Your CV

Your CV is the most important tool in job hunting.  Invest time in creating a well-structured and presentable CV.  

Below is a guide on how you can structure your CV.

Biographical information
This refers to the following information:

• Date of birth
  
• ID number or passport number
  
• Citizenship status / nationality
  
• Gender
  

Contact details 
This section will include:

• Postal address
  
• Landline
  
• Cellphone number
  
• Email address
  
• Fax number (if relevant)
  

Work History 
 This section should include a list of all the work experience you have, starting form the most recent work.  Include part time work as well.  Each listing should include the following:

• Name of business
  
• Location of business
  
• Position held
  
• Brief summary of key functions and responsibilities
  
• Start and end dates
  
• Reason for leaving
  

Educational History 
This section summarises all the formal and informal education you have received.  The list should begin with the most recent and work backwards. Each listing should include the following:

• Name of educational qualification / certificate / course
  
• Provider name
  
• Modules / topics covered
  
• Dates
  

Volunteer work 
This section will list all the volunteer work that you have done. This is a very important section as it shows you are involved in your community and care about the welfare of others.  Listings here should be reflected in the same way that paid work is.

Positions of Leadership 
This section will briefly list all the positions of leadership you have held in your professional and private life. The listings should be reflected as follows:

• Position name
  
• Dates held
  
• Brief summary of responsibilities
  

Awards and Achievements
 This section will briefly list your awards or achievements. The listings should be reflected as follows:

• Award name
  
• Purpose of award
  
• Date
  

Clubs and Societies
This section will list all the clubs and societies you have belonged to as well as those you are currently involved in.

References 
This section will list all the people you have requested to act as references.  Their information should be reflected as follows:

• Name of person
• Professional title or position
• Organisation 
  
• Relation to you (i.e.: boss)
  

Source:  NICRO (2014). Workseekers Programme Facilitator Manual. 

Common Mistakes 

1. Spelling mistakes 
   
2. Poor grammar
   
3. Not putting in page numbers
   
4. Dishonesty or misrepresentation
   
5. Not accounting for gaps in years
   
6. Not giving reasons for leaving positions
   
7. Poor layout and formatting
8. Either too long or too short 
9. Including irrelevant information