In today’s competitive job market, it’s important to market yourself as professionally as possible in a way that reflects the modern working environment.

The only way to do so is by writing a good CV that sells your skills and experience and shows a prospective employer you’re the right person for the job.

Simon Ingari, a Kenyan career coach shares some tips on how to make your CV stand out in crowded opportunities. According to him, putting the following information on your CV may not be necessary.

• Marital status
• High school and primary details if you have attended college
• Date of birth
• Religion
• Hobbies
• ID number
• Irrelevant work experience.

”Irrelevant stuff you include to make your CV long might, in most cases, work against you,’’ he states.

Ingari says for a CV to sell you, it needs to have these features:

• It integrates Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), enhancing its appeal.
• It includes Key Words and Phrases sought by employers, making it more discoverable.
• It highlights measurable and quantifiable achievements and accomplishments, demonstrating impact.
• Its ATS-friendly design, thanks to its simplicity and contemporary style, ensures better visibility.
• It’s customized to align with the applicant’s role and qualifications, showing a perfect fit.

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How to incorporate KPIs into your CV

KPIs are quantifiable metrics used to evaluate an individual’s performance in achieving specific objectives or goals. According to Ingari, including them in CV writing can help demonstrate your effectiveness and success in previous roles.

When including them in the CV, the CV holder should:

Identify Relevant KPIs

Reflect on your previous roles and identify key metrics or indicators that showcase your performance and achievements.

These could include sales targets met, project deadlines adhered to, customer satisfaction ratings, cost savings achieved, or any other measurable outcomes relevant to your field

Quantify Achievements

When listing your work experience on your CV, incorporate specific KPIs alongside your job responsibilities. Instead of simply stating your duties, quantify your achievements using KPIs. For example:

(i) “Exceeded quarterly sales targets by 20%, resulting in a 30% increase in revenue.”

(ii) “Reduced production costs by 15% through implementation of efficiency measures.”

(iii) “Maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 95% or above for consecutive quarters.”

 Provide Context

Briefly explain the context surrounding the KPI to give the reader a better understanding of your accomplishments.

This could include the scope of your responsibilities, the size and complexity of projects you managed, or any challenges you overcame to achieve the stated results.

Use Action Words

Start each bullet point with strong action verbs to convey your proactive approach and initiative. Words like “achieved,” “implemented,” “optimized,” and “streamlined” can effectively highlight your contributions.

Tailor to the Job

Customize your KPIs to align with the requirements of the job you’re applying for. Focus on metrics that demonstrate your suitability for the role and highlight relevant skills and competencies.

Be Honest and Transparent

Ensure that the KPIs you include on your CV accurately reflect your accomplishments. Avoid exaggeration or misleading information, as this can be easily verified during the recruitment process.