Your CV is your ticket to landing interviews—make it count!
One of the biggest mistakes made by job seekers are all levels is to think of their CV as a report of their career history. If this is all your CV is then you have waisted a valuable, and perhaps only, opportunity to impress your potential employer. Your CV is a sales document. It sells you, in the best possible way, to match the needs and desires of an employer. Don’t think about what you have done, think about the benefit to an employer.
Time to blow your own trumpet !
1. Tailor Your CV for Each Application
- Customise your CV to match the requirements of each job. Use keywords from the job advert and highlight relevant experience.
- Focus on achievements, not just duties. For example, instead of “Responsible for sales,” write “Increased sales by 25% in six months.”
2. Highlight Transferable Skills
- Employers value skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Show how you’ve used these in different roles—even outside formal employment.
3. Keep It Clear and Professional
- Use a simple, clean layout. Avoid graphics or fancy fonts that may confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Stick to two pages unless you have extensive experience.
4. Include Local and Industry-Specific Details
- Mention South African qualifications, languages, and relevant certifications.
- Use local terminology and industry keywords to boost your visibility.
5. Proofread and Update Regularly
- Spelling or grammar errors can cost you an interview. Double-check your CV and ask someone else to review it.
Tip: Unsure if your CV is up to scratch? The expert team at Affirmative Portfolios can review your CV and help you showcase your strengths.
Ready for your next move? See the latest job openings at Affirmative Portfolios Jobs.
