Entering the job market as a beginner can be an exciting yet challenging journey. One of the most important tools to help you stand out to potential employers is a well-crafted CV or resume.
While you may not have years of experience, your CV can highlight your skills, education, and potential, positioning you for great opportunities. Here’s how to craft a compelling resume, along with key dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
Credit: JULIE
1. Start with a Strong Header
Your resume’s header is the first thing that employers will see, so make sure it’s clear and professional. Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile link (if you have one). If applicable, you can also add a portfolio or personal website link.
Tip: Ensure your email address is professional (avoid something like funmama123@gmail.com) and your contact details are correct.
2. Craft an Engaging Professional Summary
As a beginner, you may not have extensive work experience, but you can still showcase your enthusiasm and qualifications. A short professional summary or objective statement is a great place to communicate your career goals and what you bring to the table. Focus on soft skills, any relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer work.
Do: Write a summary that aligns with the job you’re applying for, highlighting your eagerness to learn, your work ethic, and relevant skills.
Don’t: Use vague or generic statements like “I’m looking for a job to gain experience.” Instead, be specific about how you hope to contribute to the company.
Credit: The Balance
3. Highlight Your Skills
As a beginner, showcasing your skills is vital. Create a skills section that includes hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) skills. Hard skills could include proficiency in software like Microsoft Office, social media management, or coding languages. Soft skills could include communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Do: tailor this section to the job description and emphasize the skills most relevant to the role.
Don’t: List skills you don’t actually possess. Being honest about your abilities is crucial because false claims will likely be discovered during the interview process.
4. Include Your Education
Since you’re just starting out, your educational background will play a significant role in your resume. List your highest level of education, the institution you attended, and any notable achievements (honors, GPA, relevant courses). If you’ve participated in any workshops, certifications, or training programs, mention them here as well.
Do: Include any projects, papers, or group work that are relevant to the job you’re seeking, especially if they show your problem-solving skills or teamwork abilities.
Don’t mention your high school diploma if you’ve completed higher education. Only include it if it’s the most advanced education you’ve completed.
5. Experience (Even if It’s Limited)
While you may not have paid work experience, you likely have valuable experience that can be included. Internships, volunteer positions, freelancing, or personal projects are all valuable experiences that show initiative and relevant skills. Focus on how these experiences helped you grow and the skills you gained.
Do: Quantify your achievements. For example, “Volunteered 10 hours per week at XYZ organization, improving team communication by organizing weekly meetings.”
Don’t: Include irrelevant or unnecessary jobs unless they can demonstrate transferable skills. For example, a summer job as a cashier could showcase customer service and communication skills.
Credit: Hamidolabiran, JobScholarship Hub
6. Professional Formatting
Your resume should be easy to read and well organized. Use clear headings for each section, keep your font consistent, and ensure there’s plenty of white space. Avoid using complex graphics or images that could clutter the document. Keep the design simple, clean, and professional.
Do: Use a resume template if you’re unsure about formatting. There are many free options available online that follow a professional structure.
Don’t overload the resume with colors, excessive fonts, or unnecessary details. A cluttered resume is hard to read and could turn off potential employers.
7. Customize for Each Application
Tailor your CV to each job you’re applying for by matching the job description’s key terms with your skills and experience. If a job emphasizes teamwork or communication, make sure you mention those skills.
Do: Research the company and the role thoroughly to understand what they value in candidates, and reflect that in your CV.
Don’t: Use a generic, one-size-fits-all resume for every application. Customization shows that you’re dedicated and have taken the time to understand the role.
Credit: Eslem Ozdemir
8. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Spelling or grammatical errors on a resume can leave a poor impression on employers, so make sure to proofread carefully. It’s also helpful to ask a friend or mentor to review it for you.
Do: Use tools like Grammarly or other proofreading software to catch errors. Take the time to review every word carefully.
Don’t: Rely solely on spell-check. It won’t catch all errors, and having a second pair of eyes look over your resume is always a good idea.
Final Dos and Don’ts
Do:
-
Use action verbs like “created,” “managed,” “led,” or “designed” to describe your accomplishments.
-
Keep your resume concise (1 page is ideal for beginners).
-
Include any extracurricular activities that show leadership, teamwork, or initiative.
Don’t:
-
List hobbies that aren’t relevant to the role or industry.
-
Exaggerate or fabricate experiences.
-
Forget to update your contact details.
