6 pointers to the perfect cv

1. Employability skills

This is the fancy phrase for the skills that you will see on every single job application, such as good communication skills, ability to work under pressure and team player. You want them on your CV if you are to land that dream job. This is because the recruiter compares your skills to the list of skills they have advertised in the job description. They check against each skill to see if the candidate meets their criteria. Be sure to live up to these skills you claim to have in your CV because, when you are shortlisted for that interview, you have will need to demonstrate how you fit the criteria.

2. Education

This should be as high up as possible in your CV, even if it is right under your name if you like. You should state either your highest level of education, or the most relevant information to the job you’re applying for. Say you have a degree in History, but add you have a higher diploma in customer service if the job you are seeking is in customer service. That said, it is better to place your higher diploma in customer service as your top most education level because it is relevant to the recruiter.

3. Experience

Recruiters are not interested in your autobiography. Relevance is what they seek. Know your CV’s target audience and research and understand the recruiter’s, industry and company. Be specific in sharing experience relevant to what they are looking for. Also, if you have any employment record that is less than a year long and was contractual, explain it. If you don’t, it could be perceived that you are incapable of holding down a job.

You should equally be specific in the information you provide.

4. CV Length

You have five years of experience. Good for you! However, employers don’t have time to go through mountains of papers. A great CV is one customised to suit the employer’s requirements. Sift through the barrage of information to ensure that your resume is no longer than two pages. 

5. Flair

You want your CV to be a superstar and stand out on that recruiter’s desk. And it isn’t just about what it looks like. You can add flair with a personal statement, a quote, state a club that you are member of, something quirky that you have done or said. Beaton says you may also state any relevant online courses you may have taken. “It shows motivation and discipline to do something that is not forced,” she says.  Flair may be aesthetically appealing, but should not distract the recruiter from the content of your CV.  In other words, a yellow CV may attract the recruiter, but not for the right reasons.

6. Referees

If you have any work experience at all, it should be your line manager; the people in charge of assessing your day-to-day activities that you should state as your referee. “If you don’t have three years experience, your referees could be a person of authority in your community or academic institution,” Beaton adds.