You just saw a job you feel suits your qualifications and are sure you have a shot. Problem is, you do not have a CV yet. You have already checked out templates online but you want something customised. Don’t worry; we have provided the solution you’re looking for. A good CV provides a detailed description of your past, current professional skills, proficiency, and experiences. Its main aim is to prove that you are capable of doing the job you are applying for. Here is how to write a CV and 6 important considerations to guide you when writing your CV.
1. Ensure all the Necessary information is Captured
For instance, most CVs contain personal information, education and qualifications, experience, interests and achievements, skills and preferences. Moreover, in order to have a better chance at landing the job experienced job seekers should tailor their CV according to the job they are applying for.
While writing a CV, use a format that is simple and easy on the eye and one that highlights all important featured well. There are many formats for writing a good CV, choose one that works for you in terms of ease of writing and understanding. At the same time, remember to only include information relevant to the role you are applying for. Leave out unnecessary information as it only lengthens the CV.
2. Consider the Job You Want to Apply for with your CV
The employer has the ideal candidate in mind as they post job adverts. This means that your CV should be tailored to fit this profile. Before applying for a job, you should do a background search on the company you are applying to. Research the company thoroughly. A good CV is tailored to the specific company you apply to. For example, you need to find out what the company does, what is the company’s vision and mission? The culture of the company and its core values. Such information will help you customse your CV.
3. Enlist your Skills
Apart from your years of experience and qualifications, your skills are paramount on the CV. Your skills make you stand out from other candidates with similar experience and qualifications. Ensure that these are the skills that your future employer wants by going through the job description keenly. Additionally, ensure that these skills are placed right on top of your CV’s first page. This is to capture the attention of anyone looking at your CV.
4. List all the Jobs You Have Held
As a beginner, you might not have much in terms of experience. However, this should not discourage you. List your internships and volunteer work, with an emphasis on the achievements and impact of your involvement in these companies. At this point, all jobs and short term stints in different companies are important due to your short experience nature. This may include where you work currently and other jobs you have held in the past. Include the dates you began and finished working at a certain job on your CV.
5. Include All Forms of Relevant Training
The training you possess is very critical to your performance in any role. That being said, ensure you have a section for training and development where you will list these workshops and online courses. Most of these training opportunities provide certificates upon completion, so have those ready in case they might be needed in an interview. The skills section should also reflect some of the qualifications, tools and software knowledge acquired from the training sessions you attend.
6. Consider adding the Referees you Share on your CV
Your CV is the professional ambassador that represents and introduces you. Referees, on the other hand, are professionals of a higher standing that vouch for you and validate your suitability for a certain job. This means that they should have a good understanding of who you are, your strengths and proven track record. Since most beginners don’t have much experience, you might not have a long list of options. Thus, try as much as possible to create good relationships everywhere you intern or volunteer. This will always ensure that you have referees of relevant background on your CV.
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