Tips to make a professional CV

CV makes the first impression in your job search.

Before you have the opportunity to impress a recruiter with your skills your CV must first be seen you are going to present your CV when is open to defend why you have an impressive CV.

The most challenging thing about your career life is missing out on hundreds of opportunities to prove worth to an organization because you fail to make your first impression

How many more times do we need to remind you before you take that career advice and improve your life?

Most times we advise candidates to seek professional consultation with experts rather than thinking their CVs are perfect while they still don’t get any positive outcome from their applications.

Here is what happens when you send your CV and cover letter for job applications.

Recruiters have limited time to conclude recruitment and onboard successful candidates. They can’t read every cover letter and CV. Focus on creating a well-arranged CV, not just the best one. A well-arranged CV is one where relevant information is easily visible, even at a glance. This is what we call a professional CV.

Recruiters select the clearest CVs for interviews. If your CV isn’t clear, you might be overlooked, even if you’re the most qualified candidate.

Professional CV tips

Tip 1: Font and text size.

Making your CV visible will require the use of a good font. There are hundreds of fonts to select from.

Use CALIBRI 11pt.  this is the most preferred font used for CV writing

Tip 2: Professional Summary.

It can be referred to as a subject, about, or summary session. Whatever you choose to call it, make sure you write something very clear and short about your career direction.

Most people write their professional summary as “I am John Piligrine, I studied business administration at the University of Dar es Salaam, I have 6 years of experience with the following skills: …”

That is a bad CV summary or subject, that alone can make a recruiter discard your CV.

According to (Gerencer, June 6, 2024) There’s a simple formula you need to follow when writing a CV summary:

1. Pick one adjective (enthusiastic, dependable, hard-working).
2. Choose a key certification or license or if you’ve got one (PMP, CPA).
3. Include your job title (sales manager, accountant).
4. Add years of experience (4+, 5+).
5. Highlight a goal specific to that position (deliver graphic design excellence at Google).
6. Mention one or two skills (budgeting, collaboration, outstanding computer skills).
7. Show off 2–3 best achievements (slashed rework 30%).

Write a summary that gives career directions, e.g

Example

Dependable Sales and Marketing Manager with 7+ years of experience driving revenue growth and brand visibility. Focused on delivering innovative marketing strategies and exceptional sales performance. Achieved a 25% increase in sales and expanded market reach by 30% through targeted campaigns. Skilled in market analysis and team leadership, with a proven track record of developing and executing high-impact marketing plans. Committed to enhancing customer engagement and maximizing profitability.

Tip 3: Detail your Education

Always put your education session immediately after your summary. List your education in reverse chronological order, with your most recent degree first. Include both degrees you’ve earned and those you’re pursuing.

Tip 4: Work Experience

Put work experience immediately after the education session. Include the title of your position, the name, and location of your employer, and employment dates. Below this, list a few bullet points that explain your job duties.

Tip 5: Skills

List only the necessary skills for your career parts. Drafting skills are a very necessary part. You should know the skills relevant to your career field and learn them if you don’t already have the knowledge of them.

Tip 6: Courses

Online courses that you have taken, no matter how irrelevant the courses seem to you, make sure to include them.

Tip 7: Reference

Reference should only be included if you were asked for a reference. If not do not include, if you must say something on reference, state that reference is available on request. So it’s here advised that you have two versions of your CV. One version is a little bit brief and the other version includes all the sessions including your reference.

Should You Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools to Write a Resume?

There are clear advantages to using AI technology in the writing process, but it’s important to approach it with caution. While AI can be a helpful starting point and a valuable tool, it’s not yet capable of producing perfect content that will make you stand out.