Writing the perfect Curriculum Vitae pt.2

On our last segment of Writing the perfect Curriculum Vitae, we touched on what employers look for in a CV, what certain information in a CV says about you, what details need to appear on a CV and also, the different types of CV’s and formats. If you missed it, please double back and read through it. However, in this segment of the series, we will get into depth on the layout of the CV, and I will be taking you through a practical demonstration of how to draft your own tailored CV.

The Layout

The layout, like we mentioned previously, speaks volumes to the employer, subliminally of course. It is almost like constructing a well-thought-out essay that engages the reader, entices them and keeps them on the edge of their seat. That is how your CV should also be structured. Bear in mind that during the recruitment process, the most tedious and annoying thing in the world is to read are those long paragraphs. The layout makes it easy for the employer to find the most relevant information. The goal here is to make it as simple as possible. Guide their eyes to what they want to see, but also make sure that there are certain instances where they pause, because they caught something interesting about you. Engage the reader by introducing yourself, let them get to know you.

Subheading

It is important that you include subheadings, bold and begin each word with a capital letter. The size of your subheading should be at least two sizes higher than your original text size but also not as big as your main heading at the very top of your CV. This makes for a very smooth read. Example, your main heading could be 16, your subheadings 14 and your text size, 12.

Font

Your font style, it should be legible and neat. Keep it professional. Times New Roman or Calibra are excellent fonts to use. Optimize space to get as much information as possible. Big font sizes means more pages. More pages means more money to print the CV, and overall weakens the appearance of your CV.

Spacing

You don’t want to have your CV all cramped up, to me, it gives the perception of desperation, discomfort and uncertainty. Let your words breathe hey… A comfortable space in between them, like 1.5, minimum 1.15. You know…

Spell-check

There is nothing that is more discouraging than to find errors on your texts. Avoid this at all costs. Take your work seriously. If you’re failing at spell-checking such an important document such as your own CV, who’s to say that you will do a thorough job?

Recap

The first thing that you need to have is your personal details.
To recap, these include:
Your name & Surname
Your birth date (I’d advise that you do not use your ID number)
Gender
Drivers License
Physical Address
Contact information.

Listing of Job History and Qualifications

Depending on the type of CV you chose to use, you can easily start with your Job History in chronological sequence, or you could start with your qualifications after providing your personal information. Either way, it works. You could also use a mixture of both Chronological and skill-based formats to create the perfect cocktail which is both informative and straight to the point.

On a side note, if you are applying for a job and you don’t have the relevant or direct qualifications but have the experience determined by the scope of works indicated on the advert, start with your Job history. Make sure that you include the roles and responsibilities ensuring that you hit all the “pressure points” from the advert. If you have qualifications but lack the necessary experience (where it is years or scope of work) start with the qualifications in great detail to give the perception of you knowing what to do. You might get through the shortlist phase and get a call for an interview, now there, you really need to know what you are getting yourself into.

Skills & attributes

The advert, the advert is the guide to giving the employer exactly what they are looking for. They are looking for an office bound employee, give them efficient computer literacy with great organizing skills. They are looking for somebody who needs to be interactive with people, give them great interpersonal n intrapersonal communication attributes that you can display through your Extra Mural activities As examples. Should they be looking for somebody who understands the law, policies and statutes, give them a list of the various Acts and Principles that you know of. Tailor the CV to paint the perfect picture of being the ideal employee. This is different from lying. If you lie, the employer will tear you apart and those 15 minutes inside the interview room will seem like the longest in your entire life.

Extra Mural Activities

You do not need to add this segment unless it is to further the agenda of creating the perception of you being the ideal employee. Add no more than three if necessary, and all these should be complimentary to your overall motive. Example, I am a chess coach for Children from ages 8 to 21. I am a published author, and novelist. Community Police Forum Associate and representative. The list is endless. Please avoid adding this section if all you do is sit and watch TV a day or have a braai with the gents over the weekend and watch sports, or play Xbox One FIFA 20 with you all day long, or dress up with the ladies and go turn it up throughout the weekend.

References

You are welcome to reference the Perfect Cocktail: Writing the perfect Curriculum Vitae regarding the importance of References in your CV.

ADVERT

HR Officer Temp Contract
Port Elizabeth , Eastern Cape
Market Related basic salary
Job 585422269

About the Position
Our client, a NGO, based in Tokai, Cape Town is looking for an experienced HR Officer to join their dynamic team.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven experience as HR Officer minimum 3 years
• Must have a minimum matric pass or equivalent
• HR relevant Qualification
• Must be proficient in Ms Office
• Solid HR administrative experience
• Knowledge of weekly pay and employee benefits
• Recruitment and training
• Understanding of labour law and BCEA
• Good communicator
• Report writing
• Experience on S-CUBED software

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement policies and procedures
• Recruitment of staff
• Prepare job descriptions
• Administration – annual leave; sick leave; absenteeism; late coming etc.
• Investigate training programs
• Disciplinary and grievance issues (absenteeism and late coming)
• Maintain employee records
• Employment equity records

About The Employer

A global organization rich with innovation and empowerment. We interact with millions of businesses, and clients on a daily basis. We are inspired by growth and optimism.

Below is an example of a complete draft Curriculum Vitae for this position.