If I could start my career all over again, I would begin by asking the experts directly. I would ask them how, when, where and then beg for all the secrets to make sure my resume gets to the top of the pile. So, when I thought about writing a career column for Cedi Talk that is precisely what I decided to do. Through a series of articles, we will interrogate human resource, people and hiring experts in Ghana. The hope is that their insights will bring some clarity to how you look for opportunities and secure a job.

This article is full of some of the best advice I have heard about approaching your application documents.  From the difference between resumes and CVs to how best to follow up, this post is full of actionable tips.  You will note that our two experts have some different views, that is not unusual. Everyone has preferences. Focus on what you are comfortable with and directions provided by the opportunity you are seeking.

Rita Kusi, is an entrepreneur and human resources professional with  15 years of experience. Rita is the CEO and Senior Consultant at the tech-enabled Keeping “U” Simply Intact Consulting and the Co-Founder and Head of Operations of the online content platform siro360.

Peter Crabbe is the Learning & Talent Development Manager at Vodafone Ghana. He has worked in all aspects of HR and People Management, including rewards and recognition.  Before  joining Vodafone Ghana, Peter worked at Air Liquide Ghana and MTN Ghana.

How did you find your first full-time position?

Rita Kusi (RK) – I was living and schooling in New York City and applied to a Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) at my high school during my freshman year.  I was about 13 or 14 years old at the time and got the chance to work at Bronx Lebanon Hospital.  Luckily, in New York State the youth have access to early employment opportunities such as the SYEP program. I strongly urge you to take advantage of these kinds of programs if you have access to them.

Peter Crabbe (PC) – My first full-time job was when I was on campus.  I wasn’t expecting a salary because I was volunteering.  Based on my work, I was recommended to another NGO Founder and Owner who also did not give me a salary, but I got a transportation stipend. She realized that she did not have the resources to keep me, so she recommended me to a paid opportunity.  Recommendations can make or break you.

What is the most important application document a potential employee can provide?

RK – A clear and concise summary of their objectives by way ofa cover letter. Many people underestimate this document. It is actually more than a summary of what you have accomplished, and more about the value you can provide your potential employer.  Everyone submits a CV, but I think that a cover letter can be an added advantage and has the potential to catch an employer’s eye. Of course, it should be short, concise and touch on the main points of why you will be an asset if hired.   Recruiters don’t have much time so keep that in mind when you are writing your cover letter and CV.

PC – I would say that there are two important documents: your (1) CV and (2) portfolio.  Your portfolio can include copies of your performance appraisals.   If you come to me and tell me that you were able to do x,y,z and you have an independent person or former manager campaigning on your behalf that would be a plus.  Sharing things, you have done, such as publications or a program brochure where you are featured would also be useful.  Including certificates in a portfolio might be necessary for some industries.

What should candidates include in their resume?

RK – There is a bit of confusion between a resume and CV.  I was more accustomed to the resume style until relocating to Ghana.  Unlike the resume, the CV is more detailed and elaborate.  US-style resumes do not have much personal information and are one-page especially for entry-level candidates.  You should select the style based on where you are applying and your level of expertise.  

Recruiters prefer the resumes style because they are short and to the point. There are some rules to follow of course when crafting this document.  The most important elements to include generally are personal information such as name, address, email, no more than two phone numbers, an objective tailored to the specific role, educational background, current and three to four past work experiences, achievements if any, and a reference.

Get in touch with me for more on how to properly structure an effective CV/resume that gets the attention of your potential employer.

PC – If people are going through a lot of CVs, they will not be spending a lot of time on each one.  It is vital that you let your key achievements stand out.  If your CV is more than 1 page, you should have your key highlights from your most recent jobs on the first page.  Some people prefer starting with work experience, others with education, you should focus on what is most relevant to the position you are applying for. 

To save space, you can include your qualification by your name in the letterhead.  Font size is also essential. You don’t want the recruiter to have to squint their eyes to see your content. Do not reduce the font size to get everything on one page.  Bullets make things easier to read.  Finally, when you are listing your experience, include the achievements and link them to revenue or a concrete number so the recruiter can understand the impact you have had.

How should candidates follow up after applying?

RK – You should definitely follow up after applying.  Actually, that is how I landed my first HR role as an assistant to the Director of the largest privately-owned condominiums in the U.S.   When I called the HR Director to inquire about my resume it just happened to be in front of him.  Following up can help you stand out a little more and show the hiring manager you are very much interested in the role.  Please do not become bothersome when following up. Give it some time before you do and limit the calls and emails. If you know someone on the inside have them do the following up for you. In most cases, employers will let you know if you should not follow up then, of course, you want to respect their wish. 

PC – Sometimes only successful candidates will be contacted. In this case, if you don’t hear anything you should not follow up.

