By PETER KAMURI
You have been sending almost countless curriculum vitae (CVs) to prospective employers for some time now.
However, you have not received any response, despite the fact that you have the requisite experience, skills and qualifications. And now, you are wondering what could be the problem. There are many reasons why you have not been getting favourable responses from prospective employers; one of them could be that your CV is the problem.
“There are many reasons that can make a CV to be inappropriate. Probably it is not well organised or lacks crucial details and you may need to look at it critically to establish what is wrong with it,” says Joram Kaburu, a career advisor.
In order to establish whether your CV meets the needs of potential employers, start off by finding how well it’s well structured.
“The way you have structured your CV may affect the outcomes. Does it meet the requirements of the position you are interested in? If not, probably that is why it has been ending up in the dust bin,” advises Kaburu.
Recycling
“Find out whether it suits the needs of the position that you are eyeing. Many people just recycle one CV and they think it can fit for all openings that are available. Each should be tailor made to fit different situations,” he adds.
Kaburu says it important to find state your objective statement as clearly as possible at the top of the CV.
“It should be conspicuously placed at the top to enable the person reviewing you CV grasp information about you and your aspirations,” advises Kaburu.
Prospective employers use the objective statement to create a point of reference. It is from this point that they gauge how well the jobseeker’s career goals and aspirations would fit into the organisation.
“Check if the ‘work experience’ section is clearly written. This section should describe your past duties, skills, titles held and an emphasis on your major responsibilities. Remember, employers want to know what kind of work history you have had.”
And if you have never worked, don’t despair. Just look for innovative ways to feel the employment gaps.
Wrong contact
“Another problem your CV could have is the wrong contact. Although it is rare, it can happen. Missing out just a number or a letter in your telephone number or email may mean lost contact,” advises Kaburu.
“To make certain that your CV will work for you, it is advisable to let someone else proof read it, and let this person tell you whether your resume is appropriate and meets your desired needs. This person should preferably be a professional,” concludes Kaburu.
