Staff Writer If you’ve been tirelessly sending out job applications with no positive feedback, you’re not alone. The constant stream of rejection emails or, even worse, no response at all, can wear anyone down. But before you give up, it’s important to reflect: could the issue lie with your CV?
The job market, especially for remote positions, is highly competitive. But here’s the good news—your lack of experience or a degree doesn’t have to stand in the way of landing a great remote job. With some strategic adjustments to your CV, you can significantly increase your chances. After extensive research, here’s a guide to help you rewrite your CV and secure those high-paying remote opportunities.
1. First Impressions Matter: The Header
Start your CV with a clean, concise header. Avoid unnecessary details such as your high school subjects or marital status—these won’t help you secure the job. Here’s what you need instead:
Your name and a simple title, like “Curriculum Vitae of [Your Name].”
Contact information: If applying for international remote positions, prioritize your email as the main contact. For local applications, include both your phone number and email.
Address: If applying internationally, list your country and a recognizable nearby city, such as “South Africa, Durban,” even if you’re based outside the city. This makes it easier for recruiters to understand your location without getting bogged down in details.
Finally, ensure you include a LinkedIn profile, but only if it’s properly filled out. A well-rounded LinkedIn page showcases your professional persona, whereas a blank profile sends the wrong message. Make sure it’s polished before you add it to your CV.
2. Personal Statement: The Elevator Pitch
Your personal statement is your chance to make a strong first impression. It should be succinct and highlight your key strengths and experience. Even without a degree or formal work history, you can craft a powerful statement by focusing on four key areas:
Descriptive term: Use professional descriptors like “visionary,” “enthusiastic,” or “passionate.”
Profession: If you have no experience, use terms like “enthusiast” instead of “expert.”
Duration: If you lack formal work experience, mention any relevant interest or background, such as personal projects or short courses.
Key strengths: Align these with the job description. For example, if you’re applying for a customer service role, you might highlight skills like active listening or conflict resolution.
A well-constructed personal statement might look something like this:
“Solution-oriented customer service enthusiast with an interest in inbound sales, proficient in active listening, clear communication, and customer relationship building.”
Even without formal experience, this tells a recruiter that you have the foundational skills needed for the role.
3. Experience: It’s All About the Packaging
Don’t have formal work experience? No problem. You can still include a valuable experience section. Here’s how:
Volunteer work: Treat unpaid work as experience. For instance, if you helped organize community events or served in a church committee, these are transferable skills.
Relevant skills: If you don’t have enough volunteer experience, focus on key skills you’ve developed, such as leadership from being part of a debate team or negotiation skills from selling products.
Use the XYZ method to structure your experience:
X (what you accomplished)
Y (the measurable result)
Z (how you did it)
For example: “Contributed to organizing 10 community events by volunteering in the church committee for two years, engaging with community members, and raising [X amount] in donations.”
4. Education: Focus on What’s Relevant
If you don’t have a degree, list your high school education. For international applications, highlight your key subjects and convert your grades into a GPA format. For example, if you majored in subjects like mathematics or physics, mention these, as they may demonstrate your suitability for technical roles.
Include any relevant coursework or certifications, and if your GPA is strong, don’t hesitate to include it. However, if your GPA is low, it’s better to leave it out—your skills and experience can speak for themselves.
5. Where to Apply
Once your CV is ready, the next step is to send out applications. You’ll find opportunities that pay anywhere from $1,800 to $3,000 per month (R34,000 – R55,000), even for those without experience.
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In the end, it’s not just about having a CV—it’s about having a CV that works for you. Your journey might have its ups and downs, but with the right adjustments, persistence, and a tailored CV, your next email could be an invitation to an interview.
Make it count. Go revamp that CV, send in your job applications, and take control of your future. I’m rooting for you!
Day: 13 September 2024
tshepisosishuba Shannon Munnick is a transformative force in the world of B-BBEE compliance and governance. With a dynamic personality, a strong moral compass, and an unwavering dedication to impactful change, she has carved out a successful and fulfilling career that stands as a testament to her resilience and passion. Raised by a single parent and overcoming a challenging childhood, Shannon’s journey from a bullied schoolgirl to a confident, competent professional is nothing short of inspirational. Her story is one of perseverance, continuous learning, and staying true to oneself—qualities that have propelled her to the forefront of her field and made her a role model for aspiring professionals.
