6 KEYS TO WRITING A PROFESSIONAL CV...
Before you write that CV, I will like to draw your attention to these
6 Keys To Writing CVs
What first impression do you create in the mind of your employers? Are you thinking what am thinking? It is your CV of course. That is the first document about you that your employer will see.
Is your resume holding you back?
Take this quick test and find out ...
Have you been sending your resume to employers for jobs you KNOW you're perfect for ... and not getting called for interviews?
Have you posted your resume on sites like or Naijahotjobs ... and employers aren't calling you?
Have you tried networking and sent your resume to friends and relatives ... and you still don't have a job yet?
If so, your resume is definitely working against you
Writing CVs can be time consuming and feel like drudgery, yet your CVs are the most important component of your job search activities. CVs can either propel you through the door into that all important interview, or smash your hopes to the ground.
Therefore, the skills you need for writing CVs are essential skills if you want to achieve your professional goals.
There are six essential aspects to the preparation of any professional CV and these must be included when writing CVs if you want any chance of success.
While there are certainly other elements that can and should be included in different types of CVs, every CV should contain these six aspects in order to ensure your CV is read and to maximize your chances of gaining an interview. Remember, your CVs have got only 3 seconds to impress an HR
manager or the recruiter.
Here are the six basic keys to CV success:
1. Target your CV. The most effective way to ensure your CV gets positive attention from a prospective employer is to target it to the requirements of the job you are applying for. A targeted CV will clearly address the selection criteria for the position by emphasizing the experience, skills and qualifications that match the skills requirements of the job.
2. Contact Information. Your contact information must be up to date and accurate and located at the top of your first page irrespective of your CV’s format. It must include your name, address,
home and cell phone numbers and email address. If you make contacting you too hard, you simply won’t be contacted.
3. Statement of Objectives. Every professional CV should have a statement of objectives. When you state your objectives clearly and concisely you can give an employer insight into how you can contribute to the organization as well as the type of position you are seeking.
It is important to be clear and straightforward in your objective statement. Don’t be afraid to boldly state your objectives for fear of not getting the job.
4. Education. All professional CVs have an education section, which is presented in reverse chronological order irrespective of the format of the rest of the CV. Chronological vs. Functional Resumes - Which To Choose? Watch out for more on this in my next post.
This means that your most recent qualification is listed first, along with the institution you obtained it from.
List all significant awards or results. If your course of study is not yet completed, provide the expected date of graduation and the name of the course. If you have received any outstanding results to this point, mention them.
5. Achievements. When you are writing CVs, it is very important to list your achievements on your CV. No matter how much or little experience you have, stating your accomplishments indicates that your efforts were well targeted and effective.
6. Edit and Proofread. The last thing you want is to send off a CV with typographical or other errors in it. Grammatical and typographical errors are sure ways to ensure your CV ends up in the waste basket. Do not rely on word processing spell checkers.
They are not adequate. If you feel unable to proofread your own work to ensure freedom from errors, then find someone who you can trust to proofread and edit your CV before sending to a potential employer.
These six keys to writing CVs will improve your chances of being chosen for an interview. In a highly competitive marketplace, landing a job has become an art form of which writing an effective CV is the most important part.
Learn more about writing CVs in Hassan Ismail's complete and comprehensive package on CVs, cover letters, interview and job search tips. For more info, click on the web icon below my profile picture.
