7 Key Tips to Writing a Professional CV

Writing a professional CV has proved to be a challenge to most job seekers. The truth is, when you follow the correct guidelines, pros and cons that can change.

Faith has been applying for jobs in numerous job websites but has not been getting shortlisted or getting feedback from recruiters.

“What might be the problem”, I asked her.

“I think it is my CV, the way I present my  profile, experiences, interest and personality is not adequate and don’t know what to do

Having a professional CV not only helps you present your skills and experience in a way that impresses the employer but also help you stand out from other candidates.

If you are experiencing the same problem as Faith then here are 7 tips that can help you out.

1. Use an Active Voice.

Including the responsibilities in your CV is not enough. It is important to use action verbs like analysed”, “created” and “devised”.

For instance, Faith had used a passive voice in her CV and this didn’t portray her as a person who showed initiative.

2. Avoid Spelling And Grammatical Mistakes.

A professional CV doesn’t have any spelling or grammar mistakes.  Use a spell checker, for instance grammarly .Enlisting a second pair of eyes to check over the document can also be helpful.

3. Avoid Generic, Over-Used Phrases.

Most job seekers don’t understand the impact that cliché words such as “team player”, “hardworking” and “multi-tasker” have on their CV. Recruiter gets bored with such phrases in a CV.

Instead, provide real-life examples that demonstrate such skills for example in a sales job youcan write “coordinated with sales manager, assistant manager and other sales officers when assigned duties” to show team work.

4. Get A Professional CV Writer

A professional CV writer can provide the unbiased, expert opinion your CV desperately needs. They will tell you what works, remove what doesn’t, and polish the CV to be ready for the eyes of your next employer. 

Such tips and polishing lines in faith’s CV landed her an interview.

5. Create The Right Type Of CV For Your Circumstances.

I noticed not only Faith’s CV but also friends and colleagues have their CV jumbled up. It is important to decide whether the chronological, skills-based or academic CV is right for you.  An example, chronological CV lists your work experiences and achievements starting from the current or most recent one, and following up with previous jobs. Consider a format that would best work for you.

6. Make Sure Your Email Address Sounds Professional.

 If your personal address is inappropriate, create a new account for professional use.

It is advisable to use your name and numbers for example johnmutua2@gmail.com and avoid funny emails like johnthefunnyboy@gmail.com

7. Don’t Lie Or Exaggerate On Your CV Or Job Application.

 Not only will you demonstrate your dishonesty to a potential employer, but there can be serious consequences too

Finally

Having a professional CV is a ticket to landing you an interview.  Therefore, if you  follow these guidelines it will get you an opportunity to get your dream job.