The application procedure for a job will vary depending on the information you learn concerning the advertised vacancy.
Applying for a job is usually done via two major important documents, namely:
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae(CV)
- The Application or Cover Letter
The resume or curriculum vitae is a document that helps you package yourself for prospective employers. Since your CV is the packaging of your abilities or competencies in the market place, it is important that you make a powerful impression that would capture your prospective employer’s interest in meeting you to have discussion with you. This discussion is usually carried out as an interview.
The term Resume is commonly used as CV in the United Kingdom while Resume is widely used in the United States of America. Both communicate the same idea about the applicant and are often used interchangeably. However, while the resume tends to be more detailed about the persona of the applicant, a CV tends to focus on just the qualifications and job history of the applicant.
Chronological Style
A chronological style is preferred by lots of employers and it lists your work history in reverse chronological order (with your most recent first). This style works best for those who have progressed well in job titles and have a good work history.
Functional Style
The functional Style centres around skill areas that relate t the positions for which you are applying. This method works well for those with limited education, significant employment gaps, lack of work experience in a different field. This format is recommended for both recent graduates and career changers.
Qualities of a Good CV or Resume
A good CV or resume should have the following descriptive headings:
Name and Address: There should be name, email, telephone and contact address on the CV which should be current and in line with other documents
Career Objectives: This is a brief description of your career expectations
Work Experience: Your past work with various employers, functions/responsibilities with dates, special project undertaken, Awards, etc
Training : Relevant trainings , both local and international attended with dates
Educational Qualifications: Institutions attended with dates and qualifications obtained and also awards.
Membership of Professional Bodies: Indicate membership of relevant professional associations like COREN, ICAN, IEEE, etc
Skills: Indicate special skills and talents that may help your prospective employer’s decision concerning you.
Interests: Indicate special hobbies or recreational activities or interests
Bio-data: Names, Age and Marital status
Referees: Make mention of people that can give and objective and best appraisal of your abilities or competencies.
The design of your CV or resume should ultimately reflect your personality and your suitability for the job for which you are applying. It should be word processed using appropriate fonts and style. It is also advisable to store a copy on USB Flash stick or upload somewhere on internet (cloud services like Google drive) so you can quickly access and adapt it to each occasion.
Culled from the Book “Winning at Job Search and Your Career” by Sola Olubode
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