Other times employers do not explicitly state that you should not get in touch.  You can follow up, but not so frequently that you are a nuisance. I would suggest following up after four weeks.  You do not want to come across as desperate, and they might be dealing with other things such as a firing or a hiring freeze.  Give yourself four weeks intervals to follow up.  If you follow up three times and nothing comes out of it, focus elsewhere, they might get back to you when things stabilize or get in touch when they find a role they feel you are better suited for.

Do you have any advice for candidates applying to positions online?

RK – Do not apply for every job just because you need a job.  It is annoying to recruiters when they come across a candidate that not only does not fit the job description but has not taken the time to demonstrate the link between their skills, abilities, and experiences to the position.

When it comes to applying online, most platforms have a set series of metrics and will automatically reject your application if specific things do not match the employer’s interests.  Do not apply for jobs that don’t meet your qualifications, whether you are over or under qualified.

PC – If you go to a company that is asking you to apply online, bear in mind that such companies are likely to follow you online.  Be careful of your online presence.  Many people put all kinds of pictures and things online that might work against them.  Once you are applying through online applications, you should manage your online presence well.

What should an applicant include if they are applying via email?

RK – Most hiring managers use recruitment platforms to list vacancies. The ones that don’t may ask you to apply via email.  It is essential that you keep several things in mind: Your email address and email name should not be unprofessional and offensive, I would recommend using your first and last name only.  Make sure that your email is addressed to the hiring manager if you know who they are and the subject clearly states your intention, for example: Applying for the available HR Assistant role.  If someone referred you to the position or recommended you, include that person’s full name and connection to the company.  Include where you saw the job advertisement and be sure to introduce yourself. Finally, attach your resume and your cover letter.  The email should be short and straight to the point.  You can elaborate your value in the attached cover letter.

PC – Follow the instructions of the company.  The company might have a system behind what you see, which will sort out the content, categorize it and from there do the screening and selection.  If you don’t follow their process, their system will not see you.

If they have not given you specific instructions, I would recommend that you attach the CV and cover letter, rather than dump it in the email. It is easier to review a PDF or Word Document than print an email.  The best you can do is make it easy for the person doing the recruitment to see you and pay attention. If you make it difficult for them, they will brush you aside.

Would you recommend that applicants get in touch on LinkedIn?

RK – LinkedIn is a valuable tool for professionals, and, I recommend getting in touch and establishing relationships. It is really all about your approach when introducing yourself to hiring managers or those you have added to your professional network. People reach out to me on LinkedIn all of the time and to be honest in most instances I do respond. Some messages are pleasant because the individual takes time to introduce themselves briefly, state their intent and wishes you a nice day. They are subtle in their approach.  Others are abrupt and send a message asking that you help them find a job because they are in need with no real introduction or pleasantry.

PC – The best way to learn about a company is to go to its website. I always get messages from people who want job opportunities, I usually direct them to the online portal or forward their CV to the hiring person.  I do reply directly to the ones I think I should reply to.  These messages are not generic and are usually individuals who are seeking specific advice or information.  I ignore messages where the individual appears or portrays a posture of wanting to be spoon fed and just wants a job.


How should candidates stand out via their application documents?

RK – I think simplicity is best most of the time.  Someone sent me a CV in presentation format, yes it stood out, but it was too much.  Stick to the rules provided by the hiring company or the industry you are in.  Some people, mostly creatives and tech candidates, use technology to their advantage.  When they apply for jobs through email, they send a link to their bio or portfolio.  I think that is fine and innovative.  It is a sign of the times. Please don’t submit a PowerPoint presentation style because it could be hard to open. Stick to PDF or Word documents. Do not send CVs or resumes with colorful font and large lettering.  If you are not sure what to do, keep it simple.

PC – Sometimes there are certain things you can’t point to, but when you see it, it just works.  For example, your style of writing can make you stand out.  If your writing is straightforward and easy to know what you are emphasizing it makes it even easier for the recruiter to see why they should put you in the yes pile.

Anything else people applying to opportunities should keep in mind?

RK – There are hundreds of people applying for the same roles every day. It is important to find ways to stand out without overdoing it. Once again, simplicity is best. Follow-ups are appropriate unless the employer specifically requests that you should not get in touch.  If the employer wants to get in touch, they will do so don’t be a pest or overbearing.

PC – Keep in mind that every company wants to cut the cost of recruitment.  Hiring managers will typically go through CVs they already have in a database, especially if they do not have the budget to advertise.  By the time you learn of a vacancy the company probably already has CVs.  I would recommend if you are targeting larger companies, that you send your updated CV every six months to one year.  That way, if an opening comes, the recruiters will have your most up to date CV in their database already.