How to Write Effective Curriculum Vitae with Tips and Tricks?
Golden Guidelines for Creating the Best Curriculum Vitae
A curriculum vitae, or CV, is a lengthy document that lists your academics, talents, achievements, and experience. It is Latin for "course of life." It is one of the most crucial documents you have for assisting you in your job quest. A excellent CV can help you land the job by acting as a sales pitch. Similarly, a poorly written CV might send you straight to the front door with no chance of getting the job you want. Follow the guidelines outlined below to create a superb CV and, perhaps, get the job you're applying for.
1) Be familiar with the job.
There is no restriction on how many CVs a person can have. You can create as many as ten distinct CVs for various jobs. If you're an accountant with a position that focuses on taxation, for example, you can choose to emphasize any tax-related abilities you have. Alternatively, if you are a lawyer with a wide range of expertise who is looking for a corporate job, you may always highlight your experience as a corporate lawyer. Include any talents and experience that you believe will assist you land the position. Just keep in mind that your curriculum vitae should be truthful and clear of any fabrications.
2) The fundamentals
Please keep in mind that this is a material for professional use only. Employers aren't concerned in your cooking habits (unless you're a competent chef) or the amount of pets you own. Your CV should include your name, contact information, educational background, professional abilities (if applicable), and work experience. It's fine not to include references in your curriculum vitae because sensitive contact information should not be included in CVs. You're fine to go if you choose a correct, up-to-date format.
3) Do's and Don'ts in Layout:
a) Do your company a favor and use black and white as your primary colors. Avoid the temptation to include your entire personality in your curriculum vitae. It is unlikely to appear in black and white printouts, but it will appear strangely on screen.
b) Avoid using really fancy paper because, even if you get the job, most employers will discard it. You also don't want to appear opulent and unconcerned about the environment by using costly paper.
d) Use a simple typeface. If you're unsure, choose Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Brush Scripts and Comic Sans typefaces should be avoided since they are difficult to read. Also, stay away from any fonts that the employer might not have. The greatest option is to use fonts that are both widely available and aesthetically beautiful. Finding out the typeface used on the company's website is a wonderful way to start. Remember that the devil is in the details, even if they appear insignificant to you.
e) Make sure your curriculum vitae doesn’t exceed two A4 pages. Anything more than that is considered blabber by the employers.
4) The proper CV format
There are two types of CVs: formal and informal.
The most common format is the traditional/chronological curriculum vitae. It includes your work experience as well as your academic qualifications and is the greatest option if you have no gaps in your employment history.
A functional curriculum vitae is a skills-based CV that emphasizes your abilities and accomplishments. This format is the ideal option if you have gaps in your professional experience or plan to switch industries.
5) Use strong words
Your CV must have a lot of punch. It's your first impression in front of the employer, and it could also be your last if you don't play it well. To make your curriculum vitae stand out, use strong terms like "achieved," "organized," and "targets," effective."
6) Ignore the image.
Sure, you put a lot of effort into that photo, but don't put it on your resume. Employers are more interested in the talents and information you can bring to the organization than in how you look or even how polite you are. Your appearance is unimportant as long as you get the job done, therefore leave it off your curriculum vitae and fill that space with useful information.
7) Cover Letter
You would think that now that you have a good curriculum vitae, you are sure to land the interview. Hopefully yes, though in 90% of the cases, a strong cover letter will clinch the deal for you. A cover letter is an additional document sent with your curriculum vitae to highlight your skills. Don’t simply repeat the contents of your CV, rather draft a personal cover letter that clearly states why you are qualified for the job.