Writing a CV, it is important to bear in mind that recruiters do not read CVs. Research has shown that a recruiter takes two to three minutes on average to judge a letter and CV.

Therefore, make sure that your letter and CV is well articulated to be able to convince them in those few minutes.

Some schools and colleges are so focused on your academic performance, or teaching you few particular skills, that they forget to prepare you for the big wide world of work and many students will be unaware of even how to write a good CV.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A CV

As you leave school, mobilized for NYSC or out of service, you need to have a CV that you can send to prospective employers.

Remember that some employers will want you to send them a hard-copy CV: one that is laid out in paper. While others will ask you to send your CV online.

You need to be careful, avoid spelling mistakes and make your CV smart to win the confidence of your employer.

Your CV should be about a page long (definitely no more than two pages), start with your name, address, phone numbers and E-mail.

After this, you should start with your recent work experience, so if you are currently doing a job or even part-time job, start with this and date if from when you started.

Then list any previous jobs or work experiences working backwards in date order. Try to bring out anything of interest that you have done in these jobs, or any skills you learnt.

Try to show that you weren’t just ‘going through the motions’ at these jobs. If you don’t have very much experience, show some events or experiences that you have taken part in; such as a Voluntary Service Work (VSW), or any courses you have been on.

Use a smart font/font size such as Times New Roman, Ariel or Verdana. These look good and are clear to read, Twelve (12) font size is fine.

NB: If you are applying for a creative job, such as design or art direction, you can impress with your CV layout but you should make it smart and easy to read!

COMPONENTS OF A STANDARD CV

A standard CV should be laid out under the following headings and sub-headings.

THE APPLICANT’S NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS: Write your name, e-mail, address and telephone contacts numbers in as attractive and eye fetching style. The address should be unambiguous.


THE APPLICANT’S PHOTO-SIZE PASSPORT: This is an innovation in CV writing, A smart, sharp and good looking photo-size passport of the applicant professionally inserted close the name of the applicant always gives employers a first-sight assessment of the applicant. This, most often than not elicits favourable and positive response(s).


THE APPLICANT’S ADDRESS AND CONTACT: This should be neatly visibly written under the applicant’s name.


A PROFILE SECTION: For practically all types of job seekers, a profile section is a very good idea it gives a brief introduction about you and your background, and gives you an excellent opportunity to sell your application. Include the mos relevant and standout facts about you which match you to the job being advertised. It is all bout your personal statement.


JOB OBJECTIVES: It explains where your career experience has taken you to this point and what your ambition is for your next job. The purpose is to show why you would be ideal for the job. Start of with a sentence about yourself: Include something on your education and your career goals.

Example: A motivated adaptable and responsible graduate seeking an entry – level position in corporate marketing which will utilize the organizational and communication skills developed through my involvement with promotional work.


AN EDUCATION QUALIFICATION(S) SECTION: This should be a summary of the academic history and qualifications of the applicant. It should reveal the applicant’s excellent performance; You can equally do this in date order for simplicity.


WORK EXPERIENCE SECTION: Write some explanatory but brief sentences that summarize your experience, skills, and perhaps a standout achievement. Merge your voluntary and involuntary work experience together.


COMPETENCE AND SKILL SECTION: Summarize the skill acquisition programmes you have attended and show how relevant it/they are to the job being applied for. This should be done professionally to make this section look very striking.


PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP: A Graduate Member of Institute of Manpower Development and Management (2015)


RESEARCH WORK: These include academic and professional researches that the applicant has carried out.


HOBBIES/INTEREST: Computing, reading, writing and meeting people.


REFEREES: Two prominent or highly placed persons is a good case.

RELEVANT TIPS IN STANDARD FORMAT CV WRIT:

Try to keep your CV informative as well as interesting to read: Not too long, but not too short either. And remember to do a spell check, bad spelling is a complete ‘no-no’ and it’s avoidable.

Finally, get a PROFESSIONAL to read it over, preferably a course tutor or teacher, who can check grammar and give some feedback.

Once it’s ready, you can always amend it or add to it as your experience grows.

Good luck!

Source >> http://www.careershub.com.ng/2018/08/05/all-you-need-to-know-about-curriculum-vitae/