- Academic qualifications and other certifications (e.g. mentoring, sign language).
- Mention title of course, subject, and grade.
iv. Training
- Work-based learning, additional relevant courses.
v. Employment History
- Include job title, company name, duration, and key duties.
- Highlight relevant and recent roles.
- Include voluntary or unpaid work.
vi. Achievements (Optional)
- Recognize notable accomplishments (e.g. employee of the month, published
article).
vii. Interests (Optional)
- A short list showing personality (e.g. sports, reading) but not essential.
5. When to Use a CV
- Speculative job inquiries.
- When requested in written applications.
- As a reference during interviews or applications.
- When attending job fairs or talking to recruiters.
6. What to Leave Out of a CV
- Failures (e.g. failed businesses, exams).
- Very personal information (age, marital status, race, etc.)
- Spelling/grammar mistakes – always proofread.
- All schools attended – only mention the most recent.
- Negative language – focus on positives and accomplishments.
- Jargon and unexplained abbreviations.
- Reasons for leaving jobs – address only if asked in interviews.
- Salary expectations – can hurt chances prematurely.
- Photographs – only include if specifically requested.
- Excessive wordiness – be factual and to the point.
7. Tips for a Successful CV
- Customize it for each job application.
- Highlight what the employer is looking for.
- Use bullet points for clarity.
- Emphasize recent and relevant experiences first.
- Ask someone to review your CV.
Conclusion
A CV is your personal marketing document. To succeed, it must be targeted,
honest, and well-presented. By focusing on relevance and clarity, and avoiding
common pitfalls, you can greatly improve your chances of landing job interviews.