DID YOU KNOW!! CV Sections That Will Get Your Applications Visible To HR

By Florece Mukunya

8 out of every 10 job seekers complain that they are always applying for jobs and never getting any response from recruiters. Is it that their CVs are never seen by recruiters or is it that their CVs do not contain what employers are looking for?

Let’s face it; I believe there is no job seeker who applies for a job without a CV but what then makes your CV not seen by the HR?

Highly recommended: What Do Employers Look For In A CV?

Here are the very important sections that will make your CV seen by recruiters

1. Profile

A CV is not a CV if it does not have the personal profile section. This is the very first section on the CV that gives a brief description of your work history, your expertise in the industry and what you are likely to bring to the organization.
The personal profile should be very brief approximately three to four lines. Remember, this is your introduction to the employer so watch out on grammar; this is not the place for wrong spelling and ambiguous sentences.

Example:

I am a recent Bachelors of Commerce; Management Science graduate with banking experience (Sacco/Fosa). My experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of commercial, administrative and investment procedures. Currently, I’m seeking a challenging position in an environment where my existing skills can be utilized.

2. Key skills and competencies section

This is a section on the CV that explains the skills that one possesses which are directly related to the job or industry. This helps the recruiter in finding out the competencies you will be bringing along if they hired you for the job.

Below is a Banking professional Key skill as provide by Melody Mwendwa a CV writing professional at Corporate Staffing Services

Example:

Knowledge in Bank products: Highly conversant with alternate channel technology, particularly in Mobile Banking applications; bank portfolio for example; loans, mortgages, savings accounts, corporate banking, business finance, investments and insurance.

3. Experience section

This is the most important section on a CV. Previous experience matters most to employers as this is what determines whether you are qualified for the job in terms of the roles you have previously handled and also the years of experience you have.

Now I have heard many job seekers complain that they have the exact experience that an employer has advertised for but they did not get shortlisted for the job, but look at this scenario where your CV only indicates Accountant, 2010-2014 and that’s what you sent to the employer. This information does not communicate anything as your duties are missing; the employer has no way of verifying the companies you have worked for too.

When listing you experience, start from the most recent to the last one also use bullets to make it easy for employers to go through your CV because remember she/he has over 500 other CVs to go through.

Example:

• Banking of bulk cash and Cheques in the respective banks
• Advising and assisting client to manage and create a workable financial plan
• General customer service, ensuring that the clients account is up to date

4. Your Education

Your education matters when it comes to applying for jobs and a CV will not be complete without this section. Like in your experience, list you education making sure that you start with the most recent to the last training, at this point your primary school education is not very relevant.

Example:

• Bachelors of Commerce, ABC University, 2012-2015
• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, ABC Secondary School, 2008 – 2011

5. Lastly the referees section

These are the professionals you have previously worked with who are in a managerial or supervisory roles. Employers will always call or write to them to verify whether the information you have given on your CV is indeed true. At least have 3 contacts and make sure that you provide the persons official names, contact details, and the companies they work for.

Example

John Peter
Assistant Manager
XYZ Bank
Tel: 0720 000 000
Email: jpeter@xyz.co.ke

Read also: Curriculum Vitae Writing Tips: 5 Things You Should Never Include on a CV

Need help coming up with a professional CV? Email melody@corporatestaffing.co.ke

The writer is a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading Recruitment firm that offers CV Writing, Job Placement & Career Advice. Email florence@corporatestaffing.co.ke