CREATING YOUR CV

Writing your CV can be a challenge, whether you are at the beginning of your career or you already gained experience.

Done correctly, it will increase the chance of viewing and implicitly of being called. Done incorrectly, it will make you wait a long time, creating frustration that you are not selected for the desired job.

The online abounds with information on how to write your CV, what information to include in your LinkedIn profile, do's, and don'ts. And yet as a recruiter, doing the screening without automized solutions, I reject probably more than 95% of applicants.

Usually, I spend 6 to 8 seconds scanning each resume (and not just me, all the recruiters do the same). If I manage to identify the relevant information, I will go further, otherwise, I will reject the application. 

It is ok to have a different CV because it must describe you, your professional history, your skills, and achievements, but try to follow a structure, similar to those you can find on job platforms. You will also find a lot of models online; choose one that is easy to edit and read.

Seems complicated, tedious, and time-consuming. But this is a small price to pay for getting the right job. 

By creating an almost perfect CV, you are investing in yourself and your future.  

Try to avoid

1. Don't exaggerate with the details - stay concise in describing the responsibilities, skills, or hobbies; 

2. Do not use clichés or jargon - try to avoid industry-specific language, the initial reading is made about the recruiter, his/her knowledge may be limited; 

3. Avoid personal details - information such as home address, age, religion; 

4. Do not provide confidential information - salary level, data, formulas/recipes used by the previous employer; 

5. Avoid negations - or words with negative connotations; 

6. Do not copy the responsibilities from the job description - it is much too concise; 

7. Don't overdo the text format - limit yourself to two fonts; 

8. Do not mention the experience that is not relevant; 

9. Do not use a complicated format; 

10. Do not rush to apply - check the document again before applying. 

What will help you to have a good CV

1. First be honest - most employers will test your knowledge and skills, ask you for references, seniority certificates, etc. All information must be true and easy to prove; 

2. Be concise - do not get lost in the details of studies or experience and do not exceed 2 pages; 

3. Structure and provide relevant information - the resume should be easy to read and contain only the information necessary for the role you are applying for; 

4. Use a standardized format - no matter what format you decide to use, make sure it does not change during the document; 

5. Customize the CV; 

6. Adapt the CV to the job for which you are applying; 

7. Use keywords - which you can find in your job posting. More and more employers are using automated resume scanning systems; 

8. Supports achievements with numbers; 

9. Use strong verbs - such as “I made”, “I applied”, “I launched”, etc.; 

10. Make sure it is spelled correctly - grammatically and orthographically. 

So come on, make time for yourself, put on a nice t-shirt, take a professional picture, rewrite that job description, add the skills you are proud of and have the courage to apply!