CV 101: MASTERING THE BASICS

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A guide to crafting a winning resume from scratch and landing your dream career as a complete fresher.


 

In today’s fiercely competitive job market, standing out is paramount for job seekers. With numerous contenders vying for coveted positions, fresh graduates must leverage their resumes effectively to catch the eye of potential employers. While crafting an aesthetically pleasing resume is essential, equally important is the strategic approach to addressing and submitting it. This article delves into the dos and don’ts of job applications, offering valuable insights for aspiring candidates, fresh out of universities.

The Basics

Your resume should be customised for each application as it is essential to align with the specific requirements of the company and role. Incorporating keywords from the job description not only demonstrates relevance but also increases the likelihood of capturing the recruiter’s attention. Modern resumes should transcend traditional formats, focusing on concise presentation and effective utilisation of space.

The Content
Photograph and Contact Information:

First and foremost, you should replace your passport-sized poker-faced picture with one which shows enthusiasm with a smile that radiates your confidence and jovial nature to create a good first impression. Next comes your contact information. Make sure to include essential details such as your full name, a reachable phone number, a professional email address, your LinkedIn profile link, and your location of residence.

About Me:

The ‘About Me’ section of your resume should be a succinct overview encapsulating your passion, integrity, and dedication to securing the position you are applying for. This section should summarise your skills and strengths that prove that you are passionate, analytical and enthusiastic.

Education:

Organise the ‘Education’ section in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree, or the program you are enrolled in now. A safe format is to state the name of your degree, followed by the name of the institution, your major, your CGPA (if required), and the start and end dates.

 

 

Experience:

The ‘Experience’ section should focus on your extracurricular activities or any part-time job involvement. Avoid mentioning any tutoring jobs; you can talk about your tutoring experience to highlight your communication skills during the interview. Avoid writing in paragraphs. Instead, list your roles and the names of the clubs or activities you were involved in during your academic tenure.

Skills and Accomplishments:

Your awards and recognitions should appear as a list. Use bullet points, and make each entry similar to the ‘Education’ section: the name of the award, the awarding body, and the year.

Personal Details:

Personal information like, blood group, marital status, and hometown are redundant nowadays and is considered a waste of space. However, certain jobs, for instance, ones in the banking sector, do require them as their position might need the information.

References:

Refrain from referring to your immediate family members. It is more effective to refer to your faculty members, your internship supervisor, or someone you have worked with in a professional capacity as these add greater validation. If you use your faculty’s name, ensure that they know you and are aware that you have put them down as your reference to prevent any potential embarrassment during reference checks.

Cover Letters

Accompanying the resume with a well-written cover letter is crucial, whether applying through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) or via email. A concise yet impactful cover letter summarising your skills, achievements, and enthusiasm for the position can significantly enhance your application’s appeal to potential recruiters.

It is recommended that you avoid generic phrases like “Please find my CV attached” as such communication may convey disinterest or lack of professionalism. Instead, personalised and courteous language can make a favourable impression on recruiters.

 


The ‘About Me’ section of your resume should be a succinct overview encapsulating your passion, integrity, and dedication to securing the position you are applying for.


 

Resume Formatting and Naming

Submitting resumes in PDF format is advisable to ensure consistency in appearance across various platforms. Additionally, file names should comprise the applicant’s full name without any extraneous additions such as prefixes or adjectives.

Additional Considerations

In addition to resume content, attention to detail in communication can further distinguish candidates. Prompt responses to emails and courteous follow-ups demonstrate professionalism and enthusiasm. A final tip; networking and seeking advice from professionals in the field can also provide valuable insights and opportunities for career advancement.

Crafting an impressive resume requires more than just listing qualifications; it demands strategic thinking and effective communication. By adhering to the dos and don’ts outlined in this article, fresh graduates can enhance their chances of securing desired job opportunities in today’s competitive job market. 

 

The author is an HR professional with 7 years of experience in talent acquisition and talent management. She can be reached at noorrafa@gmail.com.

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