How to Prepare a CV as a Polytechnic ND or HND Graduate

As a polytechnic graduate with an ND (National Diploma) or HND (Higher National Diploma), crafting an effective CV is one of the first steps to showcasing your qualifications and securing job opportunities. A well-written CV not only highlights your skills and achievements but also positions you as a strong candidate in the eyes of potential employers. This article outlines the steps you can follow to prepare a compelling CV that reflects your capabilities.

1. Start with a Clear Layout

Your CV should have a neat and organized structure. A professional format ensures that your information is easy to read and understand. Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, with font sizes between 10 and 12 points. Use bullet points to break down information, and keep paragraphs concise.

2. Add Personal Details

At the top of your CV, include your personal details such as:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• Location (city and state)
• LinkedIn profile link (if available)

Avoid including unnecessary details like your marital status, religion, or political affiliations unless specifically requested.

3. Write a Professional Profile or Objective Statement

This section summarizes who you are and what you bring to the table. As an ND or HND graduate, focus on your skills, goals, and what you aim to achieve in your career. For example:

“A self-motivated and resourceful ND graduate in Business Administration with practical experience in sales and customer service. Skilled in problem-solving, communication, and time management, seeking to contribute to organizational growth.”

Keep this section concise, ideally not exceeding three to four sentences.

4. Outline Your Educational Background

Your education is one of the strongest selling points as a polytechnic graduate. Include details of your ND or HND and any additional certifications or short courses. Mention:

• The name of the institution
• The course of study
• The graduation year
• Your grade (if outstanding)

For example:
Education

• Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Science
  Federal Polytechnic, Lagos
  2022 – Upper Credit

If you are still awaiting graduation, indicate it clearly:

• National Diploma (ND) in Electrical Engineering
  Kaduna Polytechnic
  Expected Graduation Date: 2026

5. Highlight Your Work Experience

Even if you are fresh out of school, include internships, IT (Industrial Training), part-time roles, or volunteer work. Use this section to demonstrate the skills you’ve gained in real-world settings. For each role, include:

• Job title
• Name of the organization
• Dates of employment (month and year)
• Your responsibilities and achievements

Example:
Work Experience
Intern, Customer Service Department
ABC Telecommunications, Ibadan
January 2023 – June 2023

• Handled customer inquiries and resolved complaints professionally.
• Improved response time by 25% by streamlining the complaint management process.
• Assisted in onboarding new customers and educating them about services.

Focus on achievements or specific contributions rather than generic tasks. Use action verbs like “improved,” “managed,” “developed,” or “assisted” to emphasize your efforts.

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6. Showcase Your Skills

In this section, highlight skills relevant to your chosen career path. For ND or HND graduates, these could include technical, interpersonal, or transferable skills such as:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Basic programming skills (if applicable)
• Strong communication abilities
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management
• Problem-solving

Group your skills into categories like “Technical Skills” and “Soft Skills” to make them easy to skim.

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7. Include Certifications or Training

If you’ve completed any additional certifications or training programs, list them in a separate section. For instance:

• Certificate in Project Management (2023)
• Google Digital Skills for Africa Certification (2022)
• First Aid Training Certification (2021)

This helps to showcase your initiative in building your qualifications beyond your diploma.

8. Highlight Achievements and Awards

Include any awards or recognitions you received during your academic or professional life. These can set you apart from other candidates. Examples include:

• Best Graduating Student in Mechanical Engineering (HND, 2023)
• Employee of the Month (March 2023)
• Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service (2022)

List these in a bullet format to keep the section neat.

9. Volunteer Experience (Optional)

If you have volunteered with organizations, include this to showcase your involvement in activities outside academics or work. For example:
Volunteer, Community Health Initiative
Lagos State, January 2022 – March 2022

• Assisted in organizing community health outreach programs.
• Collaborated with a team to distribute medical supplies.

This can reflect your teamwork skills and social responsibility.

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10. Language Proficiency

If you are fluent in more than one language, include this in your CV. For example:

• English: Proficient (Written and Spoken)
• Yoruba: Fluent
• French: Basic Communication

This can be particularly useful when applying for roles in multinational companies.

11. Hobbies and Interests (Optional)

If space permits, include hobbies or interests that are relevant to your career or demonstrate positive qualities. For instance, mentioning that you enjoy coding in your spare time could add value when applying for IT roles.

12. Referees

Most CVs end with a section for referees. You can include their names and contact details or simply state, “Available upon request.” Ensure your referees are aware that you’ve listed them and are willing to provide positive feedback about you.

Tips for Success

• Keep It Concise: Limit your CV to one or two pages. Recruiters typically spend only a few seconds scanning each CV.
• Tailor It for Each Job: Modify your CV for every job application. Focus on the skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
• Proofread: Avoid errors by carefully reviewing your CV for typos, grammar mistakes, and formatting issues.
• Use Action Words: Begin bullet points with action verbs to make your CV more dynamic.
• Avoid Overloading: Don’t include irrelevant details or outdated information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Informal Language: Always maintain a professional tone in your CV.
• Including Irrelevant Hobbies: Avoid listing activities that don’t add value to your application.
• Cluttered Layout: Keep your CV visually appealing and easy to read.
• Generic Profile Statements: Be specific about what makes you unique.

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