Written by: Ahsan Ahmed
When it comes to applying for a job, resume/ cv is the most essential elements which come first. Writing a precise, professional and on-point cv is very important before job searching or applying. Let talk about some points that are fundamental for any cv.
- Layout: presentation for CV or resume is crucial and it should not be more than one or two pages as a recent graduate or entry level job seeker.
- Details and personal info:Basic information should be visible and on top or side to make it easier for employer to contact you. This information should include Name, contact details (Address and phone number), email address, LinkedIn, Quora profile and website (if have any)
e.g.
Contact:
- Personal statement: it uses to illustrate about yourself in brief word. It is mostly the career objective or perspective. This should be simple, clear and on the point. For example, a simple career objective:
I am a Bachelor of Cyber Security student with a solid work ethic and an ability to learn and adapt to changing environment. Seeking an entry level cybersecurity opportunity where I can showcase my abilities and utilise my knowledge. Demonstrated excellent customer service, management, and working efficiency in teams developing strong relationships for years. Eager to build a career within Engineering arena.
- Educational background: mostly the recent degree or diploma. Any other relevant studies or coursework can be added here as well.
e.g.
Education:
- Certifications and Memberships: if you are holding any certification or any professional bodies membership, it can be included under this point.
e.g.
Certification:
- Key skills: skills and abilities that are related to the field or job you are applying should be listed under this. Skills can be two types which are soft skills like leadership, teamwork, communication and technical skills which can be Microsoft excel, Photoshop, python.
e.g.
Skills:
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Excel
Adobe Photoshop
Penetration Testing
Java Programming
Time Management
- Employment history: try to put the employment history which align with the position you are seeking or have relevance with your study or future goals. Mentioning timeframe of the employment, roles and responsibilities are important. Some cases you may add a point as skills achieved through this employment.
e.g.
Work Experience:
- Volunteer experiences: any volunteer involvements should be included here with the roles and skills achieved. That’s are the great way to show the employer your extra-curricular relevant activities and outgoing personality.
e.g.
Professional Development:
- References: two professional or relevant references are required mostly for any reference check. Please make sure you do have the people you can get reference from if needed and you asked them beforehand. Two references can be listed down with name, company name and position, phone number and email address. I personally don’t like putting reference listed and like providing it when required. In that case, references available on request should be written or mentioned under reference line.
An example of a two pages cv:
An example of one page resume for recent Cyber Security Graduate: 