Job hunting can be quite a stressful endeavour that takes a financial, emotional and physical toll on potential employees.

However, it is important to find ways to craft a winning curriculum vitae that will secure an interview and, eventually, the job.

The curriculum vitae is an employer’s first impression of you and can either secure the interview or become a barrier.

It is crucial to get it right on the CV, keeping it short, professional and tailored to the job you are applying for.

According to Brighter Monday, one of Kenya’s leading recruitment agencies websites, a CV should be concise, aiming for a 1 to 2-page length.

The CV language should be formal and in an easy-to-read font with sections and proper spacing.

There are several formats of CVs, and key sections are important for capturing details that will give your potential employer a glimpse into who you are as a professional.

Your personal details section should include your name and contact details should appear at the top of the CV for easy reference.

Keep the personal details brief, concise and detailed; however, avoid unnecessary details such as gender, marital status and postal address.

According to the Young African Leaders Initiative website, do not include any personal information such as age, gender, height, weight, marital status, photos, etc.

The skills section should highlight both soft and hard skills specific to the job.

This is a great section to personalise your CV to what the employer needs. For instance, if the job description requires graphic design and video editing, ensure you list these skills at the top of the section.

When listing your experience chronologically, start with the most recent at the top.

This gives the recruiter a glimpse into your current professional position and whether your work experience is relevant to what they need for their organisation.

To make this section impactful, be clear and straightforward, articulating your achievements in the role and responsibilities that the job entails.

The heart of your CV lies in the work experience section, so tailor this to the job you are applying for.

For example, if your last job was not related to the current position you are applying for, identify roles and responsibilities that align with the job application.

List the work experience chronologically and highlight your job titles, company names, locations, employment dates, and key accomplishments.

The educational experience section should also be listed chronologically from the most recent to the oldest. Include the qualifications attained and ensure you clearly indicate the dates and courses undertaken.

References are usually the last section of a CV, and it is crucial to consider whether to include names and contacts or inform the recruitment agency that they can be made available upon request. Some job applications often stipulate that the references should be listed, and therefore, it is important to follow instructions and provide the relevant information on referees.

Before you hit send and submit that CV, proofread it for errors and ensure you update it regularly to reflect recent experiences.