ABOUT THE GUIDE

Your CV needs to accomplish only one goal - to get you an interview. After writing CVs for the past 5 years, we’ve decided to pass along our experience, tips and secrets to you to enable you create a winning CV and improve your chances of landing your dream job. At CV Wizards, one of our favorite formats is the combination CV format also known as the skills-based, hybrid or chrono-functional CV format. This format combines the advantages of the chronological and functional formats. We have put together this manual for job seekers who cannot afford our professional CV writing service. The skills-based CV, unlike the functional and chronological CVs, is very easy to create but is not suitable for candidates without work experience(paid or voluntary).

We have written hundreds of successful CVs using this format and we are going to show you exactly how to create yours in this guide using the CV template.

WHY DO YOU NEED AN OUTSTANDING CV?
Because of the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria, most recruiters get an average of 1,000 CVs for an advertised position. Typically, they spend less than 30 seconds deciding whether or not they want to meet an applicant. So how do you increase your chances of crossing the CV-screening phase? The only way to achieve this is to create a CV that is difficult for the recruiter to ignore.

Your CV is the most important tool in your job hunt. Getting it right is an art that anyone can master. It is the first contact a prospective employer is going to have of you. Unfortunately, most job seekers do not pay adequate attention to this and end up being part of the 95% that get screened out from the beginning.

HOW TO USE THE CV TEMPLATE
The CV template is an editable Microsoft Word document. Follow the following steps to create your professional CV.

Step 1 – Header
Your CV header is the top portion of your CV that tells the reader who you are, where you live and how you can be reached for an interview. The header contains your name, address, city, state, phone number and email address.

It’s important you put the following tips in mind when completing this section:

• The name and surname are of a higher font size, 18 and are capitalized to make them stand out from the address and the rest of the information.
• Include your full address and type out “Street” or “Road”.
• Use only one telephone number.
• Use an email that you check regularly and avoid email address like sexybaby@yahoo.com. Maryokafor@gmail.com is more professional.
• Make sure all the information is centralized, leaving enough white space (open space) around the header.

All you need to do is to edit the text on the template header and provide your own information.

Step 2 – Summary of Qualifications
This section comes at the beginning of your CV to give a brief but powerful introduction of you to your readers. It provides an overview of what you have to offer your potential employer regarding your skills and experience in three (3) simple sentences.

Sentence #1 = Over (#) years experience in (skill group #1), (skill group #2) and (skill group #3).

Sentence #2 = Skilled in (unique ability #1), (unique ability #2) as well as (unique ability #3).

Sentence #3 = Proficient in (computing skill #1), (computing skill #2) and (computing skill #3).

To complete this section, you will need to provide answers to the following questions?

1. How many years of relevant work experience do you have?

2. Which of the following skill group categories best describe your overall work experience?

Accounting, Actuarial Science, Administration, Advertising, Analytical/Research, Economics, Architecture, Auditing, Aviation, Banking, Budgeting, Business Development, Catering, Clerical, Coaching, Communication, Computer Network Administration, Computer science, Consulting, Construction, Corporate Governance, Counseling, Creative and Media Writing, Creative Design, Criminology, Customer Service, Data Entry, Data Management, Distribution, Editing, Engineering, Environmental Science, Estate Management, Finance, Financial Management, Food and Beverage, Forecasting, Forensic Accounting, Graphic Design, Hospitality, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Human Resources Management, Information Security, Information Technology (IT), Inspection, Insurance, International Relations, Internet Marketing, Investment Management, Journalism, Medical Laboratory, Law, Library Science, Logistics Management, Management, Marketing, Market Research, Media Relations, Mechanical, Negotiation, Networking, Nursing, Office Management, Operations, Physical Therapy, Planning, Presentation, Printing, Procurement, Project Management, Promotion, Proof-Reading, Psychology, Public Health, Public Administration, Purchasing, Recruiting, Restaurant Management, Retail Sales, Sales, Sales Management, Search Engine Organization (SEO), Security Management, Social Media, Sociology, Supervising, Surveying, Teaching, Training, Warehouse Management, Web Design, Web Development.

