CV WRITING AND EFFECTIVE JOB SEARCH

Your CV tells potential employers who you are, what you have done in life, and provides them with information about your education and work experience. You need to determine what information would be most important to potential employers with whom you are seeking work. The main goal of a CV is to provide potential employers with information that is relevant to the job you are applying.

•Bio Data, CV and Profile
• Tips on how to design your CV
• Length, layout and format
• Personal information
• Key qualifications
• Education
• Work experience and vocational history
• Courses, workshops, certifications & appointments
• Languages
• IT skills
• Experience with projects
• Leisure interests and hobbies
• Diplomas, certificates of completion and letters of reference
• References

Most employers want references from previous employers or from other people who know you. A former employer or reference person should be able to confirm the information stated on your CV and on the job application. You can choose to name References on the CV itself, on the application form, or state that you will provide references if needed and upon request. You can also provide a list of references or reference letters during the job interview. Reference persons may include previous/present employers, colleagues, trade union representatives, members of an organization of which you are a member, teachers, and people who have trained you. You should not use friends as references unless you have no other choice.

You should always ask whether that person is willing to provide a reference for you. You can also ask what they plan to say about you. Be somewhat critical about whom you list as a reference. It is essential to select reference persons who are familiar with your work history and who intend to say something positive about you.

•List reference persons by name; include their job title and telephone number.
• You should always provide at least two references.
• Employers are most interested in references from recent jobs or positions.
• The employer usually contacts references after the job interview is completed.
• You should always inform the reference persons that you have completed the interview, and inform them about the job or position you are applying for so they are prepared when the potential employer calls.

TIPS ON JOB SEARCH

•Be selective with your search.
• Maintain a strong digital presence.
• Customize your application.
• Learn a new skill.
• Network regularly.
• Participate in job fairs.
• Visit company websites.
• Leverage your current relationships.
• Use a head-hunter.
• Join a professional organization.
• Bypass human resources.
• Look offline.