Who Needs a CV Anyway?

Billions of pounds each year are spent by companies advertising their products. No matter how good the product is, no matter how well it has sold previously, businesses will continue to invest in its promotion. In America , television programmes are scheduled around commercials, and sporting events are delayed in order for the viewer to receive 'a message from our sponsor'.

A recent radio programme was examining factors that contribute towards a song being successful in the record charts. Although there were a number of factors, including how memorable the lyrics were, the rhythm and the beat, the most important was simply how well the record was marketed. Songs from Bryan Adams, Whitney Houston and Wet Wet Wet, all stayed a number one longer than any other record. Their common link? They were all title tracks to hugely popular films and benefited from additional marketing.

Learning to Market Yourself

Strange as it may seem, people can also be viewed as products. When they apply for a job or sell their services, they sell their skills, experience, qualities and potential. No matter how good a 'product' the person is, their future success will depend to a great extent on how well they market themselves.

One of the most important marketing tools an individual can have when seeking to promote themselves is a Curriculum Vitae (CV for short) which is the Latin for 'the course of your life'.

Who Needs a CV?

We live in a society where change is continuous and competition is increasing. The days of full employment are long gone and, whatever politicians say, they are unlikely to return. Advanced technology and emphasis on 'efficiency' has led to a reduction in the labour force. Economic realities mean:

There has been a sharp increase in the number of women seeking employment.

• Companies are recruiting fewer graduates, which means there are plenty of qualified people, but with little or no work experience.

• A 'job for life' is becoming the exception rather than the norm.

• Reorganisations within companies have led to redundancies and people who have worked all their lives in one industry are now looking for alternative work for the first time.

• Increasingly there are more self employed people, working on short term projects.

• People must now be prepared to work on a temporary contract, without any job security.

• Working practices are changing and people are having to be more flexible in the hours they work. Whilst some are finding their home life is suffering due to the time spent at work, others are struggling to find even part-time employment.

• These statements may seem stark, but this is reality and these are the circumstances people are finding themselves in.

The CV is not a magic wand. It will not suddenly be the solution to all our problems. But for those who do find themselves affected by this economic climate, or for those who simply feel it is time for a change, the CV is an important marketing tool.