Everyday, in Nigeria, there are a larger number of people seeking jobs and where to put their valuable skills to use. However, it is important to know that a CV/resume plays a big role in properly communicating these skills and helping people secure great job opportunities. If you are actively searching for a job, then the bulk of work should go into creating the best resume, capable of catching the attention of potential employers and landing you interviews. Hence, there Is every need to invest good time in professional resume writing to beat the competition out there. 

How should I go about my cv/resume writing?

If you are looking to get a job, then,  this is one question that you should be particular about. Have you ever wondered why employers don't get back to certain people even after checking their Cv/resume? The reason is not far-fetched; chances are they do not like what they see. This situation is even more painful when they have the skills to take up these jobs but are denied the opportunity to work. To avoid this, take note of the following while you prepare to write your cv/resume:

Read also: Resume Mistakes

Look out for Keywords in Job Listings

Wondering why you should take note of keywords on job postings? Most companies and hiring managers now employ the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to check and review resumes and CVs they get from different job applications. This ATS only approves CVs that have been properly optimized by scanning documents for keywords relevant to the job position. Using relevant keywords increases the visibility of your Cv and gives the employer an idea that you understand the organization and role you intend to fill.

Exclude any information that does not align with the Job role

You must always tailor your resume to fit into the role you are applying for. In cases where you have more than one skill and you are looking to apply to two or more jobs, the best thing to do is create a different resume for each of the roles. This is because having a generic resume that captures all of your skills and experiences may not effectively reveal your suitability for a particular job. Hence, before applying to any job with a certain resume/CV, check through again to be sure you are not mixing things up and that you have only relevant information in there. 

Read also: Top leadership skills to build your resume

Use only professional Fonts

For the ATS to properly and effectively read the content of your CV/resume, you must use readable fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, or Helvetica. These fonts are easily scanned and parsed by the ATS. Also, if the resume has to be read by a human, good fonts increase readability and comprehension. While sticking to readable fonts, take note of the font size too which usually stays between 10 and 12. Once you pick a font style and size, be consistent with it throughout, and look through your resume again to be sure you are on track. 

Use the bullet option more

Employing a readable font is not the only thing you need to do to enhance the readability of your resume. The good use of bullet points is another useful technique that significantly improves the quality and impact of your Cv/resume. This option allows you to present all of your information in an organized manner, breaking down content into easily scannable and digestible chunks, making it seamless for recruiters to grab your key qualifications. 

Utilize Action words for your work experience section 

Your work experience section requires you to outline some of the tasks you performed while working the job. To do this, you must use action words because they do a whole lot adding strength and clarity to the job description. Also, they help the hiring manager get the whole picture of what you did, your active involvement, and contributions. This is even much better when quantifying your achievements because it conveys activeness and confidence in the role. 

Never forget that a CV/resume comprises a couple of relevant sections which include: 

• Title

• Summary

• Contact information

• Professional Summary

• Work Experience

• Education

• Skills

• Achievements

• Certification 

Anyone who is currently job searching must understand the importance of these sections and craft CVs/resume that will get them what they want.

Read also: How to write a CV for a job application

If you are willing to go all out with your CV/resume, we have different CV/resume templates that can guide you. All you need to do is log in or sign up on our website, then move down to the career advice category, search for resume and you can choose any template that works best for you. Also, if you want more competent hands to handle your resume, you may want to check out how we can help you. 

For an active job seeker, you can not cross out CV/resume writing, the best way to get a job is to do what you are you are expected to do.