Your CV, short for curriculum vitae, is the most important document in your job application.
It´s a personal branding document used to “sell” your-self to prospective employers. It should tell them about you, your professional history and your skills, competences and achievements. Most importantly, it should highlight why you´re the best person for the job. In addition to your CV, employers may also require a cover letter.
There are plenty available online templates you can choose. We provide you with the European user-friendly online template
Before you start: five basic principles for a good CV
- Concentrate on the essentials
- a. Employers generally spend less than one minute reading a CV before deciding to reject it
- b. If applying for an advertised vacancy, always ensure that you comply with any application process entirely
- c. Be brief: two A4 pages are usually more than enough, irrespective of your education and experience
- d. Is you work experience limited? Describe your education and training first; highlight volunteering activities and placements or traineeships
- Be clear and concise
- a. Use short sentences. Avoid clichés. Concentrate on the relevant aspects of your training and work experience
- b. Give specific examples. Quantify your achievements
- c. Update your CV as your experience develops
- Always adapt your CV to suit the post you are applying for
- a. Highlight your strengths according to the needs of the employer and focus on the skills that match the job
- b. Explain any breaks in your studies or career giving examples of any transferable skills you might have learned during your break
- c. Before sending your CV to an employer, check it again that it corresponds to the required profile
- d. Do not artificially inflate your CV; if you do, you are likely to be found out at the interview
- Pay attention to the presentation of your CV
- a. Present your skills and competences clearly and logically, so that your advantages stand out
- b. Put the most relevant information first
- c. Pay attention to spelling and punctuation
- d. Retain the suggested front and layout
- Check your CV once you have filled it in
- a. Do not forget to write a cover letter
- b. Correct any spelling mistakes, and ensure your layout is clear and logical
- c. Have someone else re-read your CV so that you are sure the content is clear and easy to understand..
Click here to see an example of a CV