Writing a CV: all tips at a glance

Whether you’re looking for a full-time or part-time job, almost finished with your education, or have been working for many years already, it’s important to be well prepared when applying for a job. That preparation starts with your CV. Here, we share all the tips for creating a CV that makes a strong impression. Don’t need any tips and want to view vacancies right away? Of course, that’s possible too.

Because recruiters often go through a stack of CVs, it’s important that yours stands out!

This is where you start
First of all, it’s important that the recruiter knows who is applying. On a CV, this is called personal details. The following elements are important:

• First and last name
• Address + city of residence
• Phone number
• Email address
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Driver’s license

Photo or no photo?
A photo is not mandatory, as decisions should not be made based on appearance. The recruiter should base their decision on your qualities. So, you can choose whether or not to add a photo to your CV. If you have a good, professional photo, you can include it to add some personality to your CV.

To make an extra impression, you can write a short personal profile about yourself. This allows you to present yourself in a more informal and personal way and helps the recruiter get to know you better.

Work experience
After introducing yourself, it’s important to show during which periods you worked for which companies. Recruiters look for relevant work experience that matches the vacancy. Be sure to mention the position you held at each company and briefly describe your responsibilities. Keep it as concise as possible and avoid long texts.

It’s important to list your work experience from present to past. This makes it easiest for the recruiter to see your experience.

Education
In addition to work experience, all education, diplomas, and certificates deserve a place on your CV. Here too, list them from most recent to least recent.

Additional knowledge, skills, and activities
Do you have additional skills? Include them! This can be attractive to a recruiter. Mention the languages you speak or any courses you’ve completed. Don’t forget to include any volunteer work you do or have done, as well as activities you’ve organized. These are all plus points that help you stand out from others. They also create a positive impression of personal traits such as perseverance, initiative, and a sense of responsibility.

Do's & don'ts
These quick do’s and don’ts will help all parts of your CV come across clearly:

Do's               

• Keep it short and concise (maximum of 2 A4 pages)
• Tailor your CV to the vacancy you’re applying for
• Use a clean, attractive layout
• Make sure your CV is clear and easy to read
• Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes

Don'ts

• Don’t make things up
• Don’t include incorrect contact details
• Don’t add irrelevant information
• Don’t mention reasons for leaving previous employers