Expounding on what recruiters look for in your CV

What many recruiters look for in the CV:

(1) can lead
Leadership is very important in an organization; it is one key component that sets people apart. leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. Recruiters are seeking future organizational heads so if one can lead then they may have the capacity to grow into a future role within the organization.

(2) can work in a team
Just like the body has many parts, and the many parts must work together; the same goes for an organization. Teamwork is “a joint action by a group of people, in which each person subordinates his or her individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of the group." An organization can only be successful if all the team members are playing their role. Organizations would rather hire less competent team players than hire a highly competent individual who will not work well with others.

(3) can think analytically
Thinking analytically is important for any organization. Organizations need to assess their consequences of every decision that is being made. Analytical thinking starts from the lowest level employee to the CEO; they must all thinking critically and analytically about each action and decision.

(4) can come up with innovation solutions
Innovation is the future of any organization. Any organization (irrespective of the sector) needs innovation in order to stay competitive. Innovation can be defined as “thinking out of the box”. Innovation may be coming up with a new product, finding a faster or simpler way of doing the old task, cost-cutting measures etc.

(5) is organized
Being organized means “functioning within a formal structure, as in the coordination and direction of activities.” Companies are also called organizations because they have to work within a given structure or organized way. A new employee needs to organize oneself to be able to work within the company’s organization structure.

(6) can communicate with clients.
Communication with clients is very important; it plays a huge role in getting new clients and retaining the old. The organization may have the best products or services but if they are not able to properly communicate to the clients, then their products or services can go unutilized. An organization therefore needs good communicators to effectively communicate to the clients any information that may add value to the organization.

(7) is good at some technical skill
A successful organization knows the power of synergy. Synergy is “the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual.” Each employee needs to have some unique skill that helps the organization perform better. It is very important for job seekers to have at least one technical skills which will make them valuable to the organization.

(8) assists others
To do your prescribed role well does not necessarily guarantee organization success. In order to be successful as a person and as an organization; one needs to assist others. As discussed above “combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual. An employee should think of the greater goal than the individualistic goals.

(9) possesses strong academic abilities
I maintain that academic ability is important, but not as important as the willingness to learn. I have worked with many people who take great pride in their degrees and distinctions, but all this “book knowledge” does not translate into better workers. A willing worker will work well with others and learn new skills every day.

(10) tries to create the most value
This is one of the most important components that you should include in your CV, though it is difficult to define. Adding or creating value is relative to each organization, however there are certain things that are common in all organization such as: maximizing productivity with the time given, empowering others, being innovative, going beyond the job definition etc.

(11) knows how to do research.
Research is “The process of gathering information for the purpose of initiating, modifying or terminating a particular business activity.” This activity goes hand-in-hand with being innovative and creating value for the organization. You can not add value or suggest innovative ways of doing things without research.

So now you know what most applicants are looking for in your CV. Does your CV communicate all these things? If not, then you are underselling yourself and you need to get working on that CV. If you need assistance do not hesitate to ask me.

Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741