Adding Value to Your CV

OECS Administrator Uncategorised 14 April 2024

Author: Asha Nelson

Professional Development is defined as “The process of obtaining the skills, qualifications, and experience that allow you to make progress in your career.” – (Macmillan Dictionary, 2009-2016)
Writing up the perfect curriculum vitae could be quite tedious. However, this blog will provide various tips on how to get your curriculum vitae noticed and not sent to the “Black Hole of No Response.”

1		Based on the job you are applying for, tailor your CV/ Resume to suit. For your CV, it is necessary to add RELEVANT experiences, skills, knowledge, education credentials, etc.
2		Resumes should be kept at most 2 pages’ maximum, if you have substantial relevant experience.
3		Highlight transferrable skills (this can include time management, communication, problem solving, interpersonal skills, leadership etc.). These skills can show how you can undertake a job without having specific involvement in a certain field.
4		It is an asset for you as an individual to be qualified / certified in a specific area. Therefore, completing courses, programs, and school is an essential need to ADD value to your CV.
5		DO NOT BE AFRAID TO VOLUNTEER! It is not working for free because you get paid with the currency of knowledge. Volunteering also adds up as experience and may even help you obtain certain jobs. We are not asking you to devalue yourself, but by doing specific programmes it actually builds your skill sets.
6		To ensure that your CV is “perfect”, make sure that there are no errors/ typos. Having typos/errors can actually hinder your chances in obtaining a job. Therefore, it is important to proofread the document before submission. You can even ask other persons to proofread!
7		Yes, it is important to add, however, too much of a good thing could be bad. By exaggerating or “stretching the truth”, you must be mindful that when in an interview you may be asked to explain those accomplishments. Also, it is important to always put the truth in your CV. E.g. By saying that you also speak fluent French or Spanish ( and you only know the basics), you may be asked to speak at conferences in that specific language. Therefore, you are at a high risk of embarrassing yourself/ being fired.