CV Writing Tips: How To Write A CV That Stands Out

By Lilian Wamaitha

Are you having trouble coming up with a compelling CV? This article covers 5 ways of on how to write a CV that stands out and gets you interviews.

CV writing is as old as civilization. A CV is a marketing tool for job seekers. It is therefore necessary to know how to write a CV that stands out and makes a hiring manager want to meet you in person.

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5 Ways To Write A CV That Stands Out In The Kenyan Job Market

According to Ms. Melody Mwendwa, A Professional CV writer at Corporate Staffing Services, recruiters receive hundreds of CV for a single job application. Going through all the CVs is a tedious process which leads to only the best being selected for review.

She advises that job seekers should ensure that their CVs stand out from the pile to get shortlisted. She gives the following pointers on how to write a CV that stands out.

1. Tell a story

When it comes to writing a compelling CV, just highlighting your educations and experience will not cut it. You need to go ahead and tell a story of how you are the right fit for the job. Describe the roles you played in your former company.

Ms. Mwendwa says that you should also leave room for the achievements you made while on particular position.

“I see so many job seekers make the mistake of only highlighting their work experience and education qualifications which do not do much in distinguishing you from the next candidate.” Says Mwendwa

2. Use a creative design

Is your CV 6 – seconds worthy?

“A lot of the CVs I get are not appealing to the eye. As recruiter I will not spend so much time on such a CV. I will put it aside and move on to the next.” laments Ms. Mwendwa. She encourages job seekers to use a CV format that catches the eye.

She also adds that you should avoid going overboard with the format. “Don’t overdo it as this is also a turn off.”

3. Showcase your work

“As a hiring manager I receive so many applications most of them having the same qualifications.” says Ms. Muthoni Ndegwa, a Recruitment Manager at Corporate Staffing Services. Add value to yours by including evidence of your work.

For instance if you are an architect, you can make your CV stand out by adding a portfolio of the work you have done. If you are in communication add writing samples like essays or other articles you have done. This will make your CV more ‘visible’ to the recruiter.

4. Create a strong profile summary

This is the first section in any CV. If you are still using an outdated CV, ensure you update it to what is current in the job market, says Ms. Muthoni Ndegwa.

Employers want you to woo them. They want to know you by the first statement of your CV. The profile summary should serve this purpose.

An example of a profile summary

“A highly motivated, innovative and reliable Communication Professional with close to (1) one year track record in the field of communication having mastered almost all aspects of communication especially in print media and broadcast media having delved into various fields including programming, producing and scripting for tv and radio shows. I have also recently delved into administrative work in WTV where I deal with front office management, general administrative work that involves doing of requisitions and writing of emails and minutes and answering of incoming and outgoing calls.”

5. Don’t underestimate the power of social media

Do you have online presence in social media sites like linked in? As a job seeker it is advisable that you included a link to your Linked In or Twitter account.

However Ms. Ndegwa advises that you should only include a link if the information you share on social media is relevant to your industry. It establishes you as an authority in your field.

Do you want to write a CV that stands out? Follow what has been highlighted in this article. As Ms. Mwendwa and Ms. Muthoni advice you are the only thing that’s standing between you and your dream job.

Do you need help revamping your CV to make it stand out? Email melody@corporatestaffing.co.ke.

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Lilian is a Communications Officer at Career Point Kenya. Do you have any CV related queries? Email them to lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke