How to Write a CV

If you are looking for a job, then it is very important that you understand how to show your real talents and strengths to an employer - and a few simple rules will help you in this difficult task.

The purpose of a CV is to make the hiring company interested enough to invite you for a job interview. Below, we have several tips on how to write a good CV.

What to include:

• Personal details

  First of all, you have to introduce yourself: full name, date of birth, home address, phone number, e-mail address. If you want, you can add your marital status. Do you have your own web homepage? If it’s suitable, include it.

• Education

  This part is one of the most important because your academic career gives an insight into who you are. Provide the names of universities or institutions where you have studied, starting with the most recent. Include information about any special projects or dissertations.

• Work experience

  List your most recent experience first. Give the name of your employer, job title, work period and, most importantly, what you actually did and achieved in the job - especially if it’s relevant to the job you are applying for.

• Skills

  This section is for listing all your practical skills that might be relevant to the job, e.g., knowledge of foreign languages, computing skills.

• Interests

  Of course, an HR manager is not going to hire you because you share the same hobbies, but this section can give a better idea of what kind of person you are. However, keep this brief.

• Length

  Maybe all you need to say will fit into one sheet of A4. But do not crowd it - you will probably need two sheets. But remember, that ideally your CV shouldn’t be longer than 2 pages. Put page numbers at the bottom - a little detail that will help to make your CV handy.

And, to sum it up, general tips:

• Remember, your CV is essentially marketing you. Bear this in mind when choosing the information you include.

• Look at the job(s) that you are applying for. Consider how your skills, education, and experience compare with the skills that the job requires.

• Your CV should be clear, concise and easy to read. Explain any gaps in career history. Double check your details. Avoid falsehoods and inaccuracies.

• There is no need to include your reasons for leaving each job on your CV but be prepared to answer these questions in your interview.

• Double check the entire CV carefully for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes and to ensure that each point makes sense.

• Your CV should ideally cover no more than two pages and never more than three.

Good Luck!