1. Check out what others are doing
Look for CV templates on the internet. See what information should be included depending on the sector you are interested in. Get ideas on the structure and format you want to submit. Select the format that best represents you.
Before you submit your CV, show it to people who have more work experience than you and ask their opinion.
2. Clarity and brevity
Ideally, your CV should not be longer than 1 page. The potential employer should be able to locate the information that interests them at first glance. Place the most important information at the top and format it so that it stands out from the rest.
Limit your CV to the most important information you want the employer to notice. Save the details for your cover letter.
3. Appearance counts
The recruiters sort through many CVs daily. To make a good first impression, your CV must be concise and easy to read.Correct spelling and syntax
Make proper use of the language you are writing in. It is a sign of professionalism. Before you send your CV, ask someone to check your document for any spelling and grammar errors.Short paragraphs
Divide your text into small paragraphs with clear spacing. Use subheadings to show you have changed subject.Consistent margins and spacing
Maintain consistent margins, spacing and fonts throughout your CV. The overall impression of your CV must be neat and clean.Lower-case lettering
Avoid capital letters if possible. Frequent switching from lower- to upper-case lettering is hard on the eyes and may draw attention to areas in the text that are less important.Photograph
If you like, you may include your photograph. Make sure that it is shows your professionalism. Holiday photographs or those hastily taken with your mobile phone are not appropriate.Colour and graphs
Avoid loud colours. They may be attractive, but there is a risk they will make a negative impression on the recruiter examining your CV.
Use graphs to make your CV more readable. Save space with charts and graphs. If your CV is in electronic format, create links to your professional profile on social media.
4. Respond to the requirements of the position you are interested in
Every position has different requirements. Prioritise your CV differently each time to highlight those features which make you the ideal candidate for this position.Work experience
If you have work experience relevant to the position you are interested in, include the most important previous positions you held. For each position, briefly analyse your duties. Explain the skills you developed through these duties.
If you do not have previous experience in a relevant sector, highlight the skills you acquired in your other positions. Explain how these skills will be useful for the position you are applying for now.
If you do not have significant work experience, use your studies to highlight the skills that will make you the ideal candidate for the position.
Education
List all your studies in chronological order. Mention the academic institution where you got each diploma and what your major field of study was.
Include the most important seminars and workshops you have attended which are relevant to the position you are applying for. Foreign languages and computer skills are useful for all employment positions.
Volunteer work
Enhance your professional profile by including any volunteer work you may have done at any organisations and for any activities. If you acquired any leadership and team management skills through these duties, this is an opportunity to highlight them.
5. Consistent and accurate information
Every word on your CV builds your professional image. The more accurate and truthful this image is, the easier it will be to support it in the interview.Your internet profile
Recruiters will cross-check the information included in the CVs they receive. Make sure your CV agrees with your professional profile on LinkedIn or other social media.Contact information
Include valid contact information and the actual hours when you can be contacted. Some employers may not contact you a second time.
Make sure the professional email you provide includes your surname. This way you avoid any chance the employer will send their reply to the wrong email address.