Learn to write a good CV

Your CV is your professional introduction letter. Recruitment managers will use it for their initial decisions on candidates for a position. It is, therefore, essential you take the time to get it right.

Here are some guidelines for writing a successful CV to help you.

 

Summarise and clrify

Your CV needs to be brief, concise and clear, to make an impression at first glance. Use straightforward and simple words, as well as key words for describing your professional profile. Try to ensure the content answers these three questions: what, when and where. Your CV will ideally be one or two pages long, no more.

 

Take care over the design

The design and format you choose for your CV says a lot about your personality and what you want to convey. Do you want to appear creative, technological, responsible? Think about this when choosing colours, fonts... You can have several designs and tailor them to the culture and personality of the company you're targeting.

Here is a Pinterest gallery with some ideas for designing your CV.

 

Take care over you photo!

Always include a photo. We remember faces much better than we remember names. But don't use just any photo. Choose it carefully. It may seem obvious, but don't use a picture from a holiday or where you are partying with friends. It has to be professional.

 

Personaliza.

Enviar el mismo currículum a todas las empresas, con independencia del puesto al que estés optando, no es la mejor estrategia. No se trata de tener un CV totalmente distinto para cada nueva vacante, sino de ir adaptando el que tienes (diseño, habilidades o experiencia más destacada etc.) a los requisitos de cada oferta o a la personalidad de la empresa, por ejemplo.

 

Tailor your CV.

Sending the same CV to every company - regardless of the position you're applying for - is not an ideal strategy. You don't need to write a totally new CV for each vacancy. You just need to adapt the one you have (design, skills, most significant experience, etc.) to the requirements of each position or the personality of the company.

Your experience is important. .

It is normal not to have much work experience if you're young and have just finished your studies. Don't worry about it. Include any information that highlights your skills and knowledge in your CV. For example, have you ever volunteered? Were you involved in organising activities at university? Have you ever built a website? Don't write off any project even if it isn't strictly a professional experience.