CV Writing Tips #UnemploymentAlertsBW

As an HR Practitioner who can receive 500+ emails for one job post one thing I realize is that the more uncomplicated the CV is, the better. I can pick a 2-paged CV over a 5-page CV that has just been stretched just to extend the number of pages. 

Pictures and different colours are a BIG no no!!! 

Identification Section

First section just state your Name, Identification details like ID Number for your Nationality identity reasons (some companies prefer locals because of the tediousness process of applying for a work permit but I hear HE Masisi wants to unloosen that nightmare) and also under the identity details put your Date of Birth. Then you are done. You don't have to state your home village. It's not relevant. 

Qualifications

Next state your qualifications. State the truth. Don't write "Completed" on a course that you are still pursuing. I once discovered this is what a candidate did during an interview, it was a turn-off but luckily the candidate made up on other areas and was hired. Not everyone is that fortunate.

Work Experience

Then go on to state work experience. State the truth. Don't expand and add things that you haven't done. Some people's CVs can be deceitful in that they can write the job they aspire to work in, in big bold letters and elaborate that it's just a dream job in small letters that are barely visible. This can make your CV end up in the Recycle Bin even if you have other qualities that are needed. Just because you made it seem the job you are aspiring for is the one you are currently occupying.

PS: Your work experience and qualifications can interchange places, it's up to you.

Noticeable Accomplishments

Next just state your other noticeable accomplishments. If you want to join the leadership team in the company, short courses you've done on this can help. 

Things like being a part of ToastMasters should be added here, your volunteer work can be added here. 

PS: Membership to Professional Bodies can also boast your application. 

Competencies

Next write your noteable competencies in this next section. E.g. Analytical skills, Numerical skills, Interpersonal skills and Emotional intelligence. 

Hobbies

Hobbies: How you spend your spare time either feeds positively or negatively into who you are so it's important you fit this in. Your potential employer can be impressed by this. 

(This is optional but I know SADC asks for it, and we know they are an employer of choice at the moment.) 

References

Then lastly put your references. Put their emails and working numbers. If they have left the workplace you associated with them at, find out their latest work areas and update this information. Searching for a reference from one organization to another can lead to a dead-end. If the person calling is an HR with 500+ other applicants, they won't have the patience to unless you are a proven diamond in the rough, not a lot of people will go to such extremes.

Other tips you can adopt. 

• Each section can have a sub heading and detail under it 
• Space after each section 
• And lastly pray God leads you to where you were meant to be on this earth. Don't pursue your own glory and only riches. We all need streams of income, but follow what God made you to do and it'll happen naturally and you will be supernaturally blessed. But remember we were not all made to be in the arts. Full-time work can be a calling so as being in business can be a calling, as long as it's for the Glory of God. We were all made to work. Adam's first assignment was to work in the Garden of Eden.