How to create a CV
How to create a CV
A CV is a document that showcases what studies, skills and experience you have. It stands for Curriculum Vitae, a Latin word that literally means ‘Courses of Life.
If the information on your CV matches the skills, education and experience the employer is looking for, you have a good chance of being invited to an interview with the recruiter.
But if your CV is not formatted properly or if it’s missing important information, you will miss out on your chance of being hired.
Research shows that because there are so many people applying for any job advertised, you have a maximum of 30 seconds to impress the person before they delete it.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a winning CV:
1. Open a Word document.
You will need the Microsoft Office software package to access ‘Word’. Click on the icon and open a new document.
2. Type your personal details
Include your name, address, date of birth, contact number, email address, and whether you have a driver’s license and your own reliable car.
It’s not a good idea to include a photo of yourself unless the recruiter has specifically requested one.
Many CVs get rejected because the applicant has a ridiculous email address. Keep the funny email addresses for private use, create a professional one to include in your CV and to send your CV from.
3. Add your qualifications and skills
Add the high school you attended and the date you matriculated. Then the course/degree you studied, including the start date and when you qualified. If you got good grades, you can mention them.
Add any self-development courses you’ve taken, for example, a public speaking course.
Employers always want to know what your computer literacy is like with the Microsoft suite of products, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint, so say whether it’s average, good or excellent.
They’re also generally interested in how many languages you can speak and which ones.
4. Include your accomplishments
List what you’ve achieved over and above your education. This is your opportunity to stand out above the crowd.
Think of your CV as your personal marketing brochure. Hype your credentials by telling your ‘future boss’ what you achieved. Use action words like, I achieved, I attained, I reached… You get the drift… like, I ranked in the top 15 in my final year, or I learned so much from my leadership role in high school, etc.
BUT be warned! Always stay true – never lie! This is another big mistake applicants make – and it gets them thrown right out the door when they’re caught out!
Also remember to add amazing personal experiences too, like, I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro or completed the Argus five years in a row, etc.
5. Section 4: Work experience
Obviously your work experience will be limited at this stage but it’s really important to list what you did, and what you learned. By working part-time, it shows you’re a go-getter.
Again use action words to describe any skills you gained. If you were a waitress, you gained customer service experience. If you worked in the cash-office, you gained basic business finance skills, and so on.
6. Section 5: References
Ask your teachers, lecturers, school, college/university as well as part-time employers for written references. These are letters that highlight your strengths and contributions. They play a big role in building your credibility. Include these as one document called References, along with your CV.
Follow this easy CV format to land your first job. Remember, keep it simple (easy to read) and not longer than two pages. And ALWAYS check your spelling and grammar – you guessed it! – another major reason CVs get trashed!
1. Only apply for relevant jobs
If you’re fresh out of college and respond to an ad for an experienced person, you’re wasting your time. The recruiter will hit the delete button a lot faster than you can say ‘Curriculum Vitae’!
Don’t be scared to start as a junior, despite what you studied, once you’re employed, you will quickly get promoted if you do your work well and have a good attitude.