Writing a professional Curriculum Vitae
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There's no place where success comes before work, except in
the dictionary.
What is a CV?
‘Personal’ marketing document
Best possible impression, quickly
Making yourself known to potential employers:
◦ Who you are
◦ Education and professional history – snapshot only!
◦ Highlight key skills, experience, achievements
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The CV does not
get the job
It may get
you an
interview
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What else, apart from a CV?
A covering letter (some companies)
Application form (some companies)
Supporting documents:
◦ E.g. copies of I.D. , educational certificates etc.)
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1. Personal and contact details
I.D. foto (?)
Full Name and Surname:
Home Address:
Contact Number:
E-mail address:
Identity Number:
Nationality:
Marital Status: (?)
Gender:
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Personal and contact details
Full Name and Surname:
Home Address:
Contact Number:
E-mail address:
Identity Number:
Nationality:
Marital Status: (?)
Gender:
Silke von Seydlitz
35 Schlettweinstreet, Windhoek
1234567
1234567
Namibian
Married
Female
Curriculum Vitae Silke von Seydlitz
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2. Language proficiencies
Language Speak Write Read
English Good Good Good
Afrikaans Good Good Good
German Mother tongue Good Good
Oshikwanyama Fair Poor
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3. Personal/professional profile - Key areas of specialisation
Who are you?
What can you offer to the company?
What are your career goals?
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Personal profile – Key areas of specialisation
Very short paragraph - who you are
Highlight specific qualities
Written for the specific job you are applying for
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Example – Key areas of specialisation
“Translation (English – German),
Soft skills training,
Course development,
Speech- & Voice coaching,
Personality profiling,
Career guidance, Proofreading”
Personal profile – key areas of specialisation
“I am a qualified translator for English – German as well as a speech coach. I have
25 years’ experience as a soft skills writer and trainer with corporate-, public sector-
and private sector experience.
Courses developed include Presentation skills and voice training, Train-the-Trainer,
Emotional Intelligence, Good English writing, Moderation skills, Culture change,
Change Management, Innovation & Creativity, Customer Care, Supervisory skills,
Communication skills.
I am a certified Career Direct Consultant and Personality & Team Profile Consultant.
I am a founding Member of ProTrain cc.”
4. Education
Name of institution
Programme registered for
Year enrolled & present level
Or
Date completed
Qualification achieved
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In reverse chronological order
Example - Education
Tertiary education
Tertiary institution UNAM
Year enrolled 2016
Qualification Diploma – Translation
Year obtained 2017
Example - Education
Institution
Secondary School Delta Secondary School
Highest Grade Grade 12
Year 19..
5. Employment history and experience
In reverse chronological order
Outline previous jobs, internships and experience
List job title, employer, dates
Summarise role/duties
Bullet point: key responsibilities & skills
Use verbs to describe the duty
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Employment history and experience
Organisation:
Position/ Job title:
Duration:
Key role
Key duties:
◦ Duty 1
◦ Duty 2
◦ Duty 3
Key achievements/projects:
◦ Project 1
◦ …
◦ …
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What
to incl
ude in t
he C
V
Employment history - example
Key duties:
Analyse source text and audience
Analyse target text and audience
Translate text
Proofread
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Employment history
Organisation ProTrain
Position Translator
Duration 2009 – current
Duties Translation of documents –
English - German
6. Skills and competencies
E.g. Microsoft office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Driver license code
Public speaking skills
Moderation skills
Etc.
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What
to incl
ude in t
he C
V
7. Other sections
Awards
Publications
“Book: Public Speaking – From Preparation
to Presentation”
Membership of professional institutions
“PSAN”
Professional development
◦ Additional courses (relevant)
Voluntary work
“Wilderness Therapy Namibia”
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8. Hobbies and interests
Make sure it’s relevant to the job
Not the ordinary
Makes you stand out
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9. References
Relevant to the job
A person from school or previous job
Name
Position
Company
Contact details
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Formatting your CV
Headings:
Length:
Font type:
Font size – headings:
Font size – body:
Margins:
Save in pdf
Big, bold, underline for each section
2-4 pages
Clear, easy to read (i.e. Arial, Calibri)
14 -18
10 -12
About 2.5 cm – clear, enough space
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Do’s for writing a CV
Write several drafts
Spell check!
Get someone to proofread
No mistakes
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No-no’s!
Age & date of birth
Dependants
Personal circumstances – include dates but skip the detail
Social media handles (Linked-In could be an exception)
Every grade for every exam
Reasons for leaving a company
Salary
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Employers will usually only spend a few seconds deciding if you
are a good enough fit for a job to warrant a more thorough
review of your resume and cover letter, so you need to make
sure that it is immediately obvious that you have many of the
skills, experiences and qualities that they value most highly.
References
Slinger, L. (2018) https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/cv/how-to-write-a-cv-tips-for-2018/
Steggles, L. (2017) https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/cv/personal-details-never-include-cv/
Jobs Unlimted: CV template
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Quote by Allison Doyle https://www.thebalancecareers.com/list-of-the-best-skills-for-resumes-2062422
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https://www.brainyquote.com/lists/authors/top_10_vince_lombardi_quotes
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