When applying for a job, the first step toward building your career is creating a CV. A good CV is your “business card,” which can significantly influence whether you will be invited for an interview.
Given that employers often receive many applications, it is important that your CV is clear, professional, and accurately represents your skills and experience. It is recommended to use a simple font (such as Arial or Calibri) and a font size between 10 and 12 for the text, while headings can be slightly larger. Using bold letters for key information (such as your name, position, or dates) can also improve readability.
At the very beginning of the CV, include your basic contact information. Be sure to include: your full name, phone number, and email address.
Additionally, list all relevant schools and universities you have attended. Include the name of the educational institution, degree (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD), graduation year, and optionally, relevant courses, achievements, or projects completed during your studies.
Employers want to see your previous work experience and how it aligns with the position you’re applying for. For each job, list the company name, your position, the employment period (start and end dates), along with a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments.
In this section, list all the skills you possess that are relevant to the position. Focus on those skills that are specific to the industry you are seeking employment in.
If you have completed any additional training or courses relevant to the job, be sure to include them. If you speak multiple languages, list them. Specify your proficiency level for each language, whether it’s beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
Although it’s not mandatory, you can include information about your hobbies, interests, or volunteering. This can help the employer gain a better understanding of your character and traits. However, keep in mind that it is important for hobbies to be relevant or demonstrate skills that you can apply in a professional setting.
Finally, review your CV several times to ensure there are no spelling mistakes, formatting inconsistencies, and that all information is accurate. A good CV must be flawless, as errors can leave a bad impression.