You have a good CV, but what makes you different?
Job hunt illustration
As competition for jobs increases, having a well-written CV may no longer be enough to convince employers that a candidate can deliver results.
Increasingly, evidence of work and problems solved is becoming an important way for job seekers to demonstrate their abilities, distinguish themselves from other applicants and build confidence with potential employers.
While a CV outlines qualifications, experience and responsibilities, evidence demonstrates how an individual has applied their skills to produce tangible results. This can include completed projects, work samples, measurable achievements, client feedback or documented solutions to challenges encountered in previous roles.
According to career development expert Roy Ndombi, employers are interested not only in what candidates claim they can do but also in how they have applied their skills to solve real-world problems.
He explains that evidence helps employers assess a candidate’s ability to think critically, make decisions and deliver results, rather than relying solely on job titles and years of experience.
"By demonstrating how a problem was identified, the steps taken to address it and the outcome achieved, candidates provide a clearer picture of their capabilities," he says.
Furthermore, he notes that evidence helps job seekers stand out in a market where many applicants have similar qualifications and professional backgrounds. For instance, instead of describing themselves as experienced in business development, candidates can demonstrate how they secured a partnership, increased sales or improved customer retention.
"Similarly, a communications professional can showcase published stories, successful campaigns or audience engagement figures to demonstrate their impact," he explains.
Ndombi notes that the approach also benefits young professionals, career changers and individuals with limited formal experience. Through personal projects, volunteer assignments, internships and independently developed solutions, they can demonstrate practical skills even when they lack impressive job titles or extensive work histories.
However, presenting evidence requires more than sharing links or uploading documents without explanation. Candidates need to provide context by outlining the problem, their specific contribution, the process followed and the results achieved.
"Where possible, measurable outcomes and verifiable supporting documents can strengthen ones case, while confidential information should remain protected," he says.
As technology makes it easier to generate polished CVs, demonstrable ability becomes an increasingly valuable differentiator. Ultimately, a CV may open the door to an interview, but credible evidence of work can help employers understand what a candidate brings to the organisation and why they are worth hiring.