3. List three unique abilities you possess that could be of benefit to your potential employer. Example: Effective Time Management, and Ability to work with a team to achieve organizational objectives.

4. What computing skills do you possess? E.g. Excel, MS Word and Oracle.

Example: Mr. John Okoro has fifteen years experience in business development, management and project coordination. His unique abilities include effective time management, communication and ability to work with a team to achieve organizational goals. Mr. Okoro is also excellent at Excel, MS Word and Oracle.
Using the template, Mr. Okoro’s summary of qualifications will be;
Over fifteen years experience in business development, management and project coordination. Skilled in effective time management, communication as well as ability to work with a team to achieve organizational goals. Proficient in Excel, MS Word and Oracle.

Step 3 – Experience Highlights
This section is where you get a chance to showcase everything that you can do for your potential employer. Under each of the three skill group categories mentioned in the summary of qualifications section, place at least four sentences about your work experience that relates to that skill group. For instance, if one of your skill group categories is accounting, the experience highlights could be;

• Prepared regular, timely and accurate reports on the company’s assets, financial performance, liquidity and main risks.
• Computed key business metrics and prepared periodic financial analysis and reports for management decision making.
• Actively participated in compliance reviews of subsidiaries in accordance with internal policies, procedures and best practices.
• Spearheaded the preparation of the company’s budget and assisted the subsidiary in delivering the budget process.

For convenience, you should write down some events or activities that you have done that fall under each category.

Below are some action words you can use to start your power sentences; Look for the most suitable words from the list and get started with creating those powerful sentences that get you noticed by the employer.

CV ACTION VERBS

Management/Leadership Skills
Addressed, Administered, Aligned, Analyzed, Applied, Appointed, Approved, Assigned, Attained, Authorized, Benchmarked, Boosted, Broadened, Captured, Chaired, Conceived, Contracted, Considered, Consolidated, Contracted, Controlled, Converted, Coordinated, Cultivated, Decided, Delegated, Developed, Directed, Eliminated, Emphasized, Enforced, Enhanced, Established, Evaluated, Executed, Facilitated, Formulated, Generated, Handled, Headed, Hired, Hosted, Improved, Incorporated, Increased, Initiated, Inspected, Instituted, Led, Managed, Merged, Monitored, Motivated, Navigated, Organized, Originated, Overhauled, Oversaw, Planned, Presided, Prioritized, Produced, Recommended, Reorganized, Replaced, Restored, Restructured, Reviewed, Scheduled, Secured, Selected, Spearheaded, Streamlined, Strengthened, Supervised, Terminated, Tracked, Transformed

Communication/People skills
Addressed, Advertised, Arbitrated, Arranged, Articulated, Authored, Authorized, Clarified, Collaborated, Communicated, Composed, Condensed, Conferred, Consulted, Contacted, Conveyed, Convinced, Corresponded, Debated, Defined, Developed, Directed, Discussed, Drafted, Edited, Elicited, Enlisted, Explained, Expressed, Formulated, Furnished, Incorporated, Influenced, Interacted, Interpreted, Interviewed, Involved, Joined, Judged, Lectured, Listened, Marketed, Mediated, Moderated, Motivated, Negotiated, Observed, Outlined, Participated, Persuaded, Presented, Promoted, Proposed, Publicized, Reconciled, Recruited, Referred, Reinforced, Reported, Resolved, Responded, Solicited, Specified, Spoke, Suggested, Summarized, Translated, Wrote

Clerical/Detailed Skills
Approved, Arranged, Cataloged, Classified, Collected, Compiled, Dispatched, Executed, Generated, Implemented, Inspected, Monitored, Operated, Organized, Prepared, Processed, Purchased, Recorded, Retrieved, Screened, Specified, Systematized, Tabulated, Validated

Research Skills
Analyzed, Clarified, Collected, Compared, Conducted, Critiqued, Detected, Determined, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Examined, Experimented, Explored, Extracted, Formulated, Gathered, Identified, Inspected, Interviewed, Inspected, Interpreted, Interviewed, Invented, Investigated, Located, Measured, Organized, Researched, Reviewed, Searched, Solved, Summarized, Surveyed, Systematized, Tested

