How to smartly say: “Please hire me”

When applying for a job, the one shot we get at making a great first impression is through the CV that we present. I say "present" because a CV is indeed a presentation, a presentation to sell the idea of hiring you. Keeping in mind fresh business grads/young corporates, let's find out how to construct a CV that will help you stand out from the crowd.

The first question people ask regarding CVs is the appropriate length. The thumb rule is to keep it within 1-2 pages max. Going beyond 2 pages will not add any value because recruiters have to go through hundreds of CVs and will not devote more than a few minutes to yours.

Some people are concerned about whether to add a photo or not. While the general global practice is not to, a lot of Bangladeshi companies still want one. So to be safe, it's better to have a photo when applying here. However, make sure it's a formal photo and not your Facebook profile picture (trust me; I have seen a lot of those).

While mailing addresses are unnecessary, your contact information should definitely include your mobile number and email ID. Make sure the email ID is a professional one, and not the one you first opened as a teenager with the name of your favourite band or superhero character. It is best is to have something with your first and last name, like John.Doe@XYZ.com. You should also include the link to your LinkedIn profile. Most recruitment happens through Linkedin and a well-organised profile will help your cause.

A summary comes next. This is a 1-2 liner explaining your main strengths/qualifications. This part should be customised based on the position are applying for. For example, talk about being a good organiser when applying to an event management company.

For fresh grads, educational details should come next. List your major academic degrees, starting with the most recent. Mention your CGPA. Although it is doesn't determine skillset, it does reflect how serious you are about your responsibilities. Add your major, but do not list the courses you have taken unless it is specifically relevant for the position.

Work experience typically follows academic qualifications, but it can also come before for a relatively experienced professional. This should be listed chronologically, mentioning the organisation's name, your designation and duration of service. One thing most people miss here is adding the responsibilities of each role. It doesn't make much sense to the recruiter by knowing that you were Specialist XYZ in ABC Company.

Adding your achievements or awards in academic and extra-curricular activities is always a plus point. However, do not simply say that you were member of ABC Club. Instead, mention what you have learnt through that activity. Saying "Gathered event organising experience by working in ABC Club" is better than saying "was a member of ABC Club".

After this, you can mention if you have any relevant and notable skills or qualifications. This can be proficiency in a 3rd language or command over any useful software like SPSS. Do not discuss in detail how proficient you are in Bangla and English; or how good you are at MS Office.

Personal details like parents' name and marital status are not required in a CV. The only personal info you can add is your date of birth and nationality since these are relevant for certain jobs. Also do not clutter your CV with references. If you are hired, only then will the organisation ask for recommendations. Writing "reference available upon request" is not a smart move either.

Do you have everything ticked off? Check out our resume checklist.

You are as good as your CV to a recruiter, at least till the interview. If your CV looks smart and organised, that's how you will come across. So don't squander this opportunity to make a great head start in the job hunt. Create a winning CV and you're halfway there.

The writer has worked in three of the largest telecom operators of the country. Reach him at: saajid90@gmail.com.