Your CV is one of the fundamental keys to your job search. It will only take a few seconds for HR to decide on the value of your application. It is, therefore,e necessary to take the time to create it. The content of the CV is as important as its layout. Today, there are a multitude of CV templates to choose fr, om and there is no more correct form than another. You simply have to choose the one that suits you best. A good CV is clear and allows the recruiter to understand at a glance why you are the ideal candidate for the position. It is possible (and recommended!) to adapt it to each offer you apply for!
Today, the vast majority of job offers are only; applications must be, too. You will need to send your complete application file, C, V, and cover letter in PDF format, having checked the rendering of your documents beforehand. With other file formats, the formatting or layout of the text may be interrupted, or worse, the entire file may be illegible. Your CV should present the key points of your academic and professional background in a structured manner. It will be completed by your cover letter,r which will give more details about who you are, the reasons for your application, as well as what you think you can bring to the company. What information should be included in your CV? How long should it be? How do you structure it so that it is easy to read? Here is our advice.
Writing a suitable CV for what purpose?
When applying for a job, read the job posting carefully and ask yourself if you have the appropriate education and work experience. Also, consider the location and length of the job and try to assess whether you will be able to meet the requirements. Go through the list of requirements in the job posting and make sure they are reflected in your resume. Tailoring your CV to the job you are applying for shows the employer that you have researched the company and the role in advance. Writing a tailor-made CV is no easy task, and many recruiters receive CVs that are too general and do not correspond to the job candidates are applying for. As mentioned above, writing your CV by adapting it to a specific job offer will give you a better chance of being selected by a recruiter and, therefore, getting an interview. Succeeding in passing this first selection, although not guaranteeing obtaining the position, is the first step in any recruitment process!
In a few words, writing your CV deserves some time because:
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You will allow recruiters to understand your profile with a glance
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A resume that is quickly understood is a resume that will attract the attention of HR.
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Getting the attention of recruiters will result in more interviews.
To create a resume, you can use Microsoft Word or another similar word processing tool. A great free and easy-to-use tool is Canva, which runs in the browser and offers you pre-formatted resume templates. As mentioned above, don’t forget to send it as a PDF.
A clear structure for your CV
Structure is key. Your resume should be easy to understand with clear headings. It should contain several sections:
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title and qa uick description of your contact details and personal information
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your professional experiences
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your professional experiences
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your training
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your skills
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your language skills
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your computer skills
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and finally, your interests
Purpose of your CV Get the information quickly with a clear title and a short description.n
Calling your resume “CV” doesn’t allow an employer to see the potential of your application. To stand out and be impactful from the first lines of your resume, you can add a description. It is not mandatory to add o,n, or e, but it is a good way to personalize it and briefly introduce yourself. Describe your situation and what you are looking for using one or two punchsentencece while meeting the profile desired by recruiters. Example: “Bilinguain l French / German, I am destined for product marketing. I am looking for an initial experience in an SME that will allow me to put into practice the theoretical knowledge acquired from my master’s degree in digital marketing.”
Contact details and personal information
Present your contact information in a way that is immediately visible: name, phone number, email, license, and date of birth. This information is usually found on the left side of your resume, allowing the recruiter to find this information quickly after reading your resume. Are you active on LinkedIn? Add the link to your profile! Don’t hesitate to add a profile photo to your CV. It must be professional, that is to say, serious and recent. It is strongly recommended to have it done by a professional. Adding a photo to your CV is not mandatory, but it adds a touch of personalization to it.
Training
Here, the same rule applies to professional experience: only mention what is most relevant to the job you are looking for. Education is one of the first elements, along with professional experience, that a recruiter will look at in your resume. Your level of education allows the recruiter to obtain the information they will need to evaluate your application and to know if you meet the requirements of the position. If you have many degrees, don’t go back further than your high school diploma/baccalaureate! However, if you completed part of your primary/secondary education abroad, it may be interesting to mention it because international experiences, whatever they may be, are often valued by employers. The most important thing for the recruiter is to understand your current situation (did you graduate this year? next year?) and any next steps. Specify the period during which you studied, the name of the school, the country/city, and the degree obtained. You can specify the specializations or courses taken only if they are relevant to the position sought. Of course, it is up to you to assess the relevance of the training you include in your CV!
LANGUAGES
For many positions today, mastery of at least two languages ​​is essential. Start with the languages ​​you are most proficient in. Don’t forget your mother tongue! For each language, specify the level (differentiating between oral and written if necessary): basic, good knowledge, fluent, bilingual. You can also use the levels of the European Language Standard (A1/A2, etc.) and specify your results from tests such as TOEFL/TOEI, C, etc. Even though it may seem obvious, don’t try to lie on your CV. If you don’t speak any foreign languages, it’s better not to put anything in t, because you could be tested in an interview. And it’s better not to add any language on your CV, as well as your level,l if it doesn’t allow you to get by in a professional context.
Computer skills
Here, too, start with the skills you master best! Mention the systems, applications, software, programming languages, ​​or techniques that you master. Don’t forget to qualify your skills (what level of mastery?).
Personal interests
Avoid clichés like travel, readi,ng and art! Focus on activities that set you apart from other candidates (if you do them regularly, of course) or experiences where you exercise responsibilities: involvement in associations, volunteeringand orand ganizing events. If the activities can be linked to the position for which you wish to send your application, that’s even better!