Crafting a good CV is more than just making a list of jobs and education. It’s your personal business card. It shows who you are, what you can do, and why you’re the right person for a role.
Employers often receive many applications. Therefore, it is important that your CV quickly gives a clear picture of your experience and qualities.
With these 7 steps, you can create a professional CV that stands out and impresses employers.
1. Start with your personal details
Always start your CV with your most important details. Think about:
- Your full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
You can also add a link to your LinkedIn profile here. Do you have a professional profile? Then this can be a nice addition to your CV.
Some people choose to add a photograph. This is not mandatory, but it can make your CV more personal.
2. Write a short profile
Following your personal details, there will be a short introduction. We also call this a profile sketch or summary.
In a few sentences, tell me:
- who you are
- What you're good at
- What you're looking for in your career
Keep this text short and punchy. Think of it as a brief pitch that immediately shows what you bring to the table.
3. Describe your work experience
Employers often look at your work experience first. Therefore, it is important that this section is clear and well-organized.
Record your work experience in reverse chronological order. This means you start with your most recent job.
Mention with each function:
- The job title
- The name of the company
- the period in which you worked there
- The main tasks and responsibilities
Have you worked on any special projects or achieved great results? Be sure to mention them. That shows what you've truly contributed.
4. List your educational background clearly
Link your experience to the role you are applying for. Choose a few examples from your CV that fit well. In this section, describe your education and qualifications.
Please state herein:
- The name of the course
- the educational institution
- the period when you studied
You can also add your field of study or mention relevant subjects. Have you achieved exceptionally good results? Then you can mention that here too.
5. Tell what motivates you
Besides your experience and training, your skills are important.
Think, for example, of:
- Technical skills
- Software knowledge
- languages
- other relevant skills
Adapt this list to the vacancy you are applying for. Look closely at which skills are important for the role and ensure they are clearly reflected.
6. References
References are not always necessary on your CV. You can also simply state: “References available on request.”
Do you want to provide someone as a reference? Always ask for permission first. This way, that person knows they might be contacted by an employer.
7. Add extra information (optional)
Do you want to make your CV even stronger? Then you can add extra sections.
Think, for example, of:
- Additional courses or certificates
- Volunteering
- Language skills
- Projects you have worked on
- Publications or articles
This information could be the deciding factor between your CV and those of other candidates.
Finally: always tailor your CV to the job vacancy
A good CV is never standard. Always adapt it to the role you are applying for.
Focus on the experience and skills relevant to the job. In addition, ensure your CV is clear and concise, with a clear structure and consistent formatting.
This is how you make it easy for employers to quickly see why you are the right candidate.
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