10 CV writing tips

Author: Mshahara Kenya   |   Posted on: September 13, 2011

• Use Ariel or Calibri as the font for your CV and cover letter. Times New Roman is rather old school and boring.
• Your cover shouldn’t be generic but rather specific on the post being applied for. Detail one or two points about why you are perfect for the post.
• Get a professional photo done because this would be attached to your CV. And don’t make it a common passport photo. Pose, smile, dress sharp, and look interesting. People endear to other people and putting a face to a name is one of the things that attract them to you.
• If you are delivering a hard copy to the organization, make sure you print it on the best quality paper you can buy such as Conqueror paper or any other that oozes quality.
• Most help books advise against using coloured paper for the CV and binding of the document, so use white or off-white paper, you don't want your CV to tossed aside just because you used bright yellow paper!
• If you have absolutely no professional working experience, don't leave your CV blank. That's not to say you should fabricate information, but look to your extra-curriculum activities as they would at least provide information on your character and competencies.
• The common practice these days is to send in your information via email. To avoid any issues with changes in formatting due to incompatibility with other Microsoft Office (Word) packages, PDF your documents.
• Don't just list your work experience in terms of job titles; stress your achievements, promotions, awards e.t.c.
• Include your career objective in your CV detailing what you hope to accomplish in the long run. Tailor it for the different posts and organizations you are applying for.
•  List 3 referees; make sure you ask for permission before listing them.