A workshop on professional CV writing delivered to graduate job seekers (National Youth Service Corps).

1. PROFESSIONAL
CV WRITING
Abasiubong Ettang

2. Why do we need CVs?

3. 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR CV
1. It is perhaps the most important document of your
career
2. Writing an excellent CV is a job – Plan for it.
3. For each job application, you need a new CV. YES!
4. Remember the 10 seconds rule
5. The level of your proficiency is perceivable on your CV –
DON’T LIE

4. 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR CV
6. Have a professional email address.
7. Be careful with abbreviations, grammar & jargons.
8. EVERYTHING on your CV should be relevant to a potential
employer.
9. The presentation of your CV speaks volumes.
10. Your CV SHOULD NOT exceed 2 pages.
- There are exceptions though

5. SUGGESTED SEQUENCE OF CV SECTIONS
- Personal details
- Personal profile
- Key achievements
- Core skills/competencies
- Work experience
- Education
- Hobbies & Interests
- References

6. PERSONAL DETAILS
Your name, contact details and bio data
See sample below

7. PERSONAL PROFILE
This section should in about 3 sentences say, Who are you? What
can you offer? What do you want?
e.g. I am a professionally trained career development expert with 5
years experience in administration and career development. I am
seeking opportunities in human resource roles, to deploy my career
consulting expertise within any organisation.
[Do not use bullets here, Keep it simple and short].

8. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS (2 approaches)
What difference or contribution did you make in your previous jobs
(both paid and unpaid jobs). List them here specifically.
e.g.
- Met organisation’s client progression targets successively
- Equipped target clients with employability skills
- Facilitated re-engagement of clients into education
Make sure these are relevant to your prospective job role.
Use bullet points only

9. CORE SKILLS
Make sure these are tailored to the job you are applying for.
As much as possible begin with the most relevant to the job.
List or use bullets.
Use precise words. Keep them relevant. Rank them.
Unless very necessary, minimize use of words like;
Trustworthy, Honest, Dedicated, Humble, Self-motivated

10. CORE SKILLS
e.g.
• Project management
• Accounting and auditing skills
• Excellent use of ICT
• Social networking
Or,
Project management, Accounting and auditing, Excellent
use of ICT, Social networking

11. WORK EXPERIENCE
* Reverse chronological order.
* Mind the gaps.
* Show value don’t tell (Outcomes over duties).
Job Role Sept 2000 – Sept 2005
Organisation
Organisation’s Address
• Responsibility 1/Outcome
• Responsibility 2/Outcome

12. WORK EXPERIENCE EXAMPLE
Marketing Executive Sept 2000 – Sept 2005
Beetle Bank Plc
Eket. Akwa Ibom State
• Led marketing team which increased customer base by 28%
• Initiated an electronic sales system which generated N1m in
5months
• Responsible for monthly marketing reports
• Worked in a team of marketing training facilitators
CAUTION: Don’t repeat Achievements

13. EDUCATION
Begin with most recent. Make sure you leave no gaps in between dates.
Indicating the months is very important.
e.g.
Qualification Sept 2000 – Sept 2005
Institution
Institution’s Address
Professional Trainings and qualifications can come after educational
history.

14. INTERESTS/HOBBIES
Why do we have these on our CVs?

15. INTERESTS/HOBBIES
Some interviewers might ask how your hobbies relate to the work you
do. It is helpful to have a good answer in mind before attending an
interview.
e.g. I love football because it demonstrates teamwork and resilience
(This does not have to be on your CV).
REFERENCES
It is ideal to indicate that these will be provided on request.

16. QUESTIONS?

17. THANK YOU.