Creating a professional CV is essential for making a strong first impression with potential employers. This lesson will guide you through the key components of an effective CV, from structuring your personal information to highlighting your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Whether you’re entering the job market or looking to update your existing CV, this lesson will provide practical tips to help you stand out and showcase your qualifications confidently.
- Duration: 30 Minutes
- Publisher: Powered by Regent Business School
- Certification: Acknowledgement of Completion
- Take your time and ensure to carefully engage with every aspect of this course, to ensure adequate preparation for the final assessment. A minimum of 80% is required to pass.
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At the top of your CV, clearly state your full name followed by your current or desired job title. This ensures that employers can immediately recognise your identity and understand the position you are aiming for.
Ensure your contact information is up to date and professional:
- Phone: Include a phone number where employers can easily reach you.
- Email: Use a professional email address, such as [email protected].
- Location: Mention your city, province, and area code to provide a sense of where you are based.
Online Portfolio / Professional Website (Optional): If you have an online portfolio or a professional website, such as a LinkedIn profile, include the link to showcase your work.
This section should provide a brief overview of who you are as a professional. Focus on:
- The number of years of work experience you have.
- Key accomplishments that highlight your expertise.
- Top skills and strengths that align with the job you are applying for.
Example:
“Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing, social media strategy, and content creation. Proven track record of increasing online engagement by 30% and leading teams to successful project completions.”
List your most recent or relevant educational qualifications in this section:
- Degree Type, Major (if applicable): Include the name of your degree and major.
- Start – Completion Dates: Mention the start and end dates of your education.
- Institution Name: State the full name of the institution where you obtained your degree.
Example:
“Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing Major
20/06/2018 – 20/06/2021
University of Johannesburg”
List your professional experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent:
- Title, Company Name: State your job title and the name of the company.
- Start Date – End Date: Include the duration of your employment.
- Responsibilities and Achievements: Use bullet points to describe your key responsibilities and achievements. Focus on quantifiable results where possible.
Example:
“Marketing Coordinator, ABC Textiles | January 2022 – Present
- Developed and executed social media campaigns, increasing follower base by 25%.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of marketing materials.”
Highlight the skills and attributes that make you a strong candidate for the role. These might include:
- Project Management
- Time Management
- Conflict Management
- Collaboration and Teamwork
If you speak multiple languages, include them in this section.
Example:
“English – Proficient (Native)
isiZulu – Intermediate or Conversational”
List any awards, recognitions, or volunteer work that is relevant to the position you are applying for.
Example:
“Volunteer Coordinator, Community Outreach Program, June 2023
Employee of the Month, ABC Textiles, March 2022″
Use a clean, professional format with clear headings, bullet points, and consistent font styles to make your CV easy to read.
Include your full name, contact details (phone number, email), and LinkedIn profile, but avoid unnecessary details like your full address or photo (unless required).
Use industry-specific keywords to ensure your CV passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many employers use for screening.
Ensure your CV is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and formatting to present a professional image.
- Update Your CV: Review your current CV and make any necessary improvements. Be sure to highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments, following the best practices we've covered.
- Upload Your CV: Once your CV is polished and up-to-date, upload it via the Interview Simulator Button below.
- Simulated Interview: After uploading your CV, you will have the opportunity to participate in a simulated interview, giving you valuable practice and feedback.