With a saturated job market, you want to stand the best possible chance of getting that job. Here are some top tips to help you curate an effective CV.
Choose a template
A vital part of creating an effective CV for the South African job market is to select a template that you can use for the entirety of your search. Keep your layout and format consistent and neat.
A simple, well-designed CV allows recruiters to easily identity who you are and what type of positions you’re applying for.
To get started, create a basic template with important information such as your contact details, previous work experience, educational background, skills that would be beneficial to the job you’re applying for and any references you may have.
Tweak your CV to suit the job and role
Once you have chosen your template, it’s important to tailor your CV for each job and role you apply for. Different skills to experiences may be more beneficial to certain roles, so it’s essential that you highlight any information that may give you a better chance at securing the job.
By researching the specific requirements of the job or listing keywords in the job description, you can ensure that you have adapted your CV to address those needs.
Use language from the job advertisement to demonstrate that you read and understood what is expected of you and that you have what it takes to succeed in the role. Focus on highlighting any experiences that may show that you meet these requirements. This will let employers know that you are an ideal candidate as soon as they see your CV.
Highlight relevant skills and attributes
Although you may feel like you're pulled in different directions when creating your CV for the South African job market, it’s important to make sure it focuses on showcasing the skills and attributes that make you a great candidate for that particular role.
Highlight any transferable skills you possess and make sure this is demonstrated throughout the document. You can also provide evidence of additional qualifications, certifications, expertise or awards that may set you apart from other applicants.
These could include courses that present a special advantage when it comes to targeting roles within specific industries. Be sure to include key words related to the field as well.
Showcase any relevant achievements
Taking the time to showcase your education and training achievements will help give you an edge in the job market. Employers are increasingly searching for well-rounded candidates who are both well-educated and have practical experience in the industry.
For example, if you’ve completed a relevant course or qualification that would give you a distinct advantage in their industry, be sure to include it in your CV, as well as with details of any successful projects you may have worked on or any awards achieved during your studies.
Include relevant personal information
Your CV should include your contact details, so that potential employers can contact you for an interview. It is important that you include your personal cell phone number as well as your email address so that recruiters have multiple ways of contacting you.
You may also want to consider including links to your social media profiles or professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Remember that most employers may check these sites when evaluating you as a candidate, so ensure that you are well-presented and that anything you share on social media reflects positively on you.
