Lately, I have been getting questions on how to apply for a role, interview questions and how to write an application letter. I don’t even talk about career progression that much but some people think I am the right person to ask.

Disclaimer: This is not a one size fits all. Feel very free to edit, criticize and mold the tips into what works for you.

Brief introduction: My name is Myra T. Okumu. I hold a BSc. in Medical Microbiology from the Malawi University of Science and Technology. I have worked in public health, research and clinical settings, and in that regard hold approximately three years working experience.

Lets get into it, then:

CV do’s and dont’s

When I submitted my CV during my internship, my mentor sent it back three times. Not only was the format wrong but it had so much unnecessary information that had absolutely nothing to do with what I was applying for, like hobbies. Remove hobbies from your curriculum vitae, they are not needed nor relevant.

Another flag was the format. While others choose to add their work experience first, I would advice to start with your education because that feeds into your work experience. Write it nicely and neatly, gas yourself but keep it short and professional. If you do not have a lot of experience to fill in the gap, expand on those few roles that you have held.

• Don’t include your family details
• Don’t write your whole life story
• If demographics are not a requirement, don’t add them
• Don’t refer to yourself in third person.
• Leave out all negativity (unfortunately, difficult, frustrating, problems, discouraged) and focus on positive words (achiever, capable, enthusiastic, talented, powerful).

Your CV/resume should have: