JOBS: What to Consider When Writing a CV

• Leah Mukangai
• 25 May 2022

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a short written summary of a person's career, qualifications, and education. In most job applications, your employer will always ask for a CV before you even go for the interview.

Depending on your education and qualifications, a CV varies from one individual to another. In some scenarios, you'll find employers requesting a CV that is not more than 2 pages. 

The following should be considered when writing a CV.

1. The CV should not be too long

A CV should not be more than 2 pages. It should also be very brief.

2. List your career history in reverse chronological order, explaining any gaps.

When writing a CV, you should start with the latest post or qualification that you have and arrange them in a chronological manner.

It should include only your most recent two educational experiences. So, if you have a Master's degree, you only need your Undergraduate and Master's degrees.

3. Keep your hobbies and interests section short.

These sections might be sometimes crucial as some employers might be interested in what you can do other than the work that you are applying for. You should also put in mind that it should be as short and as brief as possible.

4. Personal profile

Your personal profile should be the first section of your CV, not the side or bottom. The selection committee would like to get to know you first.

Your full name, phone number, home address, gender, and email address should all be included. You should also take care to include any other physical characteristics that are specifically requested by your prospective employers. The order in which you write them is important because it gives a first and lasting impression of you.

5. Formatting

You should ensure that you use the same type of font throughout the entire document. This makes it easier for your employer to read through comfortably.

If possible, check the company's website for their own unique font and color; this will give the company the impression that you have done your homework by researching the company's values and objectives, and that you are very prepared to get the job.

6. Professional experience

Record your professional experience; list the companies or organizations you've worked for, stating the title of the job and the dates you were employed, as well as your job duties, experience, and accomplishments; this should be limited to three or four bullet points.

Make certain that your accomplishments or job activities correspond to the job description of the new position.

7. Skills and qualifications

You can also outline your accomplishments in the field related to your application, beginning with the name of the award, followed by the dates received, and finally the name of the organization that bestowed the award.

8. Reference

Your referees should be readily available and should be people who are well-versed in your qualifications; your employers may even contact your referees.

Applicants who provided "fake" reference contacts will be automatically disqualified. Contact your referees for confirmation, and if they are unavailable, simply write "Available on request."

Writing a good CV could give you a very big opportunity of getting your dream job. Remember to be organized when writing the CV.

Here's a job application to try the above. BEST OF LUCK!!

JOB: Manager- Integrated Media at Safaricom Kenya

About Safaricom

Safaricom is the leading provider of converged communication solutions in Kenya. In addition to providing a broad range of first-class products and services for Telephony, Broadband Internet, and Financial Services, Safaricom seeks to uplift the welfare of Kenyans through value-added services and support for community projects.

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