Struggling to create the perfect CV to land your dream job? Unsure of what information to include or how to structure your experience? Confused over whether or not to add a photo? Worry not!
In this article, we’ll share handy tips to help you craft a killer CV that will catch the eye of any recruiter (especially Avature’s!) So, get ready to take notes, maximize your chances of success in the job market, and #ImpactYourCareer 💡
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Your CV is one of the most important tools when it comes to job searching. It’s your first point of contact with potential employers, so it’s essential that it conveys your skills, experience, and potential, and that it stands out from the crowd. Here are our tips to make that possible.
Length and Format
- Choose the appropriate length and stick to a two page document, that should be more than enough to cover all the relevant information (plus, most recruiters don’t have a lot of time to go through lengthy CVs!)
- While a fancy design is a nice-to-have, clear and legible information is a must. You can use pre-made templates and add your personal touch to them.
- Your CV should be in PDF format, which is more secure and can’t be modified. This also ensures that it will look exactly the way you designed it.
- Make sure to save the file with a name that makes sense, ideally your name and surname.
Contact Information
- Put it in a place where it’s easy to find and clearly visible.
- You don’t need to include too much personal info, such as age, gender, birthday, ID, children, marital status, or driving license.
- Your full name, phone number, email address, and location should be enough. If you have a LinkedIn profile or portfolio, include the link as well.
- Remember to double-check that the contact details are correct — you won’t imagine how easily you can make a typo.
Photo
- While it isn’t necessary to include a photo, you can add one if you wish.
- If you choose to do so, make sure that you are smiling or at least showing a hint of a smile. It’s the first impression you’ll make: say cheese!
- Avoid using filters or making funny faces — leave that for Instagram stories ;)
- Ideally, the photo should be a headshot or upper body portrait.
About You
- Include a short paragraph describing who you are, what you enjoy doing, and what your interests are. This first section of your CV is the first thing the recruiter will read: make the most of it!
- It’s also essential to use this space to acknowledge the position you are applying for, demonstrating that you are tailoring your CV to the specific role.
Work Experience
- List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
- Include the company name, your position, your start and end dates, and a brief description of your duties and achievements.
- You can include internships or volunteer work as well if relevant.
Education and Training
- Include your highest level of education achieved, such as a university degree.
- Avoid what’s obvious: If you completed high school, there is no need to include primary school education, as it becomes self-evident.
- You can also include relevant courses, certificates, or licenses you have obtained.
Languages and Other Skills
- Include all the languages you speak, along with your level of proficiency.
- If you are fluent in another language which could be relevant to the position, write your CV in that language as well. This accounts for your competence.
- If you have certifications that attest to your level of proficiency, add them too. The levels are typically:
- A1 and A2 for basic skills
- B1 for intermediate
- B2 for upper-intermediate
- C1 for advanced
- C2 for proficient
- If your level is very basic, like just knowing a few words, it won’t make any difference, so it’s not necessary to include it.
- Include any skills or expertise you have acquired, such as experience using a specific software or programming languages. It’s always good to highlight these skills as your potential employer may be looking specifically for someone with expertise in those areas.
Updated LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio Websites
- Make sure that your LinkedIn or portfolio websites are up to date.
- Consider asking your friends and colleagues to give you recommendations and reviews. This validates your skills and shows that you are a team player.
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Writing a killer CV requires careful attention to detail, a clear presentation of your skills and experience, and a personal touch that makes you stand out from the rest (creativity is always welcome, so don’t be afraid to do something out of the ordinary.) By following these tips, you will increase your chances of capturing the attention of recruiters and navigating job hunting like a champ.
- Want to go a step further? Now that you know how to write a killer CV, learn how to write a killer application to accompany it — the best combo ever.
- Done? Now hit our careers site to find your ideal position within the A-Team and let’s start impacting your career together!
We hope you find this info useful and wish you the absolute best in everything you set your mind on 💜