The curriculum vitae is the first filter we must go through when applying for a job search. It needs to be accurate, attractive, reliable, innovative, and mainly a true reflection of your personal and professional profile.
CVs, the first filter
In every job search, the people area receives thousands of CVs or resumes per day. Therefore, it is necessary to capture the interest in being read and generate attention to our experience.
It is a tool to make ourselves known and provide information about our personal and professional backgrounds to achieve the first job interview.
In this article, you will find the keys to generating an attractive CV, passing the first filter, and getting the interview.
1 - Attractive design
Undoubtedly, having orderly and structured information is of the utmost importance. Today, several platforms have design templates available to create a great CV.
Some options even offer the possibility of customizing colors, vectors, icons, etc.
On the other hand, the inclusion of a photograph is no longer mandatory, but if you decide to add it, keep in mind that it should be as professional as possible, close-up front view, with good light (natural light if possible), and a neutral background.
2- Structured information
To make the CV easier to read for the person receiving it, it is ideal that the information you provide is structured among several categories and sections. Among them:
- Personal data: full name, contact information (address, cell phone, telephone, e-mail), and the photograph if you decide to include it.
- Professional objective: here you state what your purpose is in the short and medium term. This objective provides a guideline of what your professional interests are.
- Professional experience: according to your background, you can introduce professional practices, internships, own ventures, or jobs. But if you have too many working experiences or if several of them are short duration, we suggest you select those closer to the nature of the job you are applying for.
- Education: this section includes academic information about qualifications such as high school, university, and undergraduate and graduate courses. It is also advisable to add other types of knowledge, such as language and technical training related to the position.
3- Chronological order
Your work experience and training should ideally follow chronological order from the most recent to the most distant. Your most recent item is usually the most relevant.
For each position, include dates, company, role, and responsibilities. Also, concisely detail your main achievements.
If you are applying for your first job, you can tell about volunteer experiences or projects you have worked on.
4- Synthesis and clarity
One sheet of paper should be enough to include all the information. For this purpose, it is essential to write in a concise, simple, adjective-free, and clean way.
Your resume should be easy to read. Think of it as a tool that briefly describes who we are, where we come from, and where we want to go. Show the key points. In the interview, you will be able to go deeper into each one.
5- Highlight the most relevant
Needless to say, you should not lie on your resume. You can, however, have a basic CV and then highlight or take in and out information to match the requirements of the position for which you are applying.
Emphasize experience relevant to the position, and don’t forget to include information about technical expertise.
6- Cover Letter
Sometimes, an explicit request invites you to attach a cover letter with the CV. Yet, when it is not a requirement, we suggest, even if it is in the body of the email, writing a letter in which you can introduce yourself and explain why you consider yourself the right person for the position.
Finally, do not forget to have your CV permanently updated and consistent with the information presented on your LinkedIn.
From the People area of Oxean, we always seek to provide tools to our community to continue being as close as always.
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