How can we write a CV for a job? This post will help you a lot to write a simple CV for a perfect Job, I know when you read this post, it will guides you on how to write a CV.
What is a CV?
In its full form, CV stands for Curriculum vitae (latins for: course of life). In the US, Canada and Australia, a CV is a document you use for academic purposes.
The US academic CV outlines every details of your scholarly career. In other countries, CV is an equivalent of an American resume. You use it when you apply for jobs.
What is the difference between a CV and a Resume?
Let's get this straight, once and for all;
In the hiring industry, nowadays there's almost no formal difference between a CV and a Resume. It's the same thing, we Nigerian call it a CV, Brits call it a CV too and Americans call it a Resume, so it's the same thing.
Just like they do with chips and French fries, football and soccer, or Queen Elizabeth and Queen Bey, so it's d same thing..
Let me just define a CV and a RESUME
A CV is a complete record of your career history and basically everything you feel your employer should know about you. It can span two or three pages likewise A RESUME is a basic listing of your skills and your career history that should be tailored to the position you're applying for. It should be at most one page.
When companies ask for your CV, you should be detailed as possible and then when employers in Nigeria ask for CVs, they're really asking for your RESUME.
I'm going to tell you how to write a perfect CV that Nigerian employers expect to see but before that am going to enlight you the tips to follow on how to write a perfect CV for a good job.
These are the tips;
Some hints on How to write a good CV.
- ACTIVE VERBS: Use active verbs wherever possible. For example, you could include words like "created", " analysed" and "devised" to present yourself as a person who shows initiatives.
- Spelling and Grammer: There should be no spelling or grammar mistake in your CV. Use appropriate smelling and grammer, Use a spell checker and enlist a second pair of eyes to check over it.
- Unnecessary Home Address: If you are posting your CV online don't include your home address, as you could be targeted by fraudsters.
- Cover letter: You should always include a cover letter unless the employer states otherwise. It will enable you to personalise your application for the job. You can draw attention to a particular part of your CV, disclose a disability or clarity gaps in your history.
- Exaggeration/lies Never lie or exaggerate on your CV or job application. Not only will you demonstrate your dishonest to a potential employer, but there can be serious consequences too. For instance, altering your degree grade from a 2:2 to a 2:1 is classed as degree fraud and it can result in a prison sentence.
- Putting Curriculum vitae Don't put the term 'Curriculum Vitae' at the top of your CV.
- Email Address Provide a professional surrounding email address.
- Company's Website: Take a look at the company's website, local press and the job advert to make sure that your CV is targeted to the role and employer.
- Decision: Decide whether the chronological, skills-based or academic CV Is right for you.
- Genetic phrases: Avoid using genetic phrases such as "team player", " hardworking " and "multitasked". Instead, provide real life examples that demonstrate all of these skills.
Now let's talk about CV format, some steps and guides to follow on writing CV
This is a CV writing format
1. Personal Details
This section consists of your name, address, age (optional), phone number, email. Put these in a a strategic location and in legible fonts so that they can be easily seen by the HR manager or recruiter. Ensure the information provided are current.
Note; Don't ever use an email that is not yours and then avoid stating your state of origin, religion ( except if specified in the job advertorial ) and unprofessional email addresses. Example of this would be [email protected]. Keep it professional.
2. Work Experience
You can start with your most recent job role. For each job role, it's important to state your role and achievements.
For example: You work in Yemkem Communication Limited
In 2018 and your Job Title is Marketing Executive
Yemkem Communication Limited is a marketplace for electric home appliances
Achievement;
- Increases of monthly revenue from #10 million to #20 million in every 6 months
- Mostly won one of the award of the year consecutively for December and January 2018.
- Worked with the marketing team to spread our products from Lagos to all the 6 states of the Western Nigeria within a year.
Note: Always remember to tweak your job experience in line with what you are applying for. It will increase the employer's preference for you.
3. Education
Always start with the most recent educational qualification.
Professional certification that is relevant to the job should also be added to this section.
For example: You went to University of Ilorin in 2017
Qualification: B.A. History and international Relations.
- Excellent diplomatic skull and versed in three foreign languages- French, Portuguese and Chinese
- Graduated with a first class grade of 4.56 and won the 'Best Graduating' award
Note: if you have a qualification from a tertiary institution, it's not important to include your primary school first leaving certificate unless you're a fresh graduate with no work experience. This section includes professional certificates, affiliation/membership, seminars and training. They can appear as a subsection under education.
4. Interests and Abilities
This section should be kept short and simple.
These are the key things to know:
- Avoid clichés such as creative, motivated, team player, problem solve, self started. Instead be specific about your hobbies Replace with 'running' you can jog about 300km every weekend', it shows you are disciplined and committed.
Add interests that align with the prospective employer's corporate social responsibility.
5. References
The standard number of referees is three, although some organizations request for two. The lesser the pages of a CV, the greater attention it receives. As an employer, you would not want to be bothered by CVs that look like handouts. A 2-page CV is excellent. Therefore, be direct, clear and convincing.
Note: Never use a referee that you are not familiar with and has knowledge of using them as referees. For example
Prince Adeyemi, jobberman CV Service Analyst pointed out.
I thinks with all these guide lines, you will be able to write a perfect CV without any mistakes, So just try it out and you will smile at last for a job.......
0 Comments