On 15th May, afrorama's #AfricaJobsBoard collaborated with TechTalk to host its first-ever interactive workshop. TechTalk is a community that helps individuals build their dream career. The "CV Clinic" workshop, which lasted 45 minutes, was designed to equip job seekers with essential CV-writing skills. Attendees had the unique opportunity to ask questions in real-time and witness a live CV review, providing practical insights and personalised feedback.

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Key Learnings from the CV Clinic

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1. The Importance of Formatting

One of the critical points emphasized during the workshop was the importance of CV formatting. Stylish, visually appealing CVs may look great, but they often fail to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many companies use to screen applications. TechTalk shared an optimal CV format tailored to ensure compatibility with ATS. For those looking to update their CVs, downloadable templates are available here.

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2. Tailor Your CV to Your Audience

Another essential tip highlighted was the need to customize your CV for each application. Generic CVs are less likely to catch the attention of hiring managers. Instead, it's crucial to tailor your CV to the specific opportunity and organisation you are applying to, every single time. This means emphasizing relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description.

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3. Keep Your CV Concise and Brief

Keeping your CV concise and to the point is crucial. The ideal length is one page, but it should not exceed two pages. This brevity ensures that hiring managers can quickly assess your suitability for the role. Include only relevant work experience and skills, and consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile for those interested in more detailed information.

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Additional Tips

Building on the insights from the CV Clinic, led by TechTalk, here are some additional tips to help you create a standout CV:

- Use Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description into your CV. This increases the chances of your CV being picked up by Applicant Tracking Systems and catching the attention of recruiters.
- Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, "Increased sales by 20%" or "Managed a team of 10."
- Professional Summary: Start with a professional summary that briefly highlights your key skills and experiences. This gives recruiters a snapshot of your qualifications. This should be no longer than 3 sentences.
- Consistent Format: Use a simple format (check out TechTalk's free templates here). Ensure that the formatting is consistent throughout your CV. Use the same font type and size, and maintain uniform spacing.
- Proofread: Errors can leave a negative impression. Proofread your CV multiple times, and consider asking someone else to review it as well. In fact, consider getting your CV reviewed for FREE in our monthly Speed CV Reviewing initiative. For more information, click here.

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Get Additional Support

TechTalk provides a number of free resources to support job seekers and offers 1-to-1 personalised CV reviews. To find out more, please visit their website.