How to make a CV? 9 Basic Rules

CV is the first information employer gets about the applicant. Unfortunately, it may remain the only one if the candidate makes no impression.

But how interest a potential boss and get an invitation for the interview? Below you’ll find some secrets.

#1 Clearly Specify the Desired Position

The name of the desired position is one of the most important points. Be sure to you formulate it clearly. Avoid a statement like “any position” as it won’t give the employer an idea of what you want. Also, do not include mutually exclusive positions, even if you are equally proficient in both. Instead, make several different resumes for each specific position that meets your skills. Yes, you have to spend a little more time, but the result won’t keep itself waiting!

Photo by Flazingo Photos, used under CC BY / Desaturated from original

List the previous jobs is the reverse order; that is, the most recent ones first. Include only the experiences that are directly related to the vacancy. For each one, specify the work period, the name of the enterprise, the sphere of activity, the position held, and the description of responsibilities and achievements.

Don’t forget that the main goal is to point to the fact that your previous experience and knowledge will allow you to cope with the future job.

Do not enlist unnecessary information. Why does the employer need to know that you have a 15-years-old daughter and a god?

As for the hobbies, state only those that are directly related to the job. For example, if you’re applying for the position of the detective fiction translator, feel free to share the fact that you’re a big fan of detectives.

#2 Be Literate and Concise

The text should have impeccable spelling. Typos look terrible, especially in the names of computer programs or other things that the potential candidate must know from A to Z.

The structure of the CV should be clear. Divide the text into short, readable paragraphs, highlight headings in bold (not italics or underlining, which are difficult to perceive). The volume of the resume shouldn’t exceed a single page. A large amount of information may cause irritation; moreover, you’ll be able to share any additional details during at the interview.

On the other hand, don’t overdo with compression. Why interview a person who has put his years of experience in a few lines? If there are more questions than answers, it is unlikely you will be invited for an interview. Therefore, try to keep the balance.

#3 Keep the Right Structure

Be sure to specify:

  • Contact details. Include as many contact details as you have so that the employer can easily find you. However, don’t leave your e-mail address with a cute pet name. If you don’t have an email that contains your name in the title, create it for job search. Add links to your social accounts.
  • Competitive advantages. Immediately after your name, write two or three short phrases that show all your advantages as a candidate. Do not write common words. Identify your strongest professional qualities that are directly related to future work, for example, a large experience in this field or knowledge of several languages, and concisely describe them. This point is very important because the employer spends on each resume no more than 20 seconds, and the ultimate task is to capture his attention.
  • Competencies. As I already said, point those competencies that fit the requirements and duties prescribed in the vacancy. If you doubt about the skills to specify, view resumes of candidates from your area.
  • Education. Here you can include your school and all the major courses, seminars, and programs that you have additionally passed. If you have visited a huge number of such events, take only the closest to your profession. It is unlikely that the employer will be interested in your cooking courses.
  • Previous experience. As I noted, the reverse chronological order will work best for you. Here I believe the most important statement is your achievements. Those, of course, should be specific examples. Increased productivity by 30%? Reduced costs of the company? Established a system of cooperation between departments? Successfully managed a team of 50 people? Great if so! However, describing your achievements, don’t forget about the SMART principle: everything you write should be specific, measurable, assignable, realistic, and time-related.
  • Additional info. Here the employer expects to see information about your knowledge of languages, the description of computer skills, additional work experience ((e.g., volunteering). In some cases, it also provides information on driving license.
Photo by Flazingo Photos, used under CC BY / Desaturated from original

#4 Speak with the Employer in His Language

Use the so-called keywords. Carefully read the requirements for the job and select the main terms used by the employer. Fill your resume with the same vocabulary, even if you’ve used a different terminology. If your CV convincingly demonstrates that your skills match the company and meet their requirements, your chances will significantly grow.

#5 Do not Leave Open Questions

Any ambiguity or reticence causes the additional questions and doubts. Try to clear all the points that can cause issues. Don’t let your resume contain white spots. For example, if you were a freelancer for some time, do not miss this period and indicate what you were doing. Also, specify a time when you were volunteering or studying.

One more thing: employers are always worried when they see that the applicant has worked for too little time in many companies. This gives them the suspicion that the candidate either didn’t pass the test period or was fired.

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