Marketing yourself as a product - Tom O'Neil www.cv.co.nz

Summary

In this interview, career consultant Tom O'Neal shares valuable tips for those considering a career change during the holiday season. He discusses the importance of a well-crafted CV, advising that it should focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities. O'Neal also highlights the need for a personalized approach to CVs, recommending a three- to four-page format for experienced professionals. He explains how tools like the achievements questionnaire can help individuals better market themselves to employers. The conversation also touches on how to present a CV both online and in print, as well as when to include a photo.

Takeaways

• 😀 The holiday season is a time when people often rethink their career and may consider making a job change.
• 😀 Tom O'Neal emphasizes the importance of understanding your strengths to find a fulfilling job rather than just any job.
• 😀 'What Color Is Your Parachute?' is a timeless book that helps people identify their strengths and better match them to a career path.
• 😀 Tom O'Neal contributed a chapter to the book after successfully introducing his achievements questionnaire tool to the author.
• 😀 CVs should focus not only on listing job responsibilities but also on demonstrating tangible achievements and how they benefited the business.
• 😀 A good CV should be more than just a list of tasks – it should quantify achievements, such as implementing new systems or managing large projects.
• 😀 Employers value evidence of impact, such as saving costs or increasing efficiency, over just listing job duties on a CV.
• 😀 A CV should be seen as a marketing tool, and like any product, it should effectively 'sell' the individual to potential employers.
• 😀 Most CVs are now submitted online, with hard copies being less common but still useful in specific cases where requested by the employer.
• 😀 For hard copy CVs, it’s recommended to use high-quality paper and a professional presentation, such as a card cover with a clear front.
• 😀 Including a professional photo on your CV is advisable if you work in a role where personal presentation matters, like customer-facing positions.

Q & A

Why is the holiday season a good time for people to reconsider their careers?

The holiday season often gives people a break, making them reflect on their career choices. This can lead to a period of introspection where individuals assess whether their current job aligns with their passions and strengths.

What is the main message of the book 'What Color Is Your Parachute'?

The book encourages individuals to understand their own strengths and skills to find a job that is fulfilling. It is not just about finding a job, but about aligning your career with what makes you happiest and most productive.

How did Tom O'Neal contribute to the book 'What Color Is Your Parachute'?

Tom O'Neal developed a tool called the 'achievements questionnaire', which helps people highlight their personal achievements and present them effectively to employers. This tool was included in the book after O'Neal reached out to the author with several emails over several months.

What is the difference between a job description and a CV achievement?

A job description lists the basic duties of a position, like 'put ball in hole' for a golfer. In contrast, a CV achievement focuses on specific outcomes and measurable impacts, such as winning $50 million in earnings for a golfer or improving business processes for an office administrator.

How should you structure your CV if you have experience?

Instead of just listing job duties, you should frame your experience in terms of achievements and the value you brought to the organization. This includes quantitative measures, like how you improved a process, saved costs, or achieved company goals.

Is it important to keep your CV to one page?

No, especially if you have substantial experience. A CV should be three to four pages long to provide enough detail on your achievements, skills, and experience, giving employers a comprehensive picture of what you can offer.

How can you make your CV stand out when submitting a hard copy?

When submitting a hard copy of your CV, use A4 cardstock, a clear front, and a little spine for a professional touch. Avoid overly bright colors like pink or bright blue, and instead, opt for something subtle to make your CV look refined and stand out from the pile.

Should you include a photo on your CV?

Yes, if you work in a role where you have direct contact with the public (e.g., customer service, receptionist, or air crew), a professional photo can make your CV stand out. The photo should be a clear, smiling image with a simple background.

How can the achievements questionnaire help in writing a CV?

The achievements questionnaire helps job seekers identify and articulate their key accomplishments. By focusing on achievements, candidates can present a CV that highlights their skills, shows their value to employers, and distinguishes them from others.

What does Tom O'Neal say about the human resources department and a CV?

Tom O'Neal explains that the human resources department views candidates as products, and a CV is like a brochure selling that product. Therefore, it is crucial for your CV to effectively 'sell' your skills, experience, and achievements.