Delete these from your CV:
Remove these to make your CV look more clean and professional:
1 – High School & Primary School Info (if you already attend university or experienced candidate): Deleted.
2 – Hobbies: Remove explanation. Don’t need to specify hobbies unless directly relevant to the job.
3 – Inappropriate email addresses (e.g. Dramaqueen, CaroMsupa, crazygamer, PartyAnimal4Life not going to get you a job): Use professional email like “[Your Name]@ [Email Provider]”
4 – Long paragraphs: Use bullet points to make it clearer (also, most recruiters don’t have time to read through all your words)
5 – Irrelevant work experience: Deleted
6 – Irrelevant skills: Deleted
7 – Your marital status, date of birth, religion : Deleted
8 – Lastly remove your ID number.
Here are 7 golden rules to help you craft a resume that stands out and gets you shortlisted for any interview!
1. Start with a Strong Opening
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
Begin your resume with a captivating summary or objective statement. This section should clearly define your career goals and what you offer. Ensure it aligns with the job description to grab the recruiter’s attention right from the start.
Example: “Dynamic marketing professional with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing, specializing in SEO, PPC, and content strategy. Proven track record of increasing website traffic by 40% and enhancing brand visibility.”
2. Use Keywords Strategically
“If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.”
To pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), incorporate relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume. This increases your chances of being seen by a hiring manager. However, be careful not to overdo it—maintain a natural flow.
Example: If the job description mentions “project management” and “agile methodologies,” ensure these terms appear in your resume where appropriate.
3. Quantify Achievements
“What gets measured gets managed.”
Use numbers to quantify your impact. Employers are interested in measurable results that demonstrate your effectiveness in previous roles.
Example: “Increased annual sales by 20% by implementing new customer outreach strategies.”
4. Prioritize Readability
“Clarity is king.”
Employ a clean layout with bullet points and ample white space. Your resume should be easy to read at a glance. Stick to professional fonts and avoid jargon.
Example:
✅ Led a team of 10 in the development of a new product line
✅ Managed budgets exceeding KES. 5,000,000
✅ Coordinated cross-functional teams to improve workflow efficiency by 15%
5. Tailor for Each Job Application
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Customize your resume for each specific job application. Highlight skills and experiences that are directly relevant to the role you’re applying for.
Example: For a job in project management, emphasize your experience with project timelines, stakeholder communication, and team leadership.
6. Include Relevant Skills
“Show both soft and technical skills that uniquely identifies with you.”
Besides your work history, include a section dedicated to relevant skills—both technical and soft skills.
Example: Technical Skills: Python, SQL, Data Analysis Soft Skills: Leadership, Problem-Solving, Effective Communication
Takeaway
1. Replace Bio with a branding statement (Your UVP for target roles).
2. Ensure target role keywords demonstrated in your resume.
3. Start each sentence with a strong action verb.
4. Make your template/formatting consistent.
5. Optimal use of white space (Not too much)
6. Save resume with your name (Last_First_Resume)
7. Always submit your resume as a PDF (Especially if format is complex)
8. Showcase your achievements than listing duties
9. Ensure your document is ATS friendly
10. Make it clear, concise and free from errors
Are you struggling with a poor CV which is not getting you interviews, feel free to email me your CV for review on cv@oyk.co.ke or +254763871421. I will be willing to give my honest feedback freely.
But note that revamping is not free and CV template is not free (cost a small token)
Have a look at best resume samples with great appearances here 👇🏽
