Finding your perfect job can seem like a daunting task, but with a professional curriculum vitae (CV), your application will stand out from the rest. CV writing can seem stressful, especially for beginners or individuals who want to know what the industry standard is.
There are basic guidelines of what to do and what to avoid when it comes to CV writing. Majella van der Arend, the operations manager at Agrijob, shares some insights and tips when compiling your CV.
Clarity on contact details
One of the first things that should be visible on a CV is your name and contact details. It is best to avoid using student emails because once you’re off the institution’s system it is impossible to reach you.
“The first thing a recruiter should see is your name and contact details. We still find that lots of contact details are old because they are still using university email addresses that don’t work anymore,” Van der Arend explains.
Photo ready
Use a photo that suits the job that you’re eyeing. Avoid looking too professional depending on the job you’re applying for.
“Preferably, do not wear a three-part suit, rather let the photo speak to your profession. Wear clothes that you’ll wear while performing the job,” she advises.
Van der Arend shares an example, “if you want to be a grower in an orchard then an image of you in an orchard would work. It comes across as confident and someone who knows what is happening in the industry.”
It is important to avoid graduation photos at all costs. Graduation photos are only valid for one month and the goal is to remain employable.
“The message you are sending with a graduation image is that you don’t have experience,” she adds.
However, if you are applying for jobs in other countries, especially in the United Kingdom, avoid using images.
Education and work experience
Your education and work experience should start with your last important education or experience and then go back in time.
“The latest education and work experience should be the first thing the HR manager should see, so it’s important to keep the reader in mind,” she adds.
Identification number
With the new rules implemented by the government in 2022, It is advised to add your identity document number (ID).
“Not everyone agrees, but for safety reasons, you can keep the first seven digits on the CV because the first six are your birth date and the seventh digit indicates if you are a male or a female. If you prefer, make three crosses for safety followed by a zero and an eight (for South African citizens). A final cross can be added to complete it,” she says.
Using colour
Van der Arend explains that colours do not matter much. However, avoid using colours that speak to your personality, the aim is to get the job.
“Colours do not matter so much, but in agriculture, we believe in natural colours greens and blues. This doesn’t mean that other colours are wrong, they often say something about your personality,” she explains.
Things to be clear about:
- Be clear about which is your first and last name (it can be confusing at times).
- Rather add a profile picture of yourself than an objective.
- Keep the CV short and sweet (2-3 pages)
- Be more elaborate about your degree than your matric results (if it applies).
- Be clear about bursary achievements/ Golden key achievements.
- Name computer programmes you’re comfortable working in.
- If you need a template, Google is your friend.
Things to avoid:
- Avoid only capital letters (for readability).
- Avoid spelling or grammar mistakes.
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