Your curriculum vitae (CV) is a reflection of you as an individual and it’s the first impression that a potential employer will have of you. Your CV must be logically structured and contain important information such as your qualifications, achievements and work experience.
Below are a few tips to help you create a memorable and readable CV.
Write a brief, summary statement of your most relevant skills, qualifications and achievements at the beginning of your CV.
Although there is no right or wrong way to write a CV, there are key sections you should include such as:
Personal details (full name, identity number, level of computer literacy, your availability date, annual cost to company salary details excluding incentive bonus, shares etc ).
Contact information (mobile number, email and residential address).
Academic record (the degree you studied at university and what subjects you majored in, as well as your final subjects at high school).
Notable achievements (distinctions achieved in matric, finishing cum laude at university, captaining a sports team, and awards given at school or university).
Prior work experience (company name, period of employment, designation and duties, and reason for leaving).
References (preferably from someone who can vouch for your skills and experience).
Keep your CV clear, concise and to the point. Your summary statement and personal details should appear on the first page. The body of the CV should contain your work history, duties in each position, reason for leaving each job and references.
Highlight your suitability by including examples of noteworthy achievements, relevant improvements made to your working environment or complex problems you were able to solve.
Thoroughly check your CV for errors and ensure that what you have written makes sense. After you have proofread your CV, ask a friend or colleague to review it for you.
Remember that your social profile acts as an online, living extension of your CV and is available for everyone to see. Keep this in mind when engaging in social media because it can impact on your chances of getting that next interview.
