Managers and HR people do not fully read CVs

They probably won’t read it at all if you hand write it. If you do not have a computer, then go to your local library. Most will let you use their computers for a limited time and then print off copies of whatever you wish for a small fee. Then you must be aware that the HR people and/or manager has to read a great many applications and resumes. They will not read every word of your resume, so you must make every work count. If they read every other paragraph, then you need to make sure that every paragraph pops and dazzles the manager. Most managers will only read the first few lines and then maybe skim a little of the rest before tossing your CV aside. This means you must have a strong opener, and the first few paragraphs should be short and to the point.

So let’s say you are an experienced grocery supervisor, and are applying for the same position in a new company. Your big opening line could be and following text could be.

I want this job because I have done it for the last 5 years and become very good at it.

• ŸI have worked as a supervisor for Grumbles Groceries for 5 years
• My attendance record is the highest in store
• I have won worker of the month on 29 occasions

The sooner you send in your CV the better. There are jobs advertised that have not closed their application period yet, but have been running for two or three weeks. In these cases, the managers have already started interviewing and have probably already found someone they like. Any further interviews will just be a formality. You should still apply, even if the advert has been running a long time, because there is a chance that they have interviewed a bunch of people who were not good enough, but it is unlikely. Even if they have picked the person they want and are only doing further interviews as a formality, it is a good way to practice your interview techniques. There are lots of people who are hired, simply because they interview well.