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How Tailor-Making My CV Landed Me A Job Through CSS

“Have you tailor-made your CV to fit each job you are applying for?” This is a question you, as a job seeker, may have heard time and time again every time you talk about how you haven’t been successful in your job search.

But what if the reason you are not getting feedback after making applications is that your CV is not customized?

Christine Nyabena wanted something different. The only way she knew she would be considered for a different role was if she tailor-made her CV. When she decided to actively job search, she tailor-made her CV and ultimately got a job.

I caught up with her to understand her thought process when she applied for this Liaison Officer Job that we advertised for our client, Itochu Corporation.

Here are lessons that you can learn and apply from her journey:

Tell us about yourself. What is your professional qualification? Your years of experience?

I am a Business Development Professional with seven years of experience in Sales and Marketing, specifically in Business to Business (B2B) Sales and Marketing. My areas of expertise also include effective account management, developing winning strategies, tender and proposal pricing, organizing training for customers, financial analysis, planning, budgeting, and accounting.

How long had you been looking for a job? 

I had been looking for a job since July last year, though not actively. I felt like I needed to do something different. I needed a totally different opportunity.

In January this year, I decided to be more serious about my job search and even tailored my CV.

Christine Nyabena

What has your job search experience been like?

It was intense. I decided to be very aggressive and whenever I saw an opportunity, I would apply immediately.

I decided to put all my energy into it. I tailor-made my CV to what I was targeting in the market and applied for jobs. I was invited for several interviews but didn’t make it past that.

Where did you hear about Corporate Staffing and the job opportunity?

I stumbled upon Corporate Staffing in 2017. I found the website online. You had specific job postings that I looked through daily. When I noticed that I was sending my CV through an email address meaning someone would actually go through it and not a system, I decided to be serious.

How was the interview process?

It was intense. The first interview was virtual. Then after that, I was called by the recruitment manager and told about what the next step would be. I really liked the communication.

I later went for a psychometric test, then an interview with the employer where I did a 10-minute test. I wasn’t expecting the test and I was confused and nervous. But I passed the interview!

Did you think you would get the job?

I was 50/50. I was confident about who I was and what I want, but being in competition with others you know nothing about made me not 100% sure. I was, however, prayerful about it.

What I also liked through the entire process is that Corporate Staffing was guiding me on how to present myself to the employer.

Congratulations on getting the job. What is your advice to other job seekers?

Do not give up. It’s not easy getting a job.

What was important for me and I believe played a role in me getting the job is that I understood who I am and what I want, and put it on my CV. So tailor-make your CV to what you want and ensure it applies to the job you are applying for.

Also, be confident. People can read your confidence through your CV. Lastly, pray for whatever you want. God will answer.