What could be the difference between an expert who was shortlisted for a position and one who was not? The reasons for this lie in their CV. Writing a structured, original and striking CV is of paramount importance if you want to receive positive responses and keep the spotlight of the recruitment market focused on you.
In the development sector, a good CV and cover letter are usually all that are required for you to be recognised by international recruiters. Your CV is what creates that good impression. Here are some tips to help you to write a CV that is perfectly tailored for opportunities in the development sector.
1. Choose the right CV FORMAT
A CV is your key to making a positive first impression on a potential employer. Major donors such as the African Development Bank, World Bank, Asian Development Bank or European Commission demand their own CV formats. If you do not have your CV in the required donor format, use the DevelopmentAid CV generation tool which you can access through your account. Request and download your CV in any of the four major donor formats (ADB, WB, AfDB, EC).
2. Highlight KEY QUALIFICATIONS
With deadlines approaching, job postings often receive applications from hundreds of candidates. Due to time constraints and the sheer magnitude of CVs to read through, recruiters are constantly under pressure so they do not usually read every CV from the beginning through to the end. Instead, they pay selective attention to key points of interest in your CV. So, aim for a bullet point structure to your CV’s paragraphs to emphasize your most relevant qualifications and use keywords that reflect the skills required for the job you are applying for. This helps the recruiter to find the relevant content of your CV which meets the job’s specific requirements. The middle area of the first page is the hotspot which will catch the recruiter’s eye so use this space wisely.
3. ADD PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Briefly describe (1-2 sentences) the objectives of each project you have been involved in, add the exact job title and the details of your activities which contributed to the proven outcome.
4. Use KEYWORDS
Did you know that some companies use software to filter CVs based on the keywords that they do or don’t contain? The sooner the recruiter identifies sufficient keywords that relate to the position in question, the higher the chances are that you will make it through the first stage of filtering and as a result get shortlisted. Be sure to make active use of the terminology specific for the sector and adding plenty of relevant keywords always helps.
5. SHORT vs LONG
“Should I revise the length of my CV?” this is a common question from anyone who has ever applied for a job. For organizations operating in the development sector, there is no general rule. Simply pay attention to the requirements and adjust your CV accordingly. Some donors or consulting companies prefer to receive a shorter punchy and to the point CV. This means that you should tailor your CV and remove any content which is not specifically relevant to that particular job. The DevelopmentAid CV writers can help you with this important task, especially if you are pressed for time.
6. FORMATTING & GRAMMAR
Do you remember the saying “It’s the small details that make the big difference?” This applies to your CV as well. Poor spelling, grammatical errors, or disorganised formatting might damage the credibility of your application. An attractive layout, thorough spellchecking and consistent formatting will emphasize your attention to detail.
What NOT to include in your CV?
- Personal information (marital status, number of children, religion, passport details, hobbies, etc.);
- Unprofessional email addresses or work email addresses for older projects;
- Pictures, charts, photos;
- Salary information;
- Lengthy explanations, conclusions, objectives;
- Too many professional references (one per project is enough);
- Long lists of publications (it is sufficient to mention that a full list of publications is available upon request);
- Expired memberships, too old and irrelevant training;
- Long description of assignments instead of a description of your responsibilities and achievements.
Keep in mind that a well-written CV and a cover letter that match the vacancy criteria will help you to pass the screening process.
Should you require assistance with you CV Tailoring, reach out to our professional CV writers and we will help you design a winning CV.
