Every person who is in the job market has that problem
when searching for a job: How do you demonstrate the necessary qualifications you
possess for a job when you haven't had a "real job" before?
Fortunately, it's an easier question to answer than ones you may have
encountered in philosophy class ("What is consciousness?").
Indeed, even if your work history is brief -- or
nonexistent -- you can craft a compelling CV. Here's how:
1.
Objective statement versus career profile: Most objective statements ("Go-getter seeking
sales position") say more about what a job seeker hopes for in a job than
why that person would be a good fit for the position. So ditch the objective
statement and create a
career profile instead. It's a brief rundown of your skills and qualifications, targeted to the company and opening. For example: "Accounting graduate with experience in bank and cash reconciliations……………..
career profile instead. It's a brief rundown of your skills and qualifications, targeted to the company and opening. For example: "Accounting graduate with experience in bank and cash reconciliations……………..
2.
Create a combination CV: Instead
of submitting a traditional chronological CV, consider a combination CV. This
format allows you to place more focus on your professional skills by grouping
them near the top of your document. You might, for example, have a section
titled "Key Professional Skills”. Also include your educational experience
-- school, area of study and GPA. Don't limit yourself to abilities you've
honed through full- or part-time jobs. Skills you've gained through
internships, volunteer work, or even clubs or social committees can be just as
relevant.
Near the end of your CV, briefly list your work history in reverse chronological order.
Near the end of your CV, briefly list your work history in reverse chronological order.
3.
Focus on transferable skills: Do you think the years
you spent being a cashier won't help you land an accounting job? Think again.
This experience may have prepared you for your career better than you realize.
If you supervised some other staff members, for example, you have managerial
experience to add to your CV. You could also highlight your strong customer
service and communication skills. Almost every employer values these abilities.
4.
Include keywords: You
can increase your chances of getting an interview if you look at the job
listing and use words or phrases from it in your own CV. Use these keywords to
describe skills you possess -- as long as they are accurate, of course. If a
job listing requires candidates to have expertise in Microsoft PowerPoint or
Excel, for example, integrate those words in your CV so your document will be
more likely to catch a hiring manager's eye.
5.
Create a LinkedIn profile: Creating
a profile on LinkedIn or a similar professional networking site may help in
your search for employment. Aim for a "100 percent complete" profile:
Include your experience, areas of interest and a photo. Adding a few
recommendations -- ask a professor or your internship supervisor -- will
further distinguish you from the crowd.
6.
Don't go it alone: Your
CV is the key to getting an interview -- or not. It's important to get it
right. In addition to proofreading your document several times before
submitting it, ask a few trusted friends, mentors or family members to review
it for errors. Also request feedback on the structure and content. After all,
many of them have written CV. Their advice could help you turn a good document
into a great one.
7.
Keep it relevant: Winning
Miss University X two years in a row won't help you land most jobs unless you
want to vie for Miss/Mr. Kenya. Avoid including personal information such as
listening to rock music as this is not only irrelevant but shallow as well.
8.
One final note: Don't think your CV has to be a
certain length -- one page or less, for instance -- just because you're
beginning your career. Although you don't want to add fluff in order to make
yourself seem more qualified, it's OK to run past a single page. Remember that
one size does not fit all when it comes to CVs.
Take the time to create a quality document that shines
a light on your most marketable skills and experience, and you'll give yourself
the best shot at landing an interview and, ultimately, the job.
The
writer is Juliah Karimi of Staff Kenya