Technical Skills
Adapted, Applied, Assembled, Built, Calculated, Computed, Conserved, Constructed, Converted, Debugged, Designed, Determined, Developed, Devised, Engineered, Fabricated, Fortified, Installed, Maintained, Operated, Overhauled, Printed, Programmed, Rectified, Regulated, Remodeled, Repaired, Replaced, Restored, Solved, Specialized, Standardized, Studied, Trained, Upgraded, Utilized

Teaching Skills
Adapted, Advised, Clarified, Coached, Communicated, Conducted, Coordinated, Critiqued, Developed, Enabled, Encouraged, Evaluated, Explained, Facilitated, Focused, Guided, Individualized, Informed, Initiated, Instilled, Instructed, Motivated, Persuaded, Set goals, Simulated, Stimulated, Taught, Tested, Trained, Tutored

Data/Financial Skills
Administered, Adjusted, Allocated, Analyzed, Appraised, Assessed, Audited, Balanced, Budgeted, Calculated, Computed, Conserved, Corrected, Determined, Developed, Estimated, Forecasted, Managed, Marketed, Measured, Netted, Planned, Prepared, Programmed, Projected, Qualified, Reconciled, Reduced, Researched, Retrieved

Creative Skills
Acted , Adapted, Began, Combined, Composed, Conceptualized, Condensed, Created, Customized, Designed, Developed, Directed, Displayed, Drew, Entertained, Established, Fashioned, Formulated, Founded, Illustrated, Initiated, Instituted, Integrated, Introduced, Invented, Modeled, Modified, Originated, Performed, Photographed, Planned, Revised, Revitalized, Shaped, Solved

Helping skills
Adapted, Advocated, Aided, Answered, Arranged, Assessed, Assisted, Clarified, Coached, Collaborated, Contributed, Cooperated, Counseled, Demonstrated, Diagnosed, Educated, Encouraged, Ensured, Expedited, Facilitated, Familiarized, Furthered, Guided, Helped, Insured, Intervened, Motivated, Prevented, Provided, Referred, Rehabilitated, Represented, Resolved, Simplified, Supplied, Supported, Volunteered

Organizational skills
Approved, Arranged, Cataloged, Categorized, Charted, Classified, Coded, Collected, Compiled, Corrected, Corresponded, Distributed, Executed, Filed, Generated, Incorporated, Inspected, Logged, Maintained, Monitored, Obtained, Operated, Ordered, Organized, Prepared, Processed, Provided, Purchased, Recorded, Registered, Reserved, Responded, Reviewed, Routed, Scheduled, Screened, Submitted, Supplied, Standardized, Systematized, Updated, Validated, Verified

Step 4 – Employment History
Your CV employment history is where you will list all your work history in a chronological order with your current or most recent position at the top. This section contains the following information only: Company Name, City and State, Position Title and Year of Employment.

Edit the text on the template and provide your own information.

Step 5 – Education
Your CV needs to display what your last level of education has been. The education section contains the following information: School Name, City and State, Degree Name, Class of Degree (First Class/Second Class Upper/Second Class Lower/Third Class) and Year of Graduation. Like the Employment history, your education section should begin with your most recent qualification.

Edit the text on the template and provide your own information.

Step 6 – Training
The training section is where you include every other information that relates to acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies outside the University, Polytechnic or College. Examples include: Sales training, Management training, Engineering certifications, IT certifications and other professional certifications.

Edit the text on the CV template and provide details of those training you have acquired.

You can download the CV template to create your professional, skills-based CV like the sample below.

About the Author:

Patrick Okunima is the Founder & CEO of CV Wizards, www.cvwizards.com a leading firm of professional CV writers. He has a B.Sc. in Accounting from the great University of Benin and presently studying for an MBA in Human Resources Management.

Nice thread. One question, what if the applicant has no previous working experience? For instance, a fresh graduate from school.

The skills-based CV is not suitable for a person who has no work experience(paid or voluntary).That's the reason we have other formats.

Can you paste a template for other formats?

Mr.Sinister:
Can you paste a template for other formats?

Will do that very much later.

Ok

Mr.Sinister:
Ok

You're welcome.

U re doing a nice job. Keep it up! Please I ve my first degree from UNIBEN in Economics and Statistics.I intend purchasing d current post graduate form in UNIBEN.please what is the difference between MBA and M.SC Business Administration as bn offer in business admin dept in UNIBEN and which onewill u advice to opt for? Please ur input is highly needed here.Thank u.

DAFE STEVE: U re doing a nice job. Keep it up! Please I ve my first degree from UNIBEN in Economics and Statistics.I intend purchasing d current post graduate form in UNIBEN.please what is the difference between MBA and M.SC Business Administration as bn offer in business admin dept in UNIBEN and which onewill u advice to opt for? Please ur input is highly needed here.Thank u.

Do you have the intention of studying further? to P.hD. level? If yes, go for M.Sc. Otherwise,pursue the MBA.

monteriza: Do you have the intention of studying further? to P.hD. level? If yes, go for M.Sc. Otherwise,pursue the MBA.

Thank u so much.

Have you downloaded the CV template? Was it helpful? We'll very much appreciate your feed-backs.

Businesstools: Have you downloaded the CV template? Was it helpful? We'll very much appreciate your feed-backs.

Most people would appreciate a template that suits those who really haven't gotten any work experience. Since you said this one doesn't suit that purpose. Anyway, i downloaded this one but we'll have to wait to see how effective it is. Thanks.

very interesting, what of cover letter. i need one

Mr.Sinister:


Most people would appreciate a template that suits those who really haven't gotten any work experience. Since you said this one doesn't suit that purpose. Anyway, i downloaded this one but we'll have to wait to see how effective it is. Thanks.

Note: The template will not get you an interview. It will only help you articulate your skills and potentials properly. Your ability to sell yourself is what matters. When writing your CV, your goal is to get the employer to be interested in your offerings. You are a product so market yourself accordingly.

@businesstool, you charge money and you didnt tell anyone. thatz not right. anyway how much do you charge because its not stated

ojesoj: @businesstool, you charge money and you didnt tell anyone. thatz not right. anyway how much do you charge because its not stated

You don't have to pay to get the template.It's absolutely free.Just download it and follow the instructions in the guide and the result will be a professionally written, skills-based CV.

I'll be sharing very powerful interview and other job-search related info on this thread,so do yourself a favor by visiting regularly.

pls steve which year did u graduate frm uniben?I graduated frm uniben too banking and finance.

How To Secure a Good Job In Nigeria

Getting a good job is fast becoming a nightmare for most graduates. As it is commonly said "looking for a job is a full time job in Nigeria”. Gone are those days when there was a decent job waiting for you after graduation. Today’s job market is like a jungle: only the smartest survive. Most of the job adverts you get to see require lengthy years of “cognate experience”. How can one get a job without experience and how do you acquire the experience without a job. That has been the quagmire Nigerian graduates have found themselves all these years.
1. Start from your network
Someone once said “by the time you hear of job adverts from the media it is too late”. Sometimes it is the truth. Networking is one of the easiest and effective ways to get a good job in Nigeria. The truth is that a good number of the jobs available are usually sourced internally. If you don’t know anybody on the inside, chances are high you would never be invited. I recently attended an interview with an oil and gas servicing company. I got the invite by the sheer fact that I know a strong insider. Everyone else that came to the interview came on the referral of someone on the inside. So in searching for a job, you contacts is one resource you can’t afford to overlook.
2. Use the internet
These days there are quite a lot of opportunities open to job seekers online. There are dozens of job recruitment companies that send out job alerts to subscribers for free. Some others simply require you to fill out an online application form and you stand a chance of been called up for an interview or aptitude test should you meet their requirement. You can search for directory and contact addresses of various companies online and email them your resume. However care must be taken when putting out your resume on public forums as some fraudsters cash in on the unemployment situation to defraud unsuspecting job seekers and send them fraudulent job offers after extorting money from them. There are other professional websites such as www.linkedin.com where you can get to meet various professionals. You can also take advantage of it and several others like it. I have been invited to interviews by my linkedin contacts. I have never met or known them prior to the interview. You could also do same.
3. Package your resume and application in such a compelling way
Project your skills, accomplishments, trainings etc in an attractive manner in your resume. If you are knowledgeable in a given field say like web design, architecture etc endeavour to create samples of your work.



