A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a written document that contains your education, experience, and background, used when seeking a position in an organization.
Many people have submitted CVs to different organizations but are still not invited for interviews. One of the reason could be their CVs are not up to standard.
Before any employer engages you or starts communicating with you, they usually scan through your CV for a few seconds.
Your CV is one of the things that will convince an employer to hire you. If your CV is not impressive, the employer won’t spend time reading it—and in most cases, the response will be “We will get back to you”, and we all know what that usually means in most cases.
Your CV is your gateway to getting employed. Here are tips on how to write a CV that gets you the job:
1. Correct Packaging
Your CV is what gets you the job; it must be well-packaged with appealing colors, fonts, and good layout. Also, ensure your full name appears at the top—not “Curriculum Vitae.”
Another thing to note is not to over–design. Too much design doesn’t guarantee the job. Stick to a maximum of three colors:
- One dominant color
- One secondary color
- One accent for emphasis
2. Clarity
Your CV must be simple, clear, and easy to read. Employers should be able to scan it in 15–20 seconds and get the most important information. Don’t stress your employer, too much information doesn’t guarantee employment.
3. Avoid Unprofessional Emails
Many people lose job opportunities because of unprofessional email addresses. If a job application requires submitting a CV, try to be professional in all aspects—even if the job doesn’t pay much.
Please avoid emails like:
❌ sexybisola@gmail.com
❌ Chidinma4luv@gmail.com
Use something like:
✅ yemibadmus@gmail.com
✅ chidinma_abubakar@gmail.com
4. Location
If you’re applying for a job in Lagos but live in Abeokuta, try to use the address of a trusted friend or family member in Lagos. Employers often prefer candidates whose addresses matches the location of the job.
5. Avoid Self-Centered Phrases
Avoid the usage of self-glorification phrases like:
- ❌ Self-starter
- ❌ Self-aggrandizing
Most companies now focus on teamwork and collaborative skills—not just self-praise.
6. Include Professional Certifications
If you’re working or offering a service, take a professional course and include it in your CV. This shows employers that you are investing in personal development, and it sets you apart from others.
7. Remove Unnecessary Personal Data
For International standard, personal information like date of birth, state of origin, and local government area are not compulsory. Focus more on your skills and experience.
8. Remove Year of Admission
In your education section, only include your graduation year. For instance, if you begin a 4-year course in 2000 and graduated in 2006 due to strike or pandemic delays, it might raise questions.
Too avoid misunderstanding, just write year of graduation as shown below;
✅ B.Sc. in Computer Science — Graduated: 2006
9. Add All Relevant Work Experience
Clearly write out all your previous work experiences, job roles and job descriptions to make your CV meaningful and to show your capabilities.
10. Add Full Details of Referees
Include your referees’ names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers.
Your referees can be relatives (not with the same last name), but make sure they are aware and ready to speak on your behalf.
11. Choose Your Hobbies Wisely
Avoid including hobbies like:
- Playing video games
Instead, use hobbies like
- Researching
- Reading
- Travelling
- Mentoring
- Meeting people
These reflect a more professional and purpose-driven mindset.
12. Don’t Forward Your CV
If asked to send your CV via email, don’t just forward an old mail. Compose a new email, attach your CV, cover letter and portfolio if required, and use the job title as the subject of your mail.
13. Save Your CV as a PDF
Always save your CV as a PDF unless instructed otherwise. Also, save the file with your full name such as:
✅ Damilola_Chukwu_CV.pdf
Avoid saving your CV as the nam
❌ Edited CV.pdf
❌ My New CV.pdf
❌ Curriculum Vitae.pdf
Your CV is your passport to getting your new job, if you think some tips are missing, kindly add yours in the comment section.
