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.
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!
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.
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.
Be sure to specify:
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.
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.