5 Tips To Make A KILLER CV For Entry Level Jobs

By Elizabeth Benu,

Are you worried that your zero years of experience will make an employer throw your CV into the trash? If you are, the good news is that you can land a job through that very same CV.

Students, recent graduates and entry level applicants, here are tips to spice up your CV and land you a great job:

1. A summary
It is your CV’s sales-pitch where you describe yourself and what you can do for an employer.

“Without any experience, you should highlight your education and skills. Skills should include those highlighted in the job description,” advices Florence Mukuntya, a professional CV Writer at Corporate Staffing Services.

A sample summary would sound like: ‘Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) with excellent time management, Sage ERP operation and analytical skills. Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and consistently meet deadlines.

2. The experience section
“To highlight your potential to an employer, include any internships or volunteer positions held that have lasted for 3 months or more.

Those without any experience should instead have a skills section where they place any skills gained during your education or trainings or workshops attended,” she advices further.

3. Education
Ms. Mukunya adds that, “Without experience, your highest achievement would be your degree, diploma or certificate. List your education information closer to the top of your CV and include your grades.”

4. Skills
“Those with work experience must include basic traits such as problem solving, communication skills, drive and technical skills.

Recent graduates should include relevant professional skills developed in school or volunteer jobs and computer skills. Ensure that you highlight how your past allowed you to learn or demonstrate these traits,” Ms. Mukunya explains.

5. References
“I like to prefer to referees as  ‘huge assets’,” Ms. Mukunya says, adding that, “they will vouch for your dedication and drive even if you haven’t proved those abilities in a work environment.”

She points out that, “Do not leave them out whether they have been requested for or not. Lecturers and mentors are suitable referees for those without any work experience. Those with experience can include their supervisor or HR Manager.”