe my background and experience are excellent match to your requirement. These include:
Excellent track of academic record.
Finance, Statistics and Mathematics backgrounds.
High-level knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Visual Basics Application.
Quantitative skills in Asset Management company.
An effective team player who is results focused.
Knowledgeable of investment assets.
Experience in the investment management industry.
Conversant with investment management strategies.
Strong initiative and proactive approach in daily tasks.
Highly developed number, computer and interpersonal skills.
Highly meticulous in data quality and accuracy.
Competency in other MS Office products.
To achieve the above has required self-motivation and excellent time management, as well as in-depth knowledge of and interest in Finance and Mathematics.
I look forward to an opportunity to meet you to discuss my background and abilities in greater detail.
Yours sincerely
Paul Smith
You can reach Stephen at: Stephen.morgan@asb.co.nz
Click here for information on careers with ASB
To read more about 'the perfect CV', grab a May 2009 issue of Emigrate magazine – available from a range of retail outlets
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