Qualifications and Career Path
Educational Background
Shannon Munnick holds an LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) and an MDP (Management Development Programme) specializing in B-BBEE from the University of the Witwatersrand. This solid educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping her career in B-BBEE compliance and transformation.
Choosing a Unique Path
Shannon’s decision to pursue a career in B-BBEE compliance and governance was driven by her desire to avoid the traditional practicing attorney route. “I chose this path because I did NOT want to take the traditional practicing attorney route just because I studied law. I also had to prove people around me wrong that it was possible to have a successful career in law and choose a different path to that of the masses,” she explains. This determination to carve her own path has led to a successful and fulfilling career.
Reflections on Career Choices
Looking back, Shannon would unequivocally choose the same career path. “One million percent, yes, I would follow my exact same career path and take the exact same steps I did to get to where I am today. I have absolutely ZERO regrets when it comes to my career path and choices,” she affirms. Her journey has been marked by personal growth, confidence, and a deep sense of fulfillment.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
To her younger self and aspiring professionals, Shannon emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not following the crowd. She advises conducting a SWOT analysis to understand one’s strengths and weaknesses and to ensure that career choices align with personal happiness and mental health. “Your happiness and mental health is EXTREMELY important so do not stay in places, spaces, or around people that do not feed, uplift, and develop you,” she advises.
Essential Skills
In the field of B-BBEE compliance and transformation, Shannon highlights the importance of both hard and soft skills. “People skills, great communication skills, professional etiquette, an EXTREMELY high moral compass, and an extremely high work ethic” are crucial for success in this field.
Roadmap for Graduates
For graduates and those seeking employment in her field, Shannon emphasizes the need to stay true to oneself and not be swayed by the conventional paths taken by others. She encourages striking a balance between passion, financial gain, and career growth based on one’s strengths. “GO IN HARD!! MAKE YOURSELF PROUD,” she exhorts.
Job Responsibilities and Industry Insights
Day-to-Day Activities
As a Senior B-BBEE/Transformation Specialist, Shannon’s job entails handling B-BBEE compliance and transformation, including employment equity, legal compliance, and governance for over 120 clients. Her responsibilities include advising clients from various sectors and industries, implementing programs for black ownership structures, skills development, and socio-economic development strategies. Shannon also guides clients through B-BBEE audits, ensuring they achieve their targeted compliance levels.
Industry Insights
One aspect of the B-BBEE industry that outsiders might not know is its lucrative and fulfilling nature. Shannon notes, “If you know what you are doing and do it with passion and purpose, your talents and specialist skills will definitely pay off.” The impact reporting in this field is particularly rewarding, as it involves playing a part in changing people’s lives and encouraging transformation.
Surprises
Starting her current job, Shannon was surprised by how much there was still to learn. “You never ever stop learning, no matter what company you join or job you start,” she reflects.
Impact of AI on her Job
Shannon believes her job will still be around in the next ten years despite the rise of AI. She asserts that while AI can advise on B-BBEE legislation, it cannot replicate the passion and intention behind the communication, which is essential for effective transformation.
Challenges and Rewards
Overcoming Challenges
The most challenging aspect of Shannon’s job is dealing with individuals who do not believe in the true intention of transformation and the B-BBEE legislation. However, she finds immense satisfaction in overcoming these challenges and seeing the positive impact of her work.
Rewarding Aspects
Impact reporting is the most rewarding part of Shannon’s job. Hearing about the tangible benefits of B-BBEE compliance, such as job creation, skills development, and support for black businesses, brings her immense joy. “Nothing is more fulfilling than this, especially when you are a people’s person like myself,” she says.
Career Setbacks
Shannon faced a career setback when she took a job in B-BBEE auditing that she found deeply unfulfilling. However, this experience turned out to be an advantage, equipping her with valuable skills that have benefited her in her consulting role.
Goal of the Year
One of Shannon’s goals this year is to win a prestigious competition that recognizes her career achievements, demonstrating her continuous pursuit of excellence.
Personal and Financial Reflections
Childhood Aspirations
Shannon’s 10-year-old self would be amazed at her accomplishments. Despite a challenging childhood, she has grown into a confident and competent professional. “I could not be prouder of myself and the young woman I have grown into,” she proudly states.
Life Without Financial Constraints
If money were no object, Shannon would start a non-profit focusing on bursaries and scholarships for disadvantaged kids, alongside taking well-deserved holidays.
Financial Lessons for Kids
Shannon emphasizes four key financial lessons: understanding good and bad debt, the importance of saving, financial planning, and living within one’s means.
