How to Write a Professional CV

Many find it difficult to write a resume that will earn them an interview. When applying for jobs, human resource managers and recruiters receive a lot of resumes. How can you draft one that sticks out? The most important tip for developing a CV is to stand out and highlight your selling point. It’s important to remember that there is no one correct way to write a resume. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that your resume should highlight your qualifications for the position you’re seeking for. This will help the HR manager or recruiter decide whether to schedule an interview with you.

What is a CV?

Let’s start with your CV. This is usually the first document any hiring manager will see before you will be called for an interview and when applying online, your first priority is that your CV gets you that interview.

A curriculum vitae popularly known as CV is brief synopsis or account of your educational, professional experience, skills and more typically used for job applications.

Some Tips How to write a good CV

Make sure your resume is tailored to the position and employer by checking the company’s website, the local newspaper, and the job advertisement.

Employ active verbs whenever you can. Words like “created,” “analyzed,” and “devised,” for instance, can help you come out as a proactive person.

Your resume should be error-free in spelling and punctuation. Check it over with a second set of eyes and a spell checker.

The CV Writing Format

1. Personal Details

Your name, address, phone number, email, and age (if applicable) are all included in this area. Place these in a prominent spot with readable fonts so the recruiter or HR manager can see them easily. Make sure the data is accurate and up to date.

2. Education

Always start with the most recent educational qualification. Professional certification that is relevant to the job should also be added to this section.

E.g. University of Abuja– 2023

Qualification: B.A. Banking and finace.

• Excellent diplomatic skills and versed in three foreign languages – French, Portuguese and Chinese
• Graduated with a second class upper grade of 3.55.

3. Work Experience

Start with your most recent job role. For each job role, it’s important to state your role and achievements. An example would be:

Infinty Trust Mortage Bank 2016 – (Present)

Job Title: Marketing Executive

Achievement:

• Individually increased the monthly revenue from N10 million to N20 million in 8 months.
• Worked with the marketing team to spread our products from Lagos to all the 6 states of the Western Nigeria within a year.
• Won the ‘Best Marketer of the Year” award consecutively for November and December 2018.