A Superb CV: Your Ticket To The Top

Very recently, an extremely popular celebrity was seeking a new bodyguard.

Since this celebrity doesn’t have a lot of time (he’s very popular, remember?) his business manager is charged with the task of finding the appropriate talent for the position.

But business managers are busy people, quite often managing more than one demanding celebrity. And, since this is 2008 and the entire world moves at lightening speed, the manager doesn’t want to have to take the time to read over stacks of resumes in order to present the best candidates to the celebrity…as soon as possible.

See, the popular celebrity with the overworked business manager wants to see your brief and to-the-point CV, so you can be moved quickly to the top of the stack, scheduled for the interview and offered the job…as soon as possible.

What, you ask, is a CV and how can I get one?!?

Technically, CV means “curriculum vitae” (Latin, meaning “course of life”) it is more often used in Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, New Zealand, French Canada and the Arctic. In the Executive Protection world, it is something like a snapshot of a full resume. It is often made up of bulleted points.  With one brief glance, an employer can assess if the candidate has the necessary training and appropriate experience for the job, to be considered for the next round in the hiring process. Very often, the next step is a more in-depth investigation of your resume, which presents more job duty details, specialized training, and the like. The CV is also called a bio (short for biography).

Most importantly, the CV should list employers with the most recently held positions at the top, and the dates of employment. Training institutions, specialized skills and languages should be included. Also, if you have one, include things like “current passport” and any licenses you hold. Also provide height and weight information.

Included in the CV or bio is a photograph of the applicant. Since often height, weight, and physical fitness are key criteria for some positions, a photograph can help employers to determine if you are the right person for the job. I advise applicants to not wear sunglasses in these photos. The expression should be professional, rather than menacing. A suit is the preferred wardrobe. With the photo, remember, you are presenting yourself as not only the kind of professional who can restrain crazed fans…you also need to come across as the kind of person the celebrity wants to be around–for extended periods of time.