Expert Tips on CVs and Personal Branding

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Community Outreach Programme (COP) student volunteers had the unique opportunity to attend an insightful and interactive guest talk led by Sarah Ndegwa and Diana Bosibori—two seasoned professionals in talent acquisition and people management. The focus of the session was on personal branding and the key qualities of a winning CV, essential skills for university students preparing to enter the competitive job market. Sarah Ndegwa, Executive Search Specialist and Chief Operating Officer at the African Talent Company, brought a wealth of knowledge from her years of experience in executive recruitment and helping professionals shape their personal brands. Diana Bosibori, a COP alumnus, is the Global People Engagement Associate at GiveDirectly and a Talent Acquisition Specialist. With her extensive background in global people engagement and recruitment, Diana provided valuable insights on how candidates can stand out in a crowded job market.

The discussion revolved around two key themes: personal branding and the foundational elements of a winning CV. Both topics are especially important for university students about to transition into the professional world. Sarah and Diana shared actionable strategies on how to present a compelling CV, highlight personal strengths, and differentiate oneself from the competition. They also addressed common questions such as: How can I make my CV stand out? What should I emphasize when branding myself? How do I cope with rejection and build resilience?

The event, held at Strathmore University, came at the perfect time, as many students are approaching graduation or are actively working to advance their careers. Personal branding has never been more important, and knowing how to effectively present yourself on paper—a polished CV—can be the difference between landing your dream job and being passed over. Throughout the talk, Sarah and Diana used real-life examples to demonstrate how students can strategically position themselves for success. They urged students to showcase both their professional and personal attributes to make their CVs truly shine. One major myth the speakers debunked was the notion that a lengthy CV signifies more experience. They stressed that a concise, focused CV is far more impactful than one that is overly long. “A longer CV doesn’t mean you’re more experienced. It just means you’re not packaging yourself well,” they explained. Clarity and precision in communication were highlighted as key principles throughout the session, with both speakers emphasizing that every section of a CV should have a clear, purposeful message.

Sarah and Diana also introduced the “3 Cs” of personal branding: Curiosity, Communication, and Collaboration. Curiosity was described as a vital trait—always seeking opportunities to learn and grow. Communication was highlighted as an essential skill, especially mastering the 10-second elevator pitch—an essential tool for introducing yourself confidently, even to a CEO with limited time. Lastly, Collaboration was emphasized as an invaluable quality, showing the importance of teamwork and working toward shared goals. When discussing CV content, Sarah and Diana provided targeted advice on what to include: education, skills, and experience. They encouraged students to highlight academic achievements while also showcasing both hard and soft skills that demonstrate adaptability and potential. Quality over quantity was a key takeaway—students were urged to focus on the impact they made in each role, rather than listing every job they’ve ever had.

Networking and the importance of strong referees were also key topics of discussion. “Your network is your safety net,” Diana said. “The right connections can open doors you didn’t even know existed.” The speakers advised students to refrain from including referees unless specifically requested and to ensure that referees are able to speak to their abilities based on personal experiences. Sarah and Diana shared empowering insights on dealing with rejection, encouraging students to see it as a form of redirection. “Rejection is not the end; it’s a redirection,” they emphasized. Students were urged to view each “no” as a step closer to the right opportunity, and to manage their expectations, especially early in their careers. “At the beginning, it’s not about the money; it’s about the experience,” Sarah reminded them.

In today’s digital age, leveraging AI tools was another important aspect of the discussion. Sarah suggested using AI-powered platforms for CV optimization and interview prep, saying, “AI can help you craft a more targeted CV, focusing on specific roles and ensuring your personal brand is clearly communicated.” The session concluded with actionable advice for students: Focus on personal growth, stay curious and open to learning, brand yourself effectively with a concise and clear CV, network purposefully, and embrace rejection as a valuable learning experience. Above all, they encouraged students to seize every opportunity—big or small—since experience adds up over time. Reflecting on the session, it was a goldmine of insights for any student looking to build their personal brand and create a CV that stands out in a competitive job market. Thanks to Sarah and Diana’s expert advice, students are now equipped with the tools and strategies needed to make confident, informed decisions as they step into the workforce. Whether just starting their university journey or nearing graduation, the lessons learned during this session will serve students well as they embark on their career paths.

Written by: Aisha Too

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