I can’t remember how many times I’ve heard the phrases: “I hate doing my CV” or “I’d love to leave my job, but I just can’t face doing my CV.” And, I have to confess that, once upon a time, I was one of those people.
But is updating your CV really so painful? Something you will put off until you absolutely have to?
Is the pain of writing your CV greater than losing the job you were born to have?!
YES is the answer for most people. But why is it a thing we dread or avoid doing?
Based on my experience, it comes down to three things:
Not knowing how to do it well
The fear of being judged
Making the time to do it
Very few of us are taught CV writing at school or university, and even if we are shown the basics, that doesn’t mean we really know what to write. It all seems to be a bit of a mystery. Plus…
the weight of our future fulfilment and happiness is riding on those two sheets of paper.
That’s a lot of pressure when you are staring at a blank screen and a blinking cursor. Easily enough pressure to make it preferable to do something else instead. But there’s a wealth of advice online and people to turn to, like me, who can help you.
Being judged, well that’s just inevitable when you ask for something you want – a date, a job, an extra big slice of cake. There’s always a risk – and the fear of being rejected – but most people focus on what could go wrong, as opposed to what could go right. They focus on how hard (they think) it is, not on what the end result will get them.
To overcome the fear, be confident in what you want and why you want it. Project that confidence and the fear will fade. Think about ‘acting as if’ you are the most confident person in the world – or get an expert to help you ‘fake it’ until you feel it for yourself.
As for making time to do it, ask yourself why that’s the issue. Is lack of time an excuse for not finding out how or addressing the fear? Or do you not really want the role? If you really wanted it, you’d make the effort, wouldn’t you?
What’s really stopping you?
Here is the most important tip you need.
It won’t write itself. Either get started or get help (or both).
Here’s another tip.
It won’t hurt as much to write it as it will missing out on an amazing opportunity.
Final tip.
If you’ve got a CV you are proud of, then why fear being judged?
If you think it’s too painful to try or just don’t know where to start, why not try a session of CV therapy? Get in touch
Email louise@careertherapy.co.uk Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash
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