Every Powerful CV Has These 3 Sections

By Ruoro Kairu 

There are different formats of writing a great CV. In the job market, you’ll get dozens of acceptable methods, all claiming to be the most effective.

I recently saw a discussion on LinkedIn. Different people with varying opinions argued about what exactly a CV should have, and the most effective way to write the CV.

When I visited the platform a week later, the discussion had turned into a full argument, each party trying to justify why their way was the best.

In the midst of all this confusion, I saw job seekers and professionals trying to pick a lesson or two. But with so many voices, how could one ensure they got the most accurate information?

Today, I sought to answer the question –what are the most important elements of a CV? I’ve spoken to several professional CV writers at Corporate Staffing Services.

Here are the important bits of info you should include in your CV.

1. Your details

I spoke with Ms. Ida, a top recruiting officer. She told me of several CVs she has received without contact information.

Regardless of how qualified you are, if you don’t include your contact information, the hiring manager cannot call you in for the interview.

Put your contact information at the top of your CV. This way, the recruiter will have an easy time contacting you.

NB: Ensure all your contact information is updated.

2. Personal statement

Most professionals misunderstand what to write in the personal statement section.

You don’t want to give a summary of your life here, instead, you want to briefly tell the hiring manager what you’ve done to prepare you for the job, and why you’re the most suitable candidate.

Focus on your strengths. For instance, you can pick one skill and show how this will help you at the job, as well as advance the department and organization you’ll be working in.

3. Working experience

When listing your professional experience, start off with the most recent position and work your way back.

NB: Remember to include the dates you worked in the previous places.

Instead of long tedious paragraphs, use bullet points to point out your achievements. Start off with the roles and achievements that match to the job you’re applying to.

Other than knowing what to include in your CV, you also should know what to leave out.

Here is a list of things you should avoid or take caution when including in your CV.

  • Resist flaring up your CV with images, colors, and fonts
  • Keep away from long paragraphs –they can prove rather difficult to read
  • Bold the titles and subtitles of your CV. Do not overdo it though
  • Do not underline anything unless it’s a website link
  • When it comes to fonts, stick to Arial or Times New Roman
  • Write your words in full. If you need to abbreviate, include the full name aide the abbreviation.

A CV is your most powerful marketing tool. In a few pages, you have to sell yourself and show why you are the most qualified professional for a position.

Whenever you apply for a job, remember there are at least hundreds of other applicants after the same position. A professional CV will help you get ahead of the other applicants.