Discover essential CV tips for fresh graduates and job seekers re-entering the market after a break. Learn how to structure, refine, and upgrade your CV to land more job interviews.
Introduction
Whether you’re a fresh graduate, someone re-entering the job market after a career break, marriage, or relocation — or simply seeking better opportunities — one thing remains constant: your CV is your professional identity on paper.
It’s your first impression long before you get a chance to meet a hiring manager in person.
To position yourself competitively and confidently, this guide breaks down exactly what should be on your CV and how to arrange it for maximum impact.
What Should Be on Your CV?
Let’s break it down step-by-step:
1️⃣ Personal Details
At the very top of your CV, clearly display:
- Full Name in Capital Letters
- Active Phone Number
- Professional Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile link (this shows you’re trendy and connected)
Example:
2️⃣ Key Professional Skills
Highlight your core strengths and technical skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Example:
- Employee Relations
- Recruitment & Onboarding
- HR Documentation
- Time Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Data Analysis
3️⃣ Professional Summary
A brief, sharp paragraph summarizing your professional background, core skills, achievements, and what you’re currently seeking. Tailor this to your career interest.
Example:
Results-oriented Human Resources Officer with 3+ years of progressive experience in talent acquisition and operational HR support within the hospitality industry. Adept at streamlining processes and fostering positive workplace environments. Currently seeking opportunities to contribute HR expertise to a dynamic organization.
4️⃣ Work Experience
List your job roles starting from the most recent position, followed by previous jobs.
For each role, include:
- Company Name
- Job Title
- Employment Dates
- Key Duties (as bullet points)
Example:
Goldplates Feast House
Human Resources Officer | July 2023 – Present
- Led full-cycle recruitment and onboarding
- Drafted employee letters and coordinated training schedules
- Managed employee relations and disciplinary procedures
McRoys Limited
Customer Service Assistant | June 2021 – June 2023
- Handled customer inquiries and complaints
- Maintained service logs and daily reports
💡 Tip: Only include work experience relevant to your career path.
5️⃣ Education
List from your most recent qualification down to secondary school.
Example:
University of Lagos, Nigeria
B.Sc. Industrial Relations & Personnel Management | 2018 – 2022
Queen’s College Lagos
West African Senior School Certificate | 2012 – 2018
6️⃣ Professional Certifications
Professional courses and certifications give you an edge. Include all relevant certifications with dates.
Example:
- Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) — In View
- Talent Acquisition Certificate — HR Academy, 2023
7️⃣ Hobbies (Optional)
This is optional but if included, ensure they portray you as proactive, creative, or socially responsible.
Example:
- Reading Business Strategy Books
- Event Planning
- Volunteering
🎯 Final Thoughts
Your CV is more than a document — it’s your personal brand. It should reflect your qualifications, experience, and potential clearly. Keep it neat, avoid clutter, and tailor it to suit each job you apply for.
📥 Free CV Template Download
Would you love a clean, editable CV template to kickstart your job applications?
Click below to download our FREE modern CV template designed for fresh graduates and career returnees.
👉 [Download CV Template]
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