We can all agree that 2020 was no ordinary year.
It forced companies all around the globe to contend with the ‘new normal’: lockdowns, economic slumps, mask rules, and, oh, the globally rebuked travel bans. While the year gave credence to the adage, ‘one for the history books,’ it catapulted firms into fast-tracking trends such as automation, digitalization, and innovation. It has led most companies and organizations to expand their mental health provisions, build more adaptive teams, and re-evaluate their management and recruitment processes.
So, what does this mean for a job applicant? How can you up your employability game and get closer to actualizing your lifelong dreams? Well, to land that perfect job, you need to go the extra mile and stand out from thousands of candidates, and the first step is updating your CV. You have to ask yourself – does this CV adhere to the seven-second rule, does it highlight any post-pandemic skills, and what sections will the employer expect to see?
If you don’t have a clue where to start, breathe. You came to the right place. This guide will help you figure out what sections to include in a standard 2021 CV, what info to put in every section, what order to follow, and what to leave off so you don’t blow your job hinting efforts.
Your contact information is the essential part of your CV. Even if you do not get everything right, it will not matter much if your potential employers cannot contact you. So, be sure to counter-check everything in your contact section, word for word, and ensure it is up to date. All right, now let us get to the point. What should you include in your contact information?
You need to include:
Apart from the basics, you might also have to consider including your professional social media handles any relevant personal website, blog, provided they are relevant to the job you are applying for. You have to consider how every channel reflects in your work and how it will give you an edge over your competitors.
Your career objective is your attempt at an elevator pitch with a two to four-sentence paragraph. It aims to offer a synopsis of your career, skills, achievements and highlight what you can offer your future employer. So, ensure it passes the six-second test and is clear. You do not want the HR Manager to reread it a few times to comprehend it because they will not. In a nutshell, your CV summary should summarize the goal of your resume and eloquently communicate your incentive for getting into the field.
Leave off:
It’s arguably the most critical section of your CV. According to research, 70% of recruiters consider relevant work experience the most crucial part of any CV. Therefore, you want to wow them here. It is practically the section that determines whether you will get hired or not – so you need to blow your own trumpet and sell yourself like a dernier cri, assuming it is warranted and accurate, of course. So, to make your work experience section unforgettable, be sure to include:
Leave off:
What you need to include in the education section depends on your experience. If you have over two years of relevant job experience, be sure to include all the postsecondary degrees. All you need to list is the following:
If yours is an entry-level CV, you can add:
Like your work experience, the hiring managers will also be keen on checking out the skills section, so you need to consider your soft and technical skills. Soft skills are typically learned skills, like your personal attributes. These can be like leadership, teamwork, or communication.
Technical skills are those that you can measure and are directly related to the job description. Now, all you need to do is customize your CV based on the qualifications listed. So, be sure to include:
Leave off:
Apart from the basic sections, you also need to include sections that can help you stand out based on the company culture and your unique interests. Essentially, you’ll have to use your discretion to figure out if they’re relevant or not within the essence of your CV. These sections include, but aren’t limited to:
Today, many firms are international, so being bilingual is an ideal way to give yourself a competitive advantage. Even though language skills might not be relevant to the position, they do come in handy at some point. Therefore, when listing your languages, be sure to categorize them as either:
Certifications are also an essential inclusion in your CV but be sure to add those relevant to the field. If you are a digital marketing expert, for instance, be sure to include certifications like:
If you do not have adequate work experience, you can also add any relevant online certifications that indicate your interest in the position. These can include online training or any course you took.
If you are part of a relevant professional body, it is worth including it in your CV to highlight your contribution to your career and prove your commitment to your field. Therefore, include:
For instance, if you are a member of the Law Society, you could write it as ‘The Law Society (Member). There is no set way to list professional affiliations- ensure you are consistent. If you have more than three professional memberships, you can include a new section titled ‘Professional Affiliations.’ If you have less, add them to your achievements sections.
Volunteer experience can be exceptional on your CV, especially if it is related to your field. Adding volunteer work is also an incredible way to fill out employment gaps in your CV, supplement your work history, or support your CV as a fresh graduate. If you choose to include this section, be sure to add it as a standalone role in your work experience.
Include:
Yes, hunting for a job in 2021 might seem daunting, but now that you are equipped with CV writing tips, it should be much easier to land that dream job! If you need to learn more about CV writing, check out our career blog that premises to arm you with the latest career insights.
