How CV Revamping Saved My Job Search Frustrations

Did you know that a good CV plays a crucial role in the job search?

A resume is the first thing employers look at before inviting you to discuss your suitably.

Presentable documents that grab employers’ attention increase your chances of being shortlisted.

Richard Kingoina struggled to get jobs until he knew he had a challenge with his curriculum vitae which needed more focus.

After Richard revamped his CV, he applied for an accountant role we had advertised for our client Salvador Caetano and was invited for an interview.

Here is his story and a few tips you can pick.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Richard Kingoina Mokongu, an accounting professional and a member of ICPAK in good standing. I have over seven years of experience in accounting and finance, excelling in financial reports, thorough in accounts payables & receivables, cash flow management, and tax returns.

How long have you been looking for a job?

I had been looking for a job for about six months which was daunting because of the prevailing economic condition, the pandemic effect was still in place, and the political climate was in high gear.

What has your job search experience been like?

I had applied for several jobs that I was qualified for with relevant experience, but the interview invites needed to be more forthcoming.

I came across an article on the CSS page explaining the benefits of revamped CV in the job search. After inquiry, my career advisor customized my CV to fit my professional competence. I started receiving interviews meaning that my poor initial CV was a barrier in my job search. In CSS alone, I got three interviews and a job out of the 3.

Are there any specific challenges you encountered in your job search process?

Yes, I didn’t receive responses after applying for many jobs, which frustrated me, and I thought I was failing the interviews I attended. I was left in a dilemma because I didn’t know what to do next.

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

I learned about CSS online. I highly recommend anyone because there is a lot to learn from their site: job offers and self-development ideas on their website and social pages.

How were the application and interview process?

I saw a job vacancy whose job description and requirements were what I had, I applied, and to my surprise, they called me for an interview.

The interview was friendly and objective, and professionally done. I had transferable skills relevant to what the employer was looking for. During the interview, I demonstrated to the interviewer how well I would fit into the new position if they hired me.

Did you think you would get the job?

From the qualification and experience point of view, yes, I knew I had higher chances, and since the industry was new, I showcased how my skills would help me succeed in that role.

Why do you think you got the job when other candidates didn’t?

Qualification and experience were the things that gave me an advantage, and mastery of the specific job function played a key role. During the interview, I displayed my competence, attitude, and passion for the job, an essential element in any job function.

What do you think is the secret to getting a job in this competitive market?

Continuous professional development is critical. It is essential to update yourself with the ever-changing professional needs; signing up for short courses and reading relevant articles and professional journals will help you gain insight into the various topics.

Leveraging social networking is also very important because you can get referrals to a job lead.

What employers are looking for when hiring

Can you do the job? It isn’t about whether you can do the job; employers are looking for concrete evidence of your experience to check if you are fit for the role. It doesn’t mean that you need to have done this particular job with this particular title before, but you must show your track record of success.

Can you put up with whatever the negatives of the job are? Every job has downsides, whether a demanding boss or an office culture makes it hard for new ideas to blossom. Employers want someone adaptable and reasonably capable of handling more challenging elements of the job.

Do you have a strong work ethic? It’s not enough to show up at work daily and do the minimum required. Integrity, responsibility, reliability, and discipline are critical work ethics. Employers are looking for candidates who care about getting things done. 

Many professionals continue to look for jobs during this challenging time. What is your advice to them?

Ensure you apply for the job you are qualified for and competent in. Have a professionally written CV that is well crafted and tailored to the role to reflect your professional competence.