Looking for a job is often a challenge, and the first step in the process is creating an excellent resume. A resume, or Curriculum Vitae, is your calling card in the professional world, so it’s worth taking the time to prepare it properly.
Let’s start with the difference between a resume and a CV
In the US, a resume is the document used to apply for most jobs. It focuses mainly on your professional history and skills directly related to the role. Resumes usually fit on one or two pages.
When it comes to CVs, in the United States it is mainly used in the academic, legal, medical or scientific fields. A CV includes detailed information such as published articles, participation in conferences and more. There is no limit to its length – it can be as extensive as necessary.
Where to start when creating the perfect Resume?
Ready-made templates are very useful when creating a resume or CV. They can greatly simplify the process by providing structure and layout that meets industry standards. Using ready-made templates also saves time and effort by eliminating the need to create a document from scratch. There are many free and paid templates available online that can be customized to meet your needs, making creating a professional resume or CV easier and more efficient. You can use the free Canva program, where you will find ready-made templates and all you will have to do is edit the text. There are even specially tailored templates for specific jobs, making it easier to tailor a resume or CV to the employer’s requirements and expectations. Such templates often include sections and suggestions for skills and experience related to a particular industry or position.
What to write in the resume? What information to put there?
According to Undercover Recruiter, the majority of recruiters typically allocate just six to 10 seconds to glance over a CV in search of the key job qualifications. Given this brief window, it’s crucial to effectively communicate that you possess the fundamental requirements of the position within your professional summary or objective statement. Make sure to include both hard and soft skills in your skills section, and emphasize your accomplishments for each job listed.
Appearance
Appearance is crucial, as it often determines the first impression a candidate makes on an employer. An aesthetically pleasing and legible resume can attract attention and interest, while a chaotic or sloppy layout can put people off. Careful formatting, use of a legible font and proper arrangement of content make a resume more professional and accessible to the reader. Therefore, take the time to polish the appearance of your resume to increase your chances of success in the hiring process.
Matching the resume to the job offer
Matching your resume to a specific job ad is key to increasing your chances of success in a recruitment. Using the information in the ad to highlight your skills and experience gives the employer confidence that you are the ideal candidate for the position. By highlighting relevant qualifications and experience, you show that you have understood the job requirements and are ready to meet the employer’s expectations. This approach helps expose your value as a potential employee, which may convince the recruiter to invite you for an interview.
The right photo
Adding a photo to a resume is a topic that is controversial. On the one hand, there is an argument that an employer should not judge a candidate based on his appearance, but only on his competence and work experience. On the other hand, even if an employer should not make a decision based on a candidate’s appearance, it is difficult to overlook a photo if it is attached to a document. Therefore, many experts advise not to add a photo to a resume or CV to avoid unnecessary associations with appearance. Instead, focus on the presentation of experience, qualifications and skills that are key to the position.
Photo for resume and CV
However, if you decide to add a photo to your resume, it’s worth taking care of a few important things. Choose a photograph that presents you in a professional manner, avoiding random photos from parties or social events. Make sure that you are alone in the photo and that the background does not distract from your character. It is recommended that the photo shows your face or shoulders, not your entire figure. Also, make sure that the image quality is good and that the photo looks professional and serious. Photos taken by someone other than yourself will be better received than the typical “selfie.” Attention to these details can help create a positive impression on a potential employer.
What and how to write down a resume?
Dividing a resume into clear sections makes it easier for the reader to quickly find the information they need and gives the document a professional look. Here’s a sample section breakdown:
Personal information
In the personal information section of your resume, you don’t have to include your date of birth if you don’t want to. This topic is controversial because it raises the question of whether an employer should judge a candidate based on age or rather on his competence and work experience. Avoiding to include the date of birth can prevent possible discriminatory practices on the part of employers, focusing attention on a candidate’s qualifications and skills instead of his or her age. However, the decision to include a date of birth on a resume depends on the candidate’s preferences and strategies.
