It is important to create a good CV to get through the first filter to get a job. Chances are that there will be a large number of applications, so you will need elements that will make you stand out among the candidates. From UIE we help you to achieve it with our 5 tips to create a good CV.
Let´s start!
1. Adjust your CV to the company profile
Think of the addressee of a CV as a person representing a company with a specific set of needs. If you are able to adapt your CV to the needs of each company, you will have more opportunities to stand out.
In other words, there is no standard CV format for all job applications. You can have a model as a template (and have it on your LinkedIn profile, for example), but it is important that you research the company, industry and job you want to apply for and adapt the information on your CV.
2. Highlight your strenghts
Depending on the conclusions you have drawn from the research carried out in the prior point, you have to assess which competences, abilities, experience or knowledge you would like to highlight.
The important thing is to add value. Thus, anything that does not fulfill this purpose should be discarded. This will give your CV clarity and simplicity, and will help you to have clear points to highlight in the subsequent job interview.
Typically, human resources recruiters have little time and a lot of résumés to look at. Try to catch their attention matching your strengths with the general needs of the industry, company and the job itself.
Of course, it is essential not to lie or sound arrogant. Highlight your strengths with humility and naturalness (we all have virtues and defects).
3. Organize the information
Once you are clear about the company you are applying to and your strengths, the next step in creating a good résumé is to organize the information clearly.
Always keep in mind that a résumé must be made in an orderly manner so that it can be read quickly and that the relevant information remains in the retina of the recipient with a single glance.
To achieve this goal, divide the data into sections:
- Contact details.
- Small personal description with your professional goals.
- Work experience.
- Academic background.
- Complementary training.
- Skills.
- References.
- Additional information.
It is advisable to respect the chronological order when filling in the sections. However, a good technique is to apply a reverse chronological order (putting the latest experiences or training actions at the beginning of each section).
4. Take care of the design
If you have followed all the steps above, you have all the ingredients to create a good CV. Now you just need to work on the design of the document.
As we have mentioned, it is important that the information you want to convey reaches its recipient clearly and accurately. To do this you must play with design.
First, take care of the text, make sure it is quick and easy to read:
- Don’t use extravagant fonts or font sizes.
- Build short sentences, with simple and direct language.
- Add headings to each of the sections
- Use numbering and bullet points.
However, the text is not the only thing you have to keep in mind; for a CV to be attractive, it is necessary to pay attention to the other aspects of the design:
- Insert a good quality photo.
- Emphasize your strengths with color, but don’t overdo it with this element (no more than two colors that are colorfully related).
- Try to fit all the information into two pages (for this you will have to do an exercise of synthesis and good structuring).
- Remember that balance and harmony is the key to design.
5. Add a cover letter (or video!)
At this point, you probably already have a good CV with a good chance of standing out among the mountain of documents that the recruiter has to review. Now, as a culmination, you can attach a cover letter that invites a more attentive reading to the recipient and get the opportunity to explain everything in an interview. Or why not… Attach a video introducing yourself!
Keep in mind that this is a person with little time available, so it should be brief. Simply, introduce yourself, explain the reasons why you want to apply for that job and invite him to read your CV to discover the benefits you can bring to the company. Finally, show your interest in scheduling a personal interview and have the opportunity to directly offer more extensive information.
