Here’s What’s Wrong With Your CV

By Ruoro Kairu

The business world is on a constant change. What is appealing today will be forgotten tomorrow. The job market changes instantly, skills that were relevant a few years are now second priority.

If you go back twenty years, for example, employers used to lay focus on hard technical skills. If you had these hard skills, you would qualify for a job in your industry. Today, however, the tables have turned. While hard skills will still get you the job, it is your use of soft skills that will help you retain the job-and even get promoted to the next level.

In the same way, there are other details that were important in the past but have lost importance in today’s job market. Some of these details are;

1. Titling your CV

Many companies have an email address dedicated to job applications. The same goes for recruiting firms. Whenever you apply for a job using these platforms, the employer or recruiter knows you’ve attached your CV.

You don’t need to label your CV in a large bolded font. This will only eat up space that you could have otherwise properly utilized.

2. Self-descriptive sentences

“I am a hard worker.”

Does your CV read this? If yes, you should get rid of it before applying for your next job.

While this statement may be true, the employer does not want to just read the statement on your CV. Just listing it has no power, and it has low emotional appeal.

Think about it from the employer’s point of view. Anyone can say they are hardworking.

What you need to do is prove your hardworking qualities to the employer. In your CV, illustrate instances where you’ve proven your hard work in your previous experience, and the fruits its bore.

3. Your interests and hobbies

It’s alright to enjoy swimming, but how does this help the employer. If you’re applying for an accounting job, there is no way bringing up swimming will help you get the job.

Instead of using up valuable space, remove the interests and hobbies that do not add value to your application.

If you, however, have hobbies that could either interest the employer or increase your chances of getting the job you’ve applied for, you can use them.

Quick Read>>> How to complement your CV using your cover letter

One takeaway to note is, the CV should be tailored towards the job you’re applying for and the employer. With every point and sentence, ask yourself, “Does this increase the value of my CV? Does it give me an edge over other job seekers?” If not, try changing the statement or removing it completely.

While looking to fill a position, an employer is thinking of the candidate who’ll deliver the best results at the position.

As a result, you need to ask yourself, “Do I understand what needs to be done in the position at the company, and why would I be the best choice for the employer?” If you write your CV guided on this principle, you’ll have an increased chance of getting called in for an interview.

Are you unsure about the state of your CV? Allow our professional CV writers to have a look at it and offer you a free review. Email your current CV to cvwriting@corporatestaffing.co.ke. The CV writing team will get back to you with a review, and inform you more regarding our professional CV writing charges and service.