4. Be bold and daring
Sometimes all you need to secure a good job is guts! Package your resume very well. Dress like a top executive of a blue chip company and begin to pound the streets and knock on doors. Greet the people you meet in the office with a broad smile and state your mission confidently. Start with a particular town. For instance if yopu live in Lagos, in the first week, start with the companies in Lekki. Next cross over to Ikeja. Then Apapa, Surulere and so on. Before you complete a tour round Lagos chances are high that you would gotten an invite that would lead to a job.
5. Make new friends
Make new friends before you need them. Whether it is at the venue of an interview or aptitude test, make new friends. Do not despise anyone in your job search. Drivers, security men, clerks, office assistants, everyone and anyone can be relevant in your quest to get a good job. Some of them are privy of job information that is not available in the public domain.
6. Internships and volunteer activities
Most graduates see every job opportunity as an opportunity to make big money. They most likely would turn down an opportunity to intern or volunteer if they know that there wouldn’t be paid for their efforts. They therefore throw away the opportunity of acquiring useful work experience. It is not always how much you earn but how much you learn that counts.
7. Dailies
One other good source of job adverts and information is the daily newspapers particularly Tuesday Guardian Newspaper. You may not really have to buy the paper. Just ask the vendor to allow you read the job adverts section and offer him a little money.
Got relevant tips that would help secure a good job in Nigeria? Please Share other ways one can get his/her dream Job



Ifeanyi Egede is an experienced and prolific freelance writer with several years of writing for both online and print media. He can be reached on the following:
Email: ifeanyi2excel@gmail.com
Twitter: @ifeanyi2excel
Skype: ifeanyi2excel

10 Tips on How to pass a Job Interview


Getting a job in Nigeria is quite an herculean task. With the unemployment rates at an all time high, you’d be very lucky when you get an invite for an interview. And trust me, its one thing you wouldn’t want to mess up as they are few and far between these days. You have just a few minutes to make the right impression and hopefully land the job. So if you truly want to make a memorable impression at the interview, the following tips are worthy of note:

1. Carry out an extensive research about the company
Find out all you can about the company, their products/services, its missions and responsibilities. Find out all you can about the position you are applying for and what the job description entails. Where you can, find out about your prospective interviewer. This helps to give the interviewer a more positive impression about you.
2. Memorize Your Resume
There is nothing worse than saying something that is conflict with what you have on your resume. Trust me, this is one frequent occurrence in most interviews. If you’re not consistent with your resume, I wonder what you would be trusted to know.

3. Practice your answers before the interview
Part of your preparation would include finding answers to frequently asked interview questions such as “tell us about yourself”, “why would you want to work with us?”, “what are your strengths/weaknesses?”, “what are your salary expectations?”. You can practice your response in the presence of an audience who could be a family member, friend or colleague or simply standing in front of your mirror.
4. Dress in a business attire
Always wear business attire for interviews. For men this means a suit, matching shirt and tire, belt and shoes. For women, wear a business dress or suit, shoes with flat heels. Avoid heavy make up and flamboyant jewelry. Wear muted colours-black, navy blue, white and gray.
.
5. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment
Arriving late for an interview puts you under tension and is usually a setback to your chances. Given the traffic situation most big cities, leave home on time and endeavour to get to your interview venue at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

6. Go with all the necessary materials
You may need an extra copy of your resume and writing materials.

7. Be composed
It is natural to be nervous. The interviewer cannot guess your feelings unless your body language reveals it. Fidgeting, leaning, slouching can negatively affect one’s personal image during the course of an interview. Maintain eye contact as much as you can. Answer questions adequately, directly without been verbose. Some candidates in their desperate bid to impress talk themselves into trouble. Some interviewers may delay you deliberately just to test how you respond under stress/pressure. Others may be interrupting you quite frequently. Stay calm, composed and focused.

8. Ask questions
Don’t be scared to ask questions. Be prepared to ask relevant questions. It shows that you’re interested and it gives you a positive impression. Ask questions such as “when I get the job, what advice would you give me that will help me get the best start?”, “in your opinion, what are the most common mistake(s) new employees for this position make?”

