10 CV writing tips that will help you land your dream Job in 2024

1.) Don’t have a CV that’s too long.

1-2 pages will do just fine however this is dependent on the amount of experience you have.

Space out all the information so that your CV is not clustered. Having a colorful CV and a picture doesn’t make your CV good.

It’s the content that does

2.) BIO

Have a strong personal statement/ summary that tells the recruiter a bit about yourself and also positions you as something

So many people fall into the trap of listing skills in their bio that they forget to tell the recruiters a little bit about themselves

3.) SKILLS

When listing skills in your CV, make sure you have 3 types of skills listed.

Have a balance between your transferable/functional skills,(eg. analytical skills), personal traits/attributes (eg. patience), and knowledge-based skills ( eg: accounting.)

4.) WORK EXPERIENCE

When listing your work experience keep your job descriptions brief and straight to the point highlighting what your role was

Make sure you have your job title and the years you worked at a specific job – Always use action verbs when listing your work experience

5.) Education

Avoid listing every subject or module from your school or university. Instead, focus on:

• The institutions you attended
• The qualifications you earned
• A brief summary of what each qualification equips you with

You can refer to the prospectus if you need assistance with summarizing your qualifications.

6.) THE NITTY GRITTY

Proofreading is so important. Make sure you pay attention to detail. Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ensure everything is consistent including your Fonts.

Also, make sure that your CV isn’t too clustered and is easy on the eye.

7.) THINGS TO AVOID

-Using generic cliches like “passionate, self-motivated, dedicated.”

• Not tailoring your CV for each job application. Your CV is not a one-size-fits-all
  -Not using keywords related to the vacancy
• Excessive word repetition
• Having a super long CV

8.) Always tell the truth

Do not lie in your CV to get the job because your lies will catch up with you. However, do not sell yourself short. Don’t be afraid to show that you are the right person for the job

9.) Your CV is like a sales document

It sells who you are and what you can do. It’s a valuable asset for opening doors of possibility. So put in the effort, it really goes a long way, and remember that the first impression lasts. Present yourself correctly

10.) Format

It is essential to have a CV that is easily readable and easy to follow. Gone are the days when you could simply put a bunch of words in Microsoft Word and submit that as your CV.

Effort goes a long way. You can find some nice modern formats Click Here.

IF YOU ARE GOING FOR AN INTERVIEW YOU NEED TO:

• Research the organisation
• Research the industry
• Research the role
• Dress smartly
• Be confident
• Sell yourself excellently but don’t lie
• Smile and relax
• Back up your answers with examples

THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS MIGHT FOCUS ON:

• Your ability to think creatively
• Your ability to solve problems
• Your ability to make bold decisions
• Communication skills
• Presentation/report writing skills (in some instances)
• If you can fit in

TIPS FOR ACING INTERVIEWS:

• The interview starts once you enter the building. Be self-aware
• Listen to questions carefully. If unclear, seek clarification
• Make eye contact
• Use examples to back up answers
• Ask questions at the end
• Thank the interviewer(s) by name