Writing a CV: The 10 Commandments to Follow Carefully

It's time to get out your old CV and update it.
Before diving into video, illustrated, or 3D CVs, job seekers should focus on the classic formats (doc, pdf...).
Here are 10 key points to help you create a flawless CV.

Read also: Forget the stress of job interviews, try these 3 techniques

1. Prioritize your sections
Your CV shouldn't be a list of your entire career and experiences. It should highlight your qualifications for a specific job. Unless you are overqualified, your CV should fit on one page. Structuring your CV into sections and subsections is the best way to achieve this. This not only makes it easier to read, but also helps recruiters quickly find the important points of your career.


2. Make it easy to read
Your CV will likely end up in a large pile of documents. Making it readable is the best way to stand out and grab the recruiter's attention. A clean and simple layout helps the reader. Using margins, and short paragraphs (6 to 7 bullet points max) improves the first impression. Don't overdo it, quality always trumps quantity. This L'Express article mentions another recurring mistake: "Writing your name in huge letters can be perceived negatively."


3. Don't photocopy your CV
To save money, we've all considered photocopying our CVs. Big mistake! The small details make a difference. Photocopiers often produce imperfect prints. Recruiters may be put off by a CV with faded colors and see this as a sign of carelessness.


4. Don't forget to include your contact information
Even if your contact information is on your cover letter, it should also be on your CV. Missing out on a great opportunity because of such details would be a shame, wouldn't it?


5. Choose your words carefully...
Writing a CV involves carefully choosing your words. Put thought into your CV. Avoid repetitions, vary your verbs and sentences; this will make it easier and more interesting to read. Don't overdo it, use direct and impactful vocabulary. Depending on your field, spelling mistakes can be very detrimental, even eliminating you from consideration.


6. ...As well as your photo
A photo on a CV is no longer mandatory, but many recruiters still expect it. For client-facing roles, the absence of a photograph is often a deal-breaker. A flattering, colored ID photo can influence the reader's first impression.


7. Respect your recruiter
Writing a CV can't be separated from its main purpose: What is your professional goal? Avoid vague arguments, prefer clear experiences that will help recruiters understand your career path. Getting bogged down in details or using unclear language will only annoy the reader. Only include relevant information that matches the job description. Save some ammunition for the interview!


8. Target the company
The priority of any good CV is to adapt to a specific job offer. A generic CV won't help you impress the recruiter. From the first second, the employer must be able to define your profile and whether it fits the position. Like a homemaker choosing their fruits and vegetables, your CV should entice the reader. Your strengths and skills should be obvious. What makes you indispensable?


9. Don't lie
The temptation is great, but it's not worth it. A recruiter will quickly notice. If not while reading the CV, the interview will reveal your lie. These unconventional career paths are not necessarily eliminating; they can make you unique. Certain professional choices can set you apart from another candidate with a more "classic" trajectory.


10. Don't talk about money
Let's not talk about money here! There's a time and a place for everything. Neither your current salary nor your salary expectations should appear on your CV. In some cases, an employer may ask, but this information should only be provided in your cover letter. These financial questions are better addressed at another stage of your job search: the interview.


Jobintree.com