Tips and Strategies for Writing an
Outstanding CV /Resume
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Facilitators
Irene Ampomaa Ohene &
Modesta Alhassan, HR
Professionals
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Participants should be able to learn how to tailor their resumes to specific
job postings to increase their chances of getting noticed.
 Participants should be able to learn how to create a visually appealing and
professional-looking resume, including tips on formatting and design.
Participants should be able to get an understanding of the most important
information to include on their resumes, including education, work
experience, and skills
Participants should gain an understanding of the most important resume
trends and best practices, including how to make their resume ATS-friendly
Ice breaker
What is your expectation for
today’s discussion.
What is the
difference between
cv and resume, are
they the same?
Sourcing for vacancy
The main sources used by employers includes:
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Corporate website
Recruitment agencies
Employee referral
Professional networking, e.g. CIHRM,
SPHRi,
Commercial job boards
Specialist journals
Search consultants
Links with educational establishments- e.g.
Entry level jobs
National and local newspaper
advertisements
Social networking sites- LinkedIn
A Good C.V.
What is a Curriculum Vitae “CV”?
"the course of one's life/career”
provides a comprehensive overview of your
academic background, skills, experience and
professional accomplishments to potential
employers
An Outstanding C.V.
Full Name- BOLD at the top
1.
Personal
Information
Address; phone number(s); email address
*Date of birth is quite irrelevant unless
stated.
A Good C.V.
Summary of who you are and some
unique competencies you possess
2.
(SEAT)
Summary
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Profile
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
ACHIEVEMENTS
TYPE OF PERSONALITY
A Good C.V.
Period (Month and Year) – Start and End
3.
Education
Program/ Course of Study
Institution of Study
Location/ Place of study
A Good C.V.
4.
Employment
Period (Month and Year) – Start and End
Employer/ Place of Work
History/
Work
Experience
Designation/ Role
Duties/ Achievements
A Good C.V.
Course Title/ Seminar
5.
Trainings
and
Organizers
Date/ Period
Seminars
Place
A Good C.V.
Awards
Interests
6.
Others
I.T. Skills
Associations/ Groups
Professional Membership
Reference
Other Things to Keep in Mind, C.V.
CV should be well organized and consistent.
Be sure that all information is correctly lined up and organized.
Make the CV as easy to read as possible.
Proofread the CV more than once.
Ask for help from Career Counselor/ Advisor
Tips on formatting and design of a CV
Avoid titling the document ‘ curriculum vitae’
Instead let your name serve as the title.
Section headings are a good way to break up your cv (increase
font)
Avoid fonts such as comic sans, instead us TNR, Arial & Calibri,
font size 10 and 12.
List everything in reverse chronological order.
Keep it concise by using clear spacing and bullet points
Strategies for writing a good CV
Use active verbs when possible like created, analyzed to
show initiative.
Avoid wrong spellings and grammatical mistakes.
Avoid generic, over–used phrases such as team player, multitasker
rather provide real-life examples to demonstrate these skills.
Tailor your cv to the JD Advertised and avoid exaggeration
Make sure your email sounds professional.
Competencies recruiters are looking out for during an Interview.
This chart illustrates the
competencies required for a
role.
Other tools for selection
• Behavioral Assessment tests
• Psychometric Tests:
www.16personalities.com
• Presentations
Effective Job Seeking
Skills
Helpful tips to navigate the job search process
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Expect to apply five to 10 times the number of jobs that you had planned for
Set aside time each day to search and apply for jobs. Finding a job is a job in itself.
Keep your online profile updated.
Make sure your social presence reflects you in the best light
Use online job search sites such as LinkedIn etc.
Tailor your cover letter and resume to the specific job for which you are applying.
Be willing to take a temporary job to demonstrate your abilities.
Boost Your Skills/ professional development
Practice a virtual or phone interview before the actual one happens.
Cont.….
Know yourself
Be confident
SWOT Analysis
Be clear about what you want
Dress well
Understand the path of getting there (try)
Speak to people/ Ask people for opportunities
Don’t worry……. Don’t be afraid
Network
The Interview process- In person/Virtual
Virtual interview is an interview that takes place
remotely, sometimes over the phone, but often
using technology like video conferencing and
other online communication platforms.
Tools used to conduct digital interviews:
Skype
Zoom
Google Meet
Microsoft teams
Whatup video/audio etc.
Tips for Online Interview
• Do a test-run with your computer and technology
• Pick the perfect spot/ location.
• Eliminate distractions.
• Sit up and dress professionally.
• Calm your nerves/ Be Yourself.
• Monitor your professional Body Language
• Build rapport
• Follow up
Things to avoid saying in a job interview
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Negativity about a previous employer or job
I don't know.
It's on my resume.
Unprofessional language
I don't have any questions.
Asking what the company does
Overly prepared answers or clichés
Discussions about your lack of experience
Personal information not relevant to the job or your qualifications
Basic Interview Skills
• Able to control emotions.
• Friendly demeanor.
• Talent recognition skills
• Knowledge of the job in question.
• Experience managing people.
• Listening skills.
• Questioning skills
Value Addition Skills Required
Complex Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Creativity
People Management
Coordinating with Others/team building
Cont.…..
Emotional Intelligence
Judgment and Decision Making
Service Orientation
Negotiation Skills
Complex Problem Solving
Cognitive Flexibility
Q&A
Sample
outstanding cv.
Thank You
SKAIK CONSULTING
+233540262092
info@skaikconsulting.om
www.skaikconsulting.com
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