Ever felt like your CV just disappears into a black hole after you hit ‘apply’? You’re not alone. In today’s competitive job market, your CV is your golden ticket, and standing out is crucial. Forget generic applications; it’s time to master the art of crafting a CV that truly gets you noticed and, more importantly, hired. As a leading voice in the Kenyan job market, BrighterMonday Kenya emphasizes several key strategies that can transform your job search.
Table of Contents
CV Hacks that Get you Hired
1. Tailor Your CV, Unleash Your Power
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending a one-size-fits-all CV. Recruiters, often sifting through hundreds of applications, spend mere seconds on each. To grab their attention, your CV must speak directly to the job you’re applying for.
We advise you to “read through the required skills and competencies for the job and only point out what is relevant to the job.” Go beyond just listing; use the exact keywords and skills mentioned in the job advert. This isn’t about being clever; it’s about making sure your CV aligns with applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many companies use to filter candidates. If the job asks for “digital marketing expertise,” ensure that phrase is present in your CV, not just “online advertising.”
2. Keep It Short, Simple, and Sweet
In a world of information overload, less is often more. Recruiters value clarity and conciseness. BrighterMonday Kenya’s “Simple CV Writing Tips” highlights that “your CV format should be simple, easy on the eye and void of clutter and unnecessary information.” Aim for a CV that is typically one to two pages long, especially if you’re early in your career. Avoid fancy fonts, elaborate graphics, or long, rambling sentences. A clean, professional layout ensures that the recruiter can quickly find the information they need without getting lost in unnecessary details.
3. Only Include What Truly Matters
Your CV is not a life story; it’s a professional marketing document. Every piece of information on it should serve a purpose: to demonstrate your suitability for the specific role. Our recruitment experts explicitly advise you to “Avoid including unnecessary information such as marital status, religion, or age in your CV as these tire the recruitment manager.” Focus on your most relevant work experience, skills, and educational qualifications. If an internship from years ago doesn’t directly contribute to the job you’re eyeing today, consider leaving it out or condensing it significantly. The goal is to highlight your strongest assets, not to provide an exhaustive autobiography.
4. Showcase Achievements, Quantify Your Impact
Don’t just list responsibilities; articulate your achievements. Employers want to know what you did and the impact you had. BrighterMonday suggests that you “include achievements, especially for the most recent roles that showcase your strengths.” For example, instead of “Managed social media accounts,” try “Increased social media engagement by 30% and grew followers by 15% in six months through targeted content campaigns.” Quantifying your results with numbers, percentages, or specific examples provides tangible evidence of your capabilities and helps recruiters visualize your potential contribution to their team.
5. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!
Spelling and grammatical errors are instant red flags for recruiters. They suggest a lack of attention to detail, which can be detrimental regardless of your qualifications. BrighterMonday Kenya warns that “sending a CV with grammatical, spelling, and formatting errors will definitely reduce its chances of being read.” Before sending your CV, proofread it multiple times. Read it backward, read it aloud, and have a trusted friend or mentor review it. Utilize online grammar checkers, but don’t rely on them solely. A polished, error-free CV shows professionalism and a commitment to quality.
6. Be Honest: Authenticity Builds Trust
It might be tempting to exaggerate or even invent experiences to fill perceived gaps in your CV. However, dishonesty can severely damage your professional reputation and career prospects. At BrighterMonday, we emphasize the importance of verifying information during interviews, noting that recruiters “seek more details” to confirm claims.
Be truthful about your work history, skills, and achievements. Focus on presenting your genuine strengths and experiences in the best possible light. Authenticity will not only build trust with potential employers but also set you up for success in roles where you can truly thrive.
By implementing these smart CV hacks, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a compelling document that captures attention, passes through the ATS, and lands you that coveted interview. Remember, your CV is your first impression, make it count!
That’s not all! Boost Your Career with BrighterMonday’s Soft Skills Training
Ready to unlock your full potential? BrighterMonday is committed to empowering young Kenyan professionals. Join our Soft Skills training sessions every Tuesday and Thursday on Zoom. These interactive sessions are designed to equip you with essential time management skills, boost your productivity, and accelerate your career growth. Learn from experts, engage with peers, and take a tangible step towards a more organized and successful professional life.
Don’t let time slip away. Invest in yourself and your future. Your career is in your hands, and with effective time management, your possibilities are limitless. Visit www.brightermonday.co.ke to learn more and sign up for our transformative soft skills training today!
BrighterMonday Kenya’s Soft Skills training is part of the GenKazi program, under the Young Africa Works Strategy by the Mastercard Foundation, aiming to enable 30 million young Africans to secure dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