9. Be Yourself
Never create an impression that you are Mr.-know-it-all. Be honest about your skills and knowledge. If you do not know something, admit it and offer a way to solve it. Smile. It’s an interview and not a funeral. Look cheerful and radiate positive energy.

10. Send a thank you note
Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to tell them about yourself. Summarise the vital aspects of the interview and include that you look forward to hearing from them soonest.
So if you’re preparing for a job interview, do keep the above tips in mind. Have you attended an interview that you were successful? Please kindly share your experience and the tips that helped you.

Ifeanyi Egede is an experienced and prolific freelance writer with several years of writing for both online and print media. He can be reached on the following:
Email: ifeanyi2excel@gmail.com
Twitter: @ifeanyi2excel
Skype: ifeanyi2excel

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Seeking A Job In Nigeria

Unemployment is a huge problem in Nigeria of today. There just seem not to be enough jobs for the teeming population of graduates and job seekers. It has become the proverbial “many are called few are chosen” thing. There are many graduates that apply for jobs almost every day yet they wonder why they don’t get invited for interviews or aptitude tests. The fact is their countless job applications might have been turned down because they’ve committed one or more of these common mistakes job seekers make. So what are these common mistakes and how you as a job seeker avoid them?

1. Applying for every available job
To some job seekers, it’s all about quantity. They believe that your chances of getting an invite increases with the number of resumes you send. They tend to care less whether or not they are qualified or eligible for such positions. It’s more of the “try your luck” thing. Interestingly they are surprised that they are not getting invited for interviews and tests.

2. Defeatist mindset
One of the common excuses among Nigerian job seekers who fail in their job search is “you will never get a job until you know somebody”. While it is true that in Nigeria of today who you know matters, I sincerely believe that it is over exaggerated. The average company still offers merit-based employment. No serious company would want to populate her workforce with mediocre. Not everyone on the company’s payroll is a member of the MD’s family or his/her relative. When a candidate fails in his/her efforts to get a job by merit they turn around and lay the blame on their lack of connection.

3. Lack of good networking skills
Life is all about networking. Networking is one of the most easiest and effective way to get a good job in Nigeria. You would be surprised at the number of vacancies that are not advertised in the public media. How do such companies recruit staff? By referral and word of mouth of course. The good thing here is that the usual crowd that is a common occurrence in the publicized job adverts is non-existent here. So if you do not know how to effectively network, your chances of lingering long in the job market is very high.

4. Reluctance to volunteer or intern
The mindset of the average job seeker is they see job opportunity as a way to make big money. They would most likely turn down an opportunity to volunteer or intern if they are very sure that there will not be any financial reward in it for them. What they however fail to realize is that most companies would prefer a candidate that have volunteered or interned to one without any experience at all. Volunteering is one quick and easy way to gain the much needed work experience that most job seekers are not considering.

5. Inability to make a positive impression during interviews
This is about the major reason why most job seekers do not land the job. You have just a few minutes to make a lasting impression on the minds of your interviewers. Inability to do this will lead to the infamous but common response “you’ll hear from us later” which they never do. Employers are more interested in where and how you can add value to their organization and not everything that you’ve done. Consider an interview as a movie trailer and not a season film.

Have you been seeking a job for a while now without any success? Have you attended job interviews that you were unsuccessful? What do you think are the reasons for such? Please kindly share with us.



Ifeanyi Egede is an experienced and prolific freelance writer with several years of writing for both online and print media. He can be reached on the following:
Email: ifeanyi2excel@gmail.com
Twitter: @ifeanyi2excel
Skype: ifeanyi2excel

Here's another sample skills-based CV. We created this using the skills-based CV template in the first post. You can download the template to create yours.

you have said it all bro.GOD bless you. [ls, cn u assist me wit a cover letter?am a servin corper, will be passing out nxt wk.. my mail adresss is uetochi@yahoo.com. gud nit broda

Nice thread. But you are yet to upload a fresher's CV templates. We plenty way dy patiently wait u Ooo

like the thread keep it up

Thanks bro.

Please I need the professional CV format templates. My Email is ogbuevis@yahoo.com