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Optional: a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio
If you wish, you can also add information about where you are currently based, which can be especially important if you are relocating or looking for a remote job. Also, pay attention to whether your email address sounds professional. Email addresses with inappropriate or unprofessional words can reflect poorly on your impression as a candidate. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have an email address that is clear, understandable and positively represents you as a person. It is necessary to provide contact information to enable the employer to contact you. These details should include a phone number, email address and, if you have one, a link to your profile on the LinkedIn platform. Providing this information makes it easier for recruiters to contact you directly if needed, and further allows you to.
“About me” section
In the “About Me” or “Professional Summary” section, you can provide a few words about yourself and describe your professional goals and what you have achieved so far. This space gives you a chance to introduce yourself personally to the recruiter and highlight your most important achievements. You can focus on the key skills you possess and your professional achievements that make you a suitable candidate for the position. It is important to keep your description clear, concise and focused on what is most relevant to your career path. Take heed of what you include in the “About Me” section, as it will be the first thing a person who receives your resume will see.
Work experience
Work experience is a key section of the resume, where you should pay attention to the fit with the job offer. There are two main types of resumes: chronological and functional. With a chronological resume, the most recent experience is listed first, using the reverse chronology principle. With a functional resume, on the other hand, the focus is primarily on skills, which are listed before work experience. This format works well for people at the beginning of their careers. Regardless of your choice of format, provide specific information, such as the names of companies you’ve worked for, dates of employment (including months), and descriptions of tasks and accomplishments. Show specific examples, for example: “I managed a project with a team of 10 people.” By adding dates with the month, you demonstrate transparency and honesty in presenting your work experience. These principles are key to both the traditional and more creative approaches to creating a curriculum vitae.
- List previous jobs in reverse chronology
- Company name
- Position
- Dates of employment
- Description of duties and accomplishments
Educação
In the education section, it is useful to include any development programs, experience of studying in a country other than one’s home country, and academic achievements. It is also advisable to include the start and end dates of your courses, especially if they were longer courses. It is not necessary to include information about your undergraduate school, especially if you are in the process of finishing your degree. It is enough to mention the university where you are currently studying, and if you are continuing your education, include the start date with the addition of “currently.” These details will help highlight your educational development and skills in a professional context.
- Name of school or university
- Field of study
- Degree
- Date of completion or expected completion date
Training, courses and certificates
Training and courses are an important part of your resume because they confirm your skills and competencies. Often employers require you to attach certificates or attestations confirming completion of courses or participation in training. That’s why it’s a good idea to be prepared and have documentation ready to attach, even if it’s not required in a particular job advertisement. Having certificates can confirm your knowledge and experience in a particular field, which increases your attractiveness as a candidate.
By providing the date you completed the course, the full name of the training, and the name and institution that issued the certificate, you provide the recruiter with specific information that lends credibility to your skills. This allows the employer to better understand what areas you are competent in and what qualifications you have acquired.
Highlighting Key Qualifications allows you to provide a focused presentation of your most important qualifications, skills and accomplishments. This allows you to quickly grab the attention of hiring managers, who often review many resumes in rapid succession. Highlighting your key qualifications makes your resume more readable and attractive to potential employers.
- List additional training, courses or certifications earned in your field
- Name of the leading institution
- Date of completion
Skills
The “Skills” section of a resume is a key element that should not be overlooked. According to research, soft skills are one of the most desirable qualities employers look for in employees. In this section, you can highlight your competencies, both soft and technical, that make you a valuable candidate for the position. Soft skills, such as the ability to communicate, work in teams, flexibility or problem-solving skills, are increasingly valued in the workplace. By adding a clear description of your skills to your resume, you show the employer that you possess not only subject matter expertise, but also interpersonal and adaptive skills that can bring value to the team and organization. This is also a great place to tailor your skills to the specific requirements of the job announcement.
Soft skills, teamwork, organizing your own work and time
Technical skills such as the use of concrket tools, knowledge of programs
