BEFORE YOU WRITE THAT 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.

Chronological vs. Functional CVs - Which To Choose?

In my previous post, I told you I will be discussing the difference between Chronological and Functional CVs and which one is the better to choose.

Your CV is a marketing tool that should effectively sell your skills, experience, and educational qualifications to prospective employers. When developing your CV, there are two different types of CV formats you should consider: a chronological CV and a functional CV. Your decision to choose one format over another should be dependent on your career background and personal circumstances. The ultimate decision will be based on that format that allows you to most effectively present your qualifications.

Chronological CVs

Q. What is a chronological CV?

A. In a chronological CV format, your employment experience history is organized in reverse chronological order so that your most recent job position is listed first. This type of format emphasizes your job titles and employers, as well as your dates of employment with each employer. Your responsibilities and accomplishments should be described in detail for each individual position.

Q. What are the advantages to using a chronological CV?

A. Chronological CVs are easy to read, use a logical flow, and can effectively highlight career growth. Since this type of CV emphasizes the details of each position, using a chronological CV will draw attention to impressive titles and prestigious employers.

Q. What are the disadvantages to using a chronological CV?

A. Because of the format of a chronological CVs, this style easily undercover gaps in your employment history and frequent job changes. It also draws attention to the fact that you may be relative experienced in the workforce or in a particular career.

Q. What types of candidates should choose to use a chronological CV?

A. Chronological CVs are best suited for those individuals whose job history reflects steady career growth, those who are remaining in the same field, and those whose career goals are clearly defined and in alignment with their work history. This type of CV is also suitable for candidates who have prior employment with a prestigious employer that they want to highlight.

Functional CVs

Q. What is a functional CV?

A. Functional CVs have often been referred to as problem solving CVs in that they allow you to organize your CV by functional skills as opposed to purely chronological order. This allows individuals to make sense of their work history by matching up skills and accomplishments from different jobs that might otherwise be overlooked by an employer in a more traditional chronological formatted CV. The goal is to highlight specific key qualifications which have been demonstrated through a variety of work-related achievements. As opposed to a chronological CV, skills do not have to be presented in the order of accomplished in a functional CV, but instead may be presented in order of importance and relevance to the job for which you are applying.

Q. What are the advantages to using a functional CV?

A. Using a functional CV keeps the emphasis on key relevant skills you possess that make you a good fit for a position. It allows candidates to align accomplishments from several different positions for a more powerful impact, since these skills might otherwise be lot in the shuffle in a traditional CV. Functional CVs also minimize the impact of inexperience in the workforce or field, frequent job changes, and any gaps in your employment history.

Q. What are the disadvantages to using a functional CV?

A. The presence of a clear career progression can easily be lost in a functional CV, as can extended experience in your targeted industry or field. Impressive employers or job titles are de-emphasized, which is a disadvantage if these are strong selling points in your experience. Additionally, some recruiters and managers dislike functional CVs due to their perceived lack of logical flow.

Q. What types of candidates should choose to use a functional CV?

A. A functional CV is a solid option for individuals who are looking to change careers, returning to the job market after a long absence, trying to minimize fair-to-average career growth. This format is also appropriate for new graduates, candidates with limited work experience, and individuals whose work history is a mixed bag of unrelated experience.

In order to know more about CVs,builing up a professional CV, I recommend you read my complete package on CVs and Job interview guide.

Good Luck on your next job application!