By Dorcas Karuana,
Most graduate’s biggest challenge in the entry into the job market is lack of experience. This is the nightmare that frustrates graduates in job search since employers want to see only qualified professionals in their organization. So is it possible to find a place in the sun for those who just start a career and have no practical knowledge?
Yesterday, I went to facilitate a Career Advice Session in an Intervarsity forum for Accounting Students Association – KCA University on “Making an Impact, Standing Out and Moving Ahead in Your Career.” One of the things I touched on was your personal brand. How a job seeker package him/herself to a potential employer should send a message that you are the solution that the company needs.
Unfortunately, graduates are not able to stand out among the large number of job seekers and are not offered a good post. Packaging your personal brand starts from your cover letter and CV among others. A CV is your gate pass to interviews and should therefore portray you in the best light possible. Your main task is to ensure your CV is seen by the employer and not thrown in the trash.
However, if you just graduated and have no experience and professional achievement, how do you make the right CV? In this case you must show your best qualities to the employer and to prove that you will be able to perform tasks even without the practical skills. Highlight your abilities and check for grammatical errors.
1. Personal Details: – Include your full name, date of birth, e-mail and phone number.
Additional knowledge of foreign languages will be a good advantage between other candidates.
NB: You may also add photo to your CV, especially if you are looking for acting or modeling jobs.
2. Education Background- Specify the level of education, full name of the institution and year of graduation in the next
3. Skills and Competencies
This provides additional information about you. Describe in detail your personal qualities, skills and benefits (e.g., knowledge of the Internet and computer programs, a driver’s license). In this section you can add additional training courses in case they are useful to the future job.
4. Work Experience- Your Job experience is the most important information of any CV. Do not be afraid to point out a little job experience, even if it includes 3-4 months and is not related to the future profession.
Include any job experience gained before graduation from the university or college such as volunteer work, part-time or internships if you have any. Such experience will prove that you are able to manage your time and combine academic and work life effectively.
Also, you can put short term jobs like Conducting Census- Enumerator, Election polling Clerks, e.t.c.
You can also include leadership roles you had in college or university whether in student’s union or clubs.
5. Trainings/ Seminars Attended
If you have undergone practical training in any company or organization indicate this information, because such a CV can be more perspective than other resumes of fresh graduates.
6. Awards/Certificates Awarded
Indicate certificate awarded for participation in various Clubs in the college or universities.
7. Hobbies- Include relevant hobbies
8. Referees. – Include names of at least 3 referees (Include at least one Professional referee, and Educational Referee)
Most graduate’s biggest challenge in the entry into the job market is lack of experience. This is the nightmare that frustrates graduates in job search since employers want to see only qualified professionals in their organization. So is it possible to find a place in the sun for those who just start a career and have no practical knowledge?
Yesterday, I went to facilitate a Career Advice Session in an Intervarsity forum for Accounting Students Association – KCA University on “Making an Impact, Standing Out and Moving Ahead in Your Career.” One of the things I touched on was your personal brand. How a job seeker package him/herself to a potential employer should send a message that you are the solution that the company needs.
Unfortunately, graduates are not able to stand out among the large number of job seekers and are not offered a good post. Packaging your personal brand starts from your cover letter and CV among others. A CV is your gate pass to interviews and should therefore portray you in the best light possible. Your main task is to ensure your CV is seen by the employer and not thrown in the trash.
However, if you just graduated and have no experience and professional achievement, how do you make the right CV? In this case you must show your best qualities to the employer and to prove that you will be able to perform tasks even without the practical skills. Highlight your abilities and check for grammatical errors.
1. Personal Details: – Include your full name, date of birth, e-mail and phone number.
Additional knowledge of foreign languages will be a good advantage between other candidates.
NB: You may also add photo to your CV, especially if you are looking for acting or modeling jobs.
2. Education Background- Specify the level of education, full name of the institution and year of graduation in the next
3. Skills and Competencies
This provides additional information about you. Describe in detail your personal qualities, skills and benefits (e.g., knowledge of the Internet and computer programs, a driver’s license). In this section you can add additional training courses in case they are useful to the future job.
4. Work Experience- Your Job experience is the most important information of any CV. Do not be afraid to point out a little job experience, even if it includes 3-4 months and is not related to the future profession.
Include any job experience gained before graduation from the university or college such as volunteer work, part-time or internships if you have any. Such experience will prove that you are able to manage your time and combine academic and work life effectively.
Also, you can put short term jobs like Conducting Census- Enumerator, Election polling Clerks, e.t.c.
You can also include leadership roles you had in college or university whether in student’s union or clubs.
5. Trainings/ Seminars Attended
If you have undergone practical training in any company or organization indicate this information, because such a CV can be more perspective than other resumes of fresh graduates.
6. Awards/Certificates Awarded
Indicate certificate awarded for participation in various Clubs in the college or universities.
7. Hobbies- Include relevant hobbies
8. Referees. – Include names of at least 3 referees (Include at least one Professional referee, and Educational Referee)
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