You can't make a second first impression, which is why it is so important that your CV is an attractive showcase in the recruitment process. Attractiveness does not have to consist in an eye-catching form. What matters most is the content, which should be properly packaged to make the greatest impression.
A CV is truly a candidate's business card. Especially since it very often does not contain a photo, so the content is supposed to be an “image” of our skills, qualifications and experience.
What do recruiters look for in a CV? Content alone is not always enough
Most often, people with little or very extensive experience have the most problems with what to include in their CV. For many years, CV preparation has gone through many fashions and trends that meet the needs of employers. At the same time, it was not uncommon to hear stories of unconventional, non-standard and surprising CVs. The effect was always going to be the same: an invitation to a job interview.
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Transparency should be the basis for thinking about how to write a CV, what information to include, what interests to indicate and what data to provide. Thanks to it – according to Pracuj.pl – the recruiter will quickly find key information. A CV that is too long or illegible may discourage further reading, even if the candidate has all the appropriate qualifications.
What should be included in your CV? This information must appear there
How to write a CV well? The most important thing is readability, which in practice means that it is worth dividing your CV into sections: personal data, experience, education, skills, courses and certificates.
Each part should be distinguished with a heading. Experts suggest that it is better to avoid flashy colors and unnecessary graphics. The exception are professions and positions where creativity is highly valued. Typically, however, the document should be elegant and orderly.
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What may surprise many, a photo of the candidate is optional. Similarly to age or date of birth. Gone are the days when the lack of these two aspects disqualified candidates from applying for a job.
What to avoid in your CV? This may do more harm than good
What information should you include in your CV? What interests should be included in your CV? Should you highlight your strengths and what strengths in your CV? A person applying for a job should focus on the most important things: professional summary, two recent job positions with a description of duties and achievements, hard and soft skills, education, courses and the GDPR clause. A longer CV will only work if you have very extensive experience.
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As PRacuj.pl suggests, it is worth using numbers and specific data – percentages, the number of clients or the size of the team attract attention. It is also better to describe achievements in a measurable way, e.g. “I increased sales by 20 percent by implementing a new strategy.”
How to describe an experience? It is best to choose only those positions that are relevant to the new job. It is worth focusing on the last two or three places of employment and describing them specifically, providing successes and measurable effects. It is definitely worth avoiding generalities and empty phrases – details and real competences count.
