A curriculum vitae (CV or resume), is a written account on ones life, accomplishments, educational background, work experience(s), etc. This document, on paper or a software, is used to apply for a job along with a cover letter.
Before you begin to work on your curriculum vitae, it is important to know that it presents an image of you to potential employers, and an impressive CV increases the chances of being called for an interview.
Most times people loose their dream jobs not because they did not have what it takes, but because they did not present it well enough.
Read through this listicle carefully, as it contains points that really will boost your CV.
1. A DEGREE IS NOT ENOUGH!
Yes a decree is a big deal, but settling for just one important certificate is not going to take you places. There are many beneficial courses out there other than what you studied in school, you can acquire these online or in other accredited and recognized institutions.
The most common way of getting knowledge in extra courses these days is online. Find one that issues you a certificate and work hard at it.
Volunteering to work for NGOs and other significant programs could also be a plus, employers believe that once an individual was able to do well working for free, working for a salary will not really be a problem.
2. ATTACH A PASSPORT
This can help your potential employer know how presentable you look, many organizations take this into serious consideration, a bank or hotel for example.
Ensure you’re dressed decently and neatly, be sure the passport photograph is recent and has good quality.
3. ENSURE THAT YOU HIT THE ORGANIZATION’S NEED
For instance, don’t go stating your sport hobby when seeking for a job at the Mall.
Find out what the organization really wants at the moment, it’s purpose, aims and mission. Then go ahead to convince them you are the right person for the job.
4. NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Your full name should come first at the top of the paper, Centralized and bold, then closely followed by a contact address.
Note that the contact address should be an email and a phone number.
Make sure the email address does not portray you as irresponsible though. Do not use an email address that was created with a nickname, that’s a big red flag.
5. PERSONAL PROFILE
This is a sneak peek at your person, so you might want to start strong.
Avoid common sentences like “I am hardworking, reliable….” employers see that everyday, be creative with it.
here’s an example from the CV of one applying for a role in a company’s Human Resource (HR) Department:
“An effective and confident communicator who is also a self-starter with the dedication and motivation required to succeed in a busy HR department. Possesses in-depth knowledge of HR processes and procedures. Easy going by nature and able to get along with both work colleagues and senior managers while providing comprehensive administrative support to day-to-day operations of the human resources department”.
6. CORE COMPETENCIES
The organization will not just be interested in your academic prowess. The “core competence” section should give whoever looks at your CV an Insight Into skills you possess naturally.
Remember, only state competencies that are important to the organization.
Examples in regards to HR :
•Attention to detail.
•Recruitment and selection.
•French language – fluent.
7. WORK EXPERIENCE
This section highlights positions you have held before. It is very vital and is an added advantage over other applicants.
Arrange in this order : POSITION (RANK) – ORGANIZATION – DATE (E.G FEBRUARY 1990 – DECEMBER 2000)
8. ACADEMIC PROFILE
Your academic profile displays all certicates from school and the institutions from which you acquired them.
Start from the latest certificate to the last one.
State the class of degree, institution and the year.
9. AWARDS AND CERTIFICATION
Employers want to know that you performed well in jobs and responsibilities given to you in the past. Stating awards and certifications is a big bonus, and probably one of the most attractive things about all your CV
10. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION AND MEMBERSHIP
As stated in point 1, a degree is not enough.
This is were you bring in all certicates acquired from prominent institutions apart from your degree, it would surprise you that most organizations actually recognize professional affiliations more than a degree.
A company seeking for an accountant may pick a person certified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria(ICAN), over someone who’s applying with just a degree in accounting.
11. HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Yes you can include your hobbies and interests(that relates to the job you are applying for)
12. REFERENCES
This should come last, its purpose is confirmation of facts written in your Curriculum vitae. Ensure every contact you state here can vouge for the sincerity of your resume and certificates.
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