CV Tips:

• Demonstrate academic qualifications: Highlight your education specifically in Agricultural Sciences or related fields. Also, ensure to display any Bachelor degree credentials in Soil Science, Agronomy, or Biology.
• Highlight teaching experience: If you have any experience in university teaching, it could be a significant advantage. Make this detailed in your CV.
• Showcase your leadership skills: The job listing clearly states the need for someone who can provide 'academic leadership'. Share past experiences where you exercised leadership, particularly in an academia or research environment, within your resume.
• Present your research capabilities: If you have engaged in any research or industrialisation programmes or have supervised students, do not forget to mention these.
• Speak the job's language: Infuse keywords from the job description into your CV. Using words directly from the job description makes your CV more targeted and assists in getting past potential Applicant Tracking Systems.

Listing Highlights:

• Deadline for application: Note that the cut-off date for the job application is Thursday, 14 December 2023. Time-bound obligations are crucial to adhering to in job applications.
• Applying without meeting all criteria: In my experience, even if you do not meet all the requirements, many hiring committees appreciate a demonstrated passion for the field and the willingness to learn. Highlight relevant, transferable skills in your application.
• Application process: Follow the specific instructions mentioned about the necessary documents and procedure to apply properly. This includes submitting six sets of applications and other related documents.
• Presentation and delivery of application: Pay close attention to the details on how the application needs to be addressed and delivered. Not adhering to these could result in your application being overlooked.
• No reapplication: If you've applied for this post before, you need not reapply. This is crucial to avoid wastage of your efforts.

Ways to Stand Out:

• Show evidence of innovation: Highlight instances when you've contributed to innovation in your field. This could be through research, teaching methods, or contributions to industry.
• Demonstrate passion for the subject matter: Show your interest in areas like Soil Biology and Fertility, Soil Chemistry and Productivity, Soil Health, and Organic Farming, which are key to this job.
• Use references strategically: Choose references who can speak directly to your qualifications for this job.

Common Oversights:

• Importance of personal details: Novice applicants often overlook the importance of providing comprehensive personal details. Remember, recruiters at this stage know you only by these details.
• The 'no fee, no agents' clause: Job applicants, particularly those seeking employment opportunities in Zimbabwe, must remember that the university does not charge a fee at any point of the recruitment process, nor do they employ agents.
• Understanding the role of referees: Novice applicants often underestimate the role referees play. Referees provide external validation for your skills, qualifications and experience. In job vacancies in Zimbabwe like this, ensure you select references who are aware of your application and prepped to speak positively to your qualifications.