Take the initiative to write a resume that makes a lasting impression and stands out from the competition.
Photo credit: Diana
The thought of sitting down and staring at your screen in an attempt to document your CV is nerve-racking especially when you don’t know how to go about it. This is the case for many job seekers with no experience. Well, it doesn’t have to be.
What many forget is that a resume is a digital impression to the recruiter. Don’t take it lightly. Your resume gives the recruiter a glimpse of who you are and what you are capable of. Right from the very beginning, your CV speaks to the employer. What would you want it to say? You have one chance to make an impression, so why not make it count? Read on and get tips on how to write a great CV.
1. Keep it brief
Without leaving out any crucial information, keep it brief. Read the job posting to know which information is most relevant to put first on your resume. Aim for a maximum of 2 pages of A4 unless you have a long career history. If you recently graduated or currently a student then a single page is preferable.
2. Use good formatting
The most common and preferred font to use is Arial or Times New Roman. Make it easier for the recruiter to focus on the content of your resume by reducing the extra spaces. The font size to use is 11 or 12. Ensure line spacing is at 1.15 and there are distinctive gaps between paragraphs. Avoid cramming too much information into a single document. When submitting your CV, publish it in a PDF or Word document (or as requested on the job post).
3. Use active language
There’s no need to use heavy jargon, rather use active words like “delivering” or “achieving”. Be clear and straight to the point. You still need to be detailed when stating your personal statement on your CV. For example, if you have a personal statement that reads: “During my time at X company, I took part in multiple team-based projects and helped each team member associated with each project.” It can be shortened and made more active: “Led multiple team-based teams and effectively coordinated group tasks.”
4. Order of information
If you are a recent graduate or student, the education section is a priority. You need to open about your grades and academic accomplishments. Consider what information is most important for the role you’re applying for.
For experienced professionals, you need to include a professional summary statement (optional), work experience, professional organization memberships if any, education and certifications. This layout makes it easier for a recruiter to skim through your resume and find relevant information.
Let’s get into details about how to do it. There are a number of key sections which a CV should contain. Here’s what to include and show that you’re fit for the job.
Personal details
In this section, the information you provide is for the employer to easily contact you. It doesn’t require much space because it isn’t used in assessing your suitability for the role.
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Name: your name should be the title of your CV and should be in bold letters at the top. If your CV has more than one page, then include your name on both.
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Address: make sure that your CV has your address on it, including your postcode. The best use of space is to place it vertically or horizontally.
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Email: it is often the common way for recruiters to contact potential candidates. The email address you provide should have a professional name. Avoid names like “cute” in your email address.
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Telephone: provide a number which you can be easily reached on. If you have a voicemail service for that number, take time to record a personalized greeting. Once again, keep it professional.
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Social Media: Adding social media accounts like your LinkedIn profile is good. As long as it contains information that can boost your resume.
Personal statement
This section, it’s an opportunity to sell yourself in your own words. Clearly explain how you meet the requirements of the role. Have one or two sentences that convey a slice of your personality and who you are as a professional.
Work experience
This is where you mention your career history both past and current. No experience? Well, just write down internships or volunteering experiences you did. When you do, state your role and summary of key responsibilities.
Education
List academic and professional courses you’ve taken with the start and end dates. If you are a member of any relevant professional body then include them here as well. If you have any professional recognition include them in this section.
Hobbies & Interests
Hobbies demonstrate additional skills and give more insight into your personality. An employer would be interested to know your hobbies if they are relevant to the job position.
References
This has been a debate on whether to add a reference page or not. The short answer is that, yes it is still necessary. However, you can still provide your references during the interview stage or when asked by the recruiter.
Proofread
The last thing an employer wants to see is grammatical errors from a potential candidate that claims to have excellent educational qualifications. After you’ve made your final edits, go back and carefully proofread your resume.
In conclusion
Once you have used the tips as a guide to write your resume, pair it with a well-written cover letter. That being said, take the initiative to write a resume that makes a lasting impression and stands out from the competition. If you need further support, reach out to a Fuzu Career Coach who will do an in-depth CV review and make recommendations on how to improve it so that your application can stand out to prospective employers. All the best!
Sample CV
IAN KIP
Kampala, Mobile +256 700123456 | [email protected]
Language Proficiency: Fluent in English, French, and Swahili
Professional Summary
Experienced Project Manager with a background in Business Development and 5+ years of experience growing revenue for a leading regional power plant. Seeking to leverage leadership expertise as project manager.
Core Skills
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Project management
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Training program planning
Professional Experience
Organization: Blue Power Plant - 2009–2011
Position: Project Manager
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Create, implement, and monitor projects while ensuring quality standards and deadlines are met.
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Identify resources required and manage budget allocation.
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Analyze project for changes to improve implementation.
Education
MBA: 2009–2012
Makerere University
Bachelor of Science in Technical Management: 2011–2014
University of Nairobi
Certifications
May 2010 — Kenya institute of project management (K.I.P.M)
Hobbies and Interests
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Film and Photography
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Basketball
Referees
John Doe
Organization: Group HR Blue Power Plant
Contact: [email protected]
