The 10-Step CV Critique: Does Your CV Have What IT Takes?

One of the biggest challenges I know most of you have is how to write your CV  . It’s a big deal because those 3 leafs of paper or pages  determine the results of your job application. I know the frustration of applying for hundreds of great jobs in some of the best companies in Kenya, without receiving feedback.

You have probably asked yourself these questions, “What do employers want in a CV?” “ What should be the tone of my writing?” “How should my CV look?” “Should I add a photograph to make it look more appealing?”- all these questions are very common among job seekers and I will tell you everything about the impact that is needed from your CV.

Follow this 10 Step Model to critique your CV:

Step 1: Ask yourself, “Is my CV in the correct format to best showcase my career history?”

‘’Format is simply the style of writing you employ to communicate your work experience. What should follow the other? What style is the most professional?

Have a look at this sample CV Format for the Kenyan Job Market. Best Kenyan CV Format CV Sample. 

Step 2: Ask yourself, “Is my CV visually appealing and easy to read?”

Let your CV be uniform throughout. The font size and style should be similar. The font size of a standard CV should fall somewhere between 9 and 11 point, 12 at most.

Some of the best and most professional fonts are Garamond, Times New Roman and Palatino. Don’t mix font sizes because not all employers want to see that.

Also ensure that your CV has white spaces. Don’t have one long paragraph with 8 lines without breaking it up. White spaces make it easier for the employer to read through your CV, as it does not strain the eyes.

Implement appropriate design elements such as bolding where necessary, especially on titles.

Read Also >>> 5 Things Employers Don’t Want To See On Your CV

Step 3: Ask yourself, “Does my CV contain a powerful opening section that draws the reader in?”

What’s the most relevant information you want to communicate to the employer?Whatever that is,  it should be in a summary or professional profile in the top 1/3 of your CV.

This is where you emphasize your core competencies and your related hard and soft skills.

Does your CV make clear what position, industry or career you are targeting? Employers don’t have time to guess where you want to be in 5 years. Therefore, make it clear what position you are targeting and support that with your experience.

Step 4: Ask Yourself, “Does my CV effectively Communicate my value to the prospective employer in one or more ways?”

Does your CV demonstrate how you can help the employer make money, save money or solve a specific problem? Does it demonstrate how you can help the employer to make work easier, build relationships, be more competitive, attract or retain customers?

Regardless of the job, the hiring manager wants you to help them accomplish their goals. Therefore, sell yourself as a problem solver, a partner, an innovator and an asset that the company must have.

Step 5: Ask yourself, “Does my CV contain powerful, concise accomplishment-oriented writing designed to increase the reader’s interest and stimulate an interview invitation?”

Is your CV targeted or tailored for the role? Does it support your job or career goal? Does it use persuasive high impact statements that sell your qualifications as a superior candidate? Your accomplishments on your CV should communicate that you are the best in the field, nothing short of that.

Step 6: Ask yourself, “Is irrelevant information excluded?”

Marital status, age, and unrelated hobbies and skills are some of the irrelevant information you don’t have to include in your CV. Your CV should communicate serous business that is direct and straightforward to the main agenda, which is securing the job.

Step 7: Ask  yourself, “Does my CV present relevant content in an organized fashion?

Generally, you’ll only need to cover the last 10 years of your work experience and if you have more years, you can summarize them.

Employers are more interested in your current experience. Also, are your employment dates presented appropriately? Have you included more than one source of contact information?

All these are key elements of a CV that should not be missing.

Related Article >>> 7 Mistakes That Your CV Look Professional

Step 8: Ask yourself, “ Is my resume free of spelling, punctuation, capitalization and grammatical errors?

I have come across very many CV’s that have so many grammatical errors. And I can guarantee you that the moment an employer sees any funny spelling mistakes they start loosing interest.

There’s no harm in asking your friend to go through your CV to give you their advice. Better still; have your CV reviewed with us today.  Click here to speak to a CV Writing Expert. 

Step 9: Repeat step 8

Step 10: Repeat step 8 again!

In a nutshell, your CV is a material representation of you. It is a marketing document, not a simple work history. It tells employers how you can contribute to their success. Ask yourself the questions above as you review your self written CV.

If you have any challenges, get in touch with us for our CV writing services. We will review your CV and help you create a great one!

Susan is a Communications Officer at Career Point Kenya. Email: susan@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke