A well-prepared CV works like a ticket to a job interview – one that a recruiter does not hand out on the street. They don’t know you personally, so you need to capture their attention with your CV first. But how do you write such an impressive professional “business card”?
A CV is like an ambassador that shows you in the best light
Creating a CV may seem like just another task on the way to a new job. In reality, however, it is a strategic document because it can determine whether you get the job or not. A recruiter typically spends only 30 seconds reviewing it – and if your CV is not well-structured and content-rich, it will go straight to the trash, without giving you a chance to showcase your charm in a personal interview.
That’s why it’s worth investing enough energy and effort into writing your CV. You don’t need to reinvent the basic structure; just follow the proven order of information: personal details, work experience, education, and additional skills and knowledge.
1. Keep personal details relevan
In the header, it’s enough to include your name, title, phone number, and email. There is no need to include your address, nationality, number of children, or health status. If your email address is something like “happyjulia005,” create a new one just for job applications.
If you want to include a photo in your CV, make sure it is professional. A snapshot from the beach or a family birthday will do more harm than good.
2. Explain your work experience in detail
This section is the most interesting to recruiters, so take care with it. The clearest and most logical format is chronological, from most recent to oldest, including month and year of start and end, and, of course, the company name.
Most importantly, always describe what exactly you did in the role and how successful you were. The more specific, the better! Avoid irrelevant details that do not relate to the position you are applying for.
3. Mention relevant courses and training
Include your highest level of education, i.e., the school name, year of graduation, and degree. If you have a university degree, do not include high school. Additional education such as an MBA is welcome. Keep in mind that recruiters are well-versed in professional education. If you earned an MBA from an institution that lacks credibility, it may harm your career rather than help it. Recruiters are particularly skeptical of extremely cheap MBA programs with little real interaction with instructors, where “studying” consists mainly of watching YouTube videos. This will not earn you points with recruiters, as it signals a lack of commitment and practical knowledge.
Include all educational activities relevant to the position. For example, if you are applying for a CFO role, only list training relevant to finance – a graphology course or sailing license is not necessary.
4. Highlight who you are
Include at least your computer and language skills, as well as whether you have a driver’s license (and the category). Be honest – don’t understate or exaggerate.
Also mention hobbies. They can be a good topic at the beginning or end of an interview and give the recruiter a minimal impression of your personality.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Be clear and concise
A CV should be informative and concise, not a long essay. Two pages maximum.
- Avoid visual clutter
Crazy font changes, colors, and graphics do not increase credibility. Keep it simple and organized, use bullet points, and choose a readable font in a comfortable size. Europass templates can be useful, but remember that a recruiter may receive dozens or hundreds of identical templates in their inbox daily. To stand out, try your own original design or use less common templates from graphic programs like Canva, where you can create an attractive CV for free.
- Highlight your strengths
Do not confuse personal qualities and competencies (soft skills) with skills and knowledge (hard skills). Many candidates list computer programs and language skills but forget soft skills like punctuality, diligence, and determination.
- Never lie or exaggerate
Both lying and exaggeration are easily discovered. Also, avoid leaving gaps in dates – if you have a “gap” in your CV, the recruiter will certainly ask. Perhaps you were on parental leave, caring for a relative, or traveling the world. There’s nothing wrong with that, but be prepared to discuss it.
- Watch for grammar mistakes
Check spelling and correct typos before sending. If you are unsure, ask someone competent to review your CV. They can also provide feedback on missing or excessive information.
- Do not use a universal CV
Your CV should convince the recruiter that you are the right candidate for the position. Informing them who you are and what you can do is not enough. To stand out, always tailor your CV to the specific position you are applying for.
To ensure your CV doesn’t “hang in midair,” attach a cover email or letter explaining why you are the best fit for the position. You can also include a LinkedIn profile. Selling your qualities is a skill you can further develop during an MBA. At the CEMI Institute, we offer recruiter-valued and recognized MBA programs, which will advance you toward your dream career positions.
