We come from two separate continents, speak different languages but we share one passion and the same HR culture.
After a trending CV webinar we both attended, we realised we both have similar stories, we both stepped away from bosses and companies to start our CV Writing business, we both share a passion for Human Development and Job Counselling, interesting huh?
During a networking session that we scheduled afterwards, we decided on a fanciful idea to write about a CV that will ‘work’ in both Nigeria and Uruguay. So we started by discussing CV similarities and differences between both continents, despite being oceans apart, we found many similarities.
Here a few:
- Contact information: Using a professional email address is seriously suggested.
- Personal details: Avoid putting too much personal information on your CV, that includes your address for example. Provide more details when you get the job.
- Personal Statement: Always place the most important value you bring to the table at the top of your CV. If you are a recent graduate with zero experience, your education is probably the most important detail; as an experienced hire though, unless you have a certification or a degree that is on-demand or specifically required your professional experience is probably more important. Whatever it is, ensure your presentation speaks to the Job ad and answers the recruiter’s question.
- General Outlook: Avoid abbreviations if possible, check grammar and spelling, use infinitive and action verbs when writing.
The differences weren’t a lot but funnily enough, so here are some Uruguay and South America CV Trends. Commonly, the guideline is your CV should be a summary of your career journey with all the relevant information of course. A couple of things to note:
- The use of personal photo is optional but is highly recommended.
- One-paged and infographic-style resumes are well seen and typically preferred.
- The job description section should be written in infinitive verbs.
- Beat the drum for professional references, at least one contact per job experience.
Standarly speaking, Nigerians like their CVs detailed but short as is in Uruguay, as long as it answers the questions on recruiters mind
- 1-2 pages work sometimes, 3 pages are acceptable depending on your experience and how well you can hold the attention of the recruiter.
- Some people include their pictures, it is mainly thought that pictures shouldn’t be included on a CV.
- Interests/ Hobbies: although aren’t compulsory, it’s permitted to include them, this can become good points to discuss during job interviews.
- Format: Many young professionals like using graphical and colourful CVs. But more and more researches shows why simple word documents are better because of the ATS filters. It is okay to use colours though just be sure not to overdo.
- On infographic CVs, we find a small number of infographic CVs that worked for some sales & marketing professionals. The advice is, if you can use infographics to your advantage, please do.
To sum up!
Whatever country you are applying from, the best guidance is to ensure as applicants that your CV answers the questions of the recruiter and speaks to job advert. Feel free to infuse some creativity especially if you are a creative, rework your CV for every application, one-size-fits-all CVs won’t work. Lastly, follow the guidelines we stated above.
Sharing is caring we’ve heard… so we have shared our experiences and some CV writing practices. One important thing we learnt by doing this, is that we are not competing… we are growing, collaborating and helping you rework your career documents… one at a time!
Get to know us and share your thoughts!