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Did you know that a well-written CV could earn you that coveted interview or job? A CV acts as your marketing tool.
It also goes a long way in acting as your spokesperson. Working on a CV can take a great deal of time. And it is necessary to update it time and time again. Here’s a checklist that can help you confirm that you have your CV in good shape:
1. Highlight Your Personal Information.
Check that your name takes centre stage and that it is visible and in large font.
Your contacts should be included in your CV. In this modern world, a professional-looking email address and one or two phone numbers should do. Social media links (especially Linkedin) or a website should also be provided but they should be for professional purposes only.
An address should also be included to inform your employer about your residence. Employers often contact candidates to schedule them for interviews, clarify some information on their CVs, or notify them about a job offer.
If possible, provide a time frame on when you can comfortably receive a call. Failure to communicate the same could bar you from receiving notifications about an interview or job offer.
Something else to remember; avoid providing your bank details, ID or passport number until you nail the job.
READ ALSO: HOW TO PREPARE FOR A JOB INTERVIEW
2. Make It Error-free.
A well-written CV is error-free. Having an accurate CV passes the right message to your employer. Your employer may deem you as observant and attentive to detail. This increases your chances of being hired.
To achieve an error-free CV make sure you double-check it in order to look out for any errors. Always give your CV a fresh look before handing it over. Involving a third party to double-check your CV is also advisable. He/she may point out any mistakes that you may not have come across.
3. Customize It.
Your CV should always suit the job you apply for. Make sure that you alter your CV every time you are job hunting to ensure it is suitable.
Include the skills and qualifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For instance, your culinary skills could be irrelevant in your CV when in search of say, an accounting job.
3. Include Additional Skills.
In today’s job market, technical skills and computer literacy skills are very necessary.
It’s advisable to point out your additional skills, which may be important to the job market. That way, you will appear to your employer as a highly resourceful person.
Employers are interested in employees who can nail several tasks as well as employees who are creative. Be sure to highlight these in the CV.
4. Make It Straightforward.
A CV should be precise and straight to the point. Avoid unnecessary repetition and avoid regurgitating information as this may irritate your employer. Do not give excuses for not possessing some skills and qualifications.
As you enumerate your academic qualifications and skills, always remember to observe honesty.
READ ALSO: MISTAKES YOU SHOULD AVOID IN YOUR COVER LETTER
5. Format and Organise It Properly.
A well-written CV portrays good organisational skills.
Use bold headings, with larger fonts for every section in the CV, distinguishes the headings from the body.
Using a different font from the body of the CV makes the document an easy read. Fonts such as Calibri and Arial guarantee an easier read. Observe a considerate font size as well. Anything between 12-14 points for the body font will be appropriate. The headings should have a larger font of 16-18 points.
Your margins should also be spaced to around 2.5 cm.
Keep the length of the CV between one and three pages.
