10 Tips for a Good CV

1. Be concise
A CV is not an autobiography! Its goal is to highlight your strengths for the job you want. Only mention information relevant to the position you are applying for.

2. Chronological order
Information should be chronological: start with what you did most recently. This is usually the most interesting part of your CV.

3. Justify periods of inactivity
This is very important! The worst thing you can do is leave gaps in your CV. Did you take a sabbatical? Mention it. Whether you used that time to travel, take a vacation, or spend time with your grandchildren, it will always look better than a missing period. The employer might find it suspicious. Remember that the information you include in your CV must be verifiable. During an interview, you will often be asked to illustrate your claims and give examples.

4. Don't hide anything
Deliver your message straightforwardly and convince the employer that you possess the skills and experience they are looking for. Ensure your most important skills are mentioned prominently.

5. Be honest
Potential employers hate it when a candidate exaggerates their skills or accomplishments. Greatly exaggerating what you've achieved will raise red flags and could work against you in an interview. Worse, it could even prevent you from getting an interview invitation. Always be honest.

6. Don't forget to mention your contact information
Generally, this information is in the top left corner of the CV and should include your address, phone number, and email address. We advise against including your professional phone number or email address.

7. Also mention experiences gained outside of work
Highlight skills, training, volunteering, and other experiences that might be interesting or valuable to a potential employer. You can always mention interesting assignments, positive evaluations, or successful achievements.

8. Be professional
If this information is not important for the position, it's best to leave out hobbies or personal information. If you include a photo on your CV, make sure it's taken against a neutral background and presents a serious and professional image.

9. Keep your objective in mind
It's very important that your CV is well-written. It cannot contain any spelling or grammatical errors. Otherwise, it will give the impression that you don't pay much attention to detail. A strong and professional CV can convince the employer that you are capable of doing excellent work for them.

10. Test your CV
Testing your CV is a good idea. Have a few close friends or family members read it, both in terms of content and form. If you know someone who regularly works with these types of documents, such as someone in human resources, ask them to review your CV and give you their opinion.

Adecco.be

Posted on October 31, 2013.