The very first proof that you are ready to find a job i.e, be employed in any capacity, is your CV. Most jobs in Nigeria and beyond require that applicants submit a well-formatted CV. So if you don’t have a convincing CV, your chances are limited.
However, with the many certifications and courses available, you can bulk up the skill section of your CV to get your foot in the door, especially for popular roles.
It is important to have a standout CV for different reasons, the most important being proving that you have the qualifications, skills and experience needed for a job.
In this blog today, we will explore ways to improve your CV in just 2 hours!
If you find a vacancy or job listing in popular niches like customer service, marketing and sales or social media marketing, you can actually revamp your CV and apply with better odds. Let’s dive right in.
Why Improve Your CV?
Regardless of your level in the workforce, you will need to polish your CV whenever you’re searching for a new job. If you’re still new in the work force, your CV may most likely need an upgrade.
One of the biggest mistakes Nigerian job seekers make is submitting a CV that’s either outdated or overly generic. Employers today are no longer looking for just a list of jobs you’ve held; they want to see practical, relevant skills that directly apply to the role. Your CV should speak to the specific needs of the position, and this is where continuous learning and updated certifications become essential.
Common CV mistakes include:
- Lack of focus: Having a generic CV that doesn’t quite speak to any specific role and lists several disjointed skills and experiences.
- Absence of soft skills: Excluding soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, especially in customer service or management roles.
- Overloading with outdated experience: A long list of job titles without showing the skills and results you’ve achieved is no longer enough.
Globally and within Nigeria, employers increasingly prefer CVs that highlight skills and achievements rather than job titles alone. Today, a CV with relevant certifications is far more appealing than one that simply lists job titles. This is especially important as remote jobs in Nigeria and online jobs in Nigeria become more common, where the focus is on the skills you bring to the table, not just your experience.
Top Courses to Add to Your CV in 2 Hours
With so many online platforms offering short, effective courses, improving your CV in just two hours is completely achievable. The key is to pick courses that are both relevant to your target role and respected by employers. Here are some of the top courses you can complete in a short time to boost your CV:
Sales
If you’re aiming for a career in sales, mastering modern sales techniques and CRM tools can make you stand out. Here’s an introductory course you can take
Social Media Marketing
Social media is integral to any business’s marketing strategy, and companies are always looking for employees who can navigate this landscape effectively. You can complete:
- Social Media Marketing: This course covers the basics and more on how to effectively navigate social media for brand growth.
Customer Service
If you’re looking to break into customer service, a course focused on customer relationship management (CRM) systems or communication skills can be a game-changer:
- Customer Service Excellence: This course focuses on the soft skills essential for excellent customer service delivery as well as an introduction to the AI tools needed for delivery.
Some other courses you can take include:
First 90 Days in Office
Soft Skills For Career Success
The Confident Job Seeker
When selecting a course, think about the skills that will benefit the role you’re interested in. Courses like the ones offered by the Be a Boss Lady initiative reduce the barriers to entry in the industry. They are perfect for quick upgrades to your CV, especially for those seeking remote jobs in Nigeria or work from home jobs in Nigeria.
How to Add Certifications to Your CV Quickly
Once you’ve completed your course, list the certificates on your CV. Here are some guidelines:
- Have a dedicated section for your certifications If you’ve earned multiple certifications, it’s advisable to create a separate section for them. Position the section at the top of your CV, just after your contact information, so that it is visible at first glance..
- Mention the platform that issued the certificate: Make sure to mention where you took the course. For example:
- Jobberman Learning – Social Media Marketing (Completed May 2024)
- List them in bullet points: Bullet points make it easier for employers to scan and understand your qualifications quickly.
- Highlight Achievements: If the course had projects or tests, be sure to mention them. For example:
- Completed a hands-on project developing a social media marketing strategy for a local brand as part of the course.
- Keep It Concise: Keep each course listing to a few lines. Include the course name, platform, and any certifications or achievements..
To Wrap Up
You can improve your CV in a day or 2 hours! It just takes a level of determination and access to the right training. With short courses like the Be a Boss lady courses, you can really change up your CV in one day with several certifications.
Whether you’re applying for graduate trainee positions, remote jobs in Nigeria, or other job opportunities in Nigeria, this will enhance your job prospects.
Start now by checking out the available courses.
