7 steps to create an effective CV
Maybe you are wondering who needs a CV and what this fuss is all about? Well, for a recruiter, it’s very important. A CV (i.e. a curriculum vitae) is needed by recruiters to assess whether a candidate for a job has the competences or potential to fit in the job well. A written, short version of a job applicant’s career history is a great guidance for recruiters. Remember that your job is to present yourself in a good light and highlight your own strengths. We will tell you how to do it below.
Create your CV in the form of a text document
For this purpose, you can use the program from the Office package – Word or a free tool in Google Docs. Handwritten resumes are not the best idea because it is often difficult to decipher someone’s handwriting. The recruiter is also a human, don’t make his job difficult! If they have to guess what you want to tell them, they will probably give up analyzing your curriculum vitae.
Provide contact details
It is a simple matter, but surprisingly many people forget about it! Therefore, be sure to write down your personal data (name, surname, place of residence) along with direct contact to you (phone number and e-mail). The photo is not necessary, but it will make it easier for the recruiter to remember you. When adding a photo, do not reach for a selfie with a duck face or a photo from your high school ID (unless you just finished high school). Choose a recent photo that shows your smiling face clearly.
Present your previous job experience
Start with your last job (if you don’t have any job experience, go to the next step!). Include the period during which you worked in a given place. Write down the months and years (e.g. May 2018 – November 2020), position (e.g. waiter) and name of the company (e.g. Seaside Yacht Club). Describe briefly the duties in your previous position. You don’t have to go into details – just write 5 most important ones. If you have many years of professional experience, enter the last five jobs for your CV. Only list out the rest, but do not describe them in detail. It is better to make it simple and to add some more facts during the interview. A 10-page resume won’t be well received!
Write down the last school you finished
If you are still studying, mention your current institution (school / university etc.). There is no need to delve into the entire history of your education – the recruiter does not need to know which middle school you attended 15 years ago ;). If you have taken part in some training, you have completed specific courses, have certificates confirming your knowledge and skills – write about them here.
Show your good side
Think what your strengths are. What are your additional skills? List them all in your resume. Don’t be shy – your CV is there for you to show yourself in a good light!
Say something about yourself
Finally, reveal some private details about yourself. Write what you like to do in your spare time and what you are interested in. If you can give details, do it! For example: instead of saying “I like reading books”, write “I like reading books, I especially appreciate Terry Pratchett’s novels”.
Remember about the confidentiality clause in accordance with the GDPR
This is a very important element, without which your CV may not be included in our database. The clause is: “I hereby consent to my personal data being processed by (company name) for the purpose of considering my application for the vacancy advertised under reference number (123XX6 etc.).” You should put this at the end of your resume.
You see, it’s really easy! We guarantee that if you follow these few steps in creating a CV, the result of your work will be truly satisfying!
