Your CV is the first calling card for any new professional challenge. It is important for it to be organised, visually appealing and interesting. Discover five essential tips to keep in mind when creating your CV.
There is no denying that the Curriculum Vitae remains an essential tool for presenting ourselves to companies as professionals. Before any possibility of an interview, it is crucial that our calling card is not only well structured but also visually appealing.
It might be tempting to think that only the content matters, but in this case the appearance of the document can say a great deal about the candidate. The design and originality of the CV can therefore be a differentiating factor that makes the recruiter even more interested in reading the information provided.
After choosing a strong visual presentation for your CV, which can and should be more interactive and dynamic rather than following the conventional Europass style, it is crucial to know exactly which information to include and understand the best way to organise it.
As the CV should tell a chronological and interesting story, while remaining concise and summarised, Marketividade has gathered a set of tips that we consider essential for a strong and distinctive first presentation.
Curriculum Vitae: How Can You Stand Out from Everyone Else?
As mentioned above, design is one of the essential steps in making the document more appealing and giving the recruiter the curiosity needed to read further. The next steps, which are equally important, concern the organisation and presentation of the necessary information. This is key to increasing your chances of presenting yourself effectively to a company.
1. Personal details: One of our suggestions is to begin with your personal information, such as your name, contact details, place of residence and possible links to social networks such as LinkedIn.
2. Personal and professional summary: Although this is not mandatory, as it may be discussed during a future interview, you can include a short introductory summary explaining your main characteristics and skills. You may also add a brief sentence explaining your objective in seeking work in a particular field. Keep the summary short but powerful.
3. Professional experience: Summarise your professional experience in reverse chronological order, from the most recent role to the oldest, starting with your latest professional challenge. Describe both the companies involved and the roles and responsibilities you held.
4. Education: Following the same logic as the previous section, start with your most recent academic experience, such as a master’s degree, and continue describing your educational background, mentioning both the educational institution and the course or qualification concerned.
5. Personal interests or extracurricular activities: Whether complementary courses, volunteering or competitive sports, you can and should include a small section showing the activities that differentiate you from other candidates. Remember that this is a very important point, as it helps distinguish your interests, abilities and skills in an individual and unique way.
6. Skills (soft skills and hard skills): Ability to learn quickly, enjoyment of teamwork, leadership skills or the languages you speak are just some examples of skills that can be included in this section of your CV and can add even more value to your application.
Remember that this document should not be too long — which can sometimes be challenging, particularly for those with considerable experience. Our advice is to include only the information that is strictly necessary and relevant, highlighting your strengths and experiences that are connected to the area or position for which you are applying.
Do not be afraid or embarrassed to share your CV with close friends and family. This can help you gain useful feedback on the document and identify areas that could be improved or revised. Read the document several times and avoid spelling mistakes or chronological inconsistencies.
Use these tips to build your calling card for the professional world in a clear and effective way.
