The CV is one of the most important self-presentation tools while searching for a job – a concise yet thorough description of your knowledge, background, and skills. Its purpose is to capture the reader’s attention and secure a job interview.
Since recruiters usually spend only a few seconds on each CV, it must be brief, concise, yet comprehensive. As the French say about formal attire, “it is never worn twice”, which means that every position requires its own, customized CV. There is no one “right” formula; it takes creativity and good judgment to decide which sections and which details best highlight your qualifications.
Step–by–step tips
- Gather information: Brainstorm using headings such as Education, Work Experience, Distinctions, Skills, Activities, and provide detailed information under each one.
- Adapt your CV to match employer needs: Think about the kind of position you are looking for and which aspects of your experience would be of particular interest to the specific employer.
- Highlight the most relevant qualifications: Choose the information that makes you the best fit for the position, providing full and precise details (dates, responsibilities, etc.).
- Use structure and sections depending on your profile (Personal Details, Objective, Education, Experience, Skills, Languages, Activities, References, etc.).
- Pay attention to language: introduce yourself in a positive and confident manner, neither excessive nor modest, using action verbs (e.g. organize, coordinate, analyze, create, lead).
- Request feedback from a career advisor, employer, or other expert, and be open to constructive criticism.
- Check the final format: clear typing, quality printing; you may use a ready-made template if it’s more convenient.
- Make a final assessment of content, structure, and language: what impression does the reader form within seconds?
Recommended sections
Personal Details, Education, and Work Experience are essential sections. The others (Objective, Foreign Languages, Distinctions, Activities, etc.) are optional, depending on your qualifications.
- Personal Details: Full name and contact information. Optional: date of birth, marital status, military service (for men).
- Career Goal: Optional, 1–2 lines, focus on the specific position/body.
- Education: From the most recent/important experience backwards (higher education first), including dates, grade (if noteworthy), Erasmus, thesis.
- Work Experience: The most important section. Job title, body, period of employment, responsibilities using action verbs – paid employment, volunteering, internships; everything counts.
- Skills: Useful section if there is lack of work experience – communication skills, organizational and managerial skills using specific examples.
- Languages: Starting with the foreign language you know best, including level and degree.
- Other fields of knowledge: IT, specialized knowledge, driving license, etc.
- Professional Qualifications: Membership in professional associations, license to practice.
- Continuous Training: Seminars and training programmes, providing dates and institution.
- Awards/Scholarships: State awarding institution and rationale.
- Activities/Interests: Optional, related to your career goal; avoid references to political or religious associations.
- References: 2–3 names with contact details – provided you have obtained consent, otherwise state “available upon request”.
- Recommendation Letters: Not attached to the CV; it should be stated that they shall be available upon request.
- Portfolio: Certificates and work samples – not attached to the CV unless explicitly requested, but could prove useful during the interview.
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