If you are writing the resume, but you don't have enough work experience behind you, don't worry; it will have to focus on the courses you have taken and the skills you have acquired. However, it is important to include the basic information described in method 1.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Include Basic Information
Step 1. Enter your name and contact details
Start by writing your name and contact details at the top of your CV. Include the address, mobile number, and e-mail address. You can also choose to enter other information such as:
- Your passport photo.
- Links to your social networks.
Step 2. Start with a summary of your skills and course of study
Some choose to begin their CVs with two or three sentences that summarize education, skills and achievements.
If you decide to include this summary, you should write it exactly under the contact information
Step 3. Talk about your education
If you are applying for your first job position, with no previous experience, the employer will focus their attention on your education. Enter information about:
- The level of education.
- Fundamental and complementary subjects (if you attended university).
- Courses relevant to the job you are applying for.
Step 4. List the achievements, certificates, and awards you have received
The next section should focus on your awards and milestones achieved. You could also talk about the certifications you have earned. The purpose of this section is to demonstrate how you stand out for your achievements. List things like:
- The grade of the diploma or degree (if it is high).
- Participation in projects such as Erasmus.
- Certifications in English such as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), or IT certifications such as ECDL.
Step 5. List your skills and knowledge
Make a list of the skills that best represent your skills. Take some time to consider what kind of skills the company you are applying for is most likely to seek. Adapt your list to the job position you are applying for.
For example, if you are applying to be a receptionist in a daycare, you could list skills such as: excellent organizational skills, in-depth knowledge of Google docs, WordPress and social networks, etc
Step 6. Enter information regarding any internships and volunteer experiences
This section should be devoted to the description of internships or provision of voluntary services. Include only relevant experiences.
For example, if you are applying to be a teacher at a daycare, you might include information about volunteering at the children's camp. Describe your position and role
Method 2 of 3: Remember to Format the Document
Step 1. Consider the length of your CV
Although there is no absolute rule on the length of the CV, it is usually recommended not to go beyond one or two pages maximum.
If your CV is longer than a page, consider cutting out the parts that are not relevant to the position you are applying for
Step 2. Keep some formatting details in mind
The way you format your CV will influence the image that the potential employer will have of you. If your CV looks neglected or unprofessional, it could be a bad opinion. Consider things like:
- Font: Use a single font throughout the CV. Choose one that has a professional look like Arial or Times New Roman.
- Margins: The margins should be between 2, 5 and 3 cm wide.
- Font size: Try to keep a size between 10 and 12 pt.
- However, you should write the title of each section, as well as your name and contact information, in bold.
Step 3. Check that your CV is consistent
Look at your CV. Does it look homogeneous? Are the titles all in bold? Does each section include a bulleted list to better clarify the topic you are talking about?
Step 4. Reread the CV
It must not have grammar and punctuation errors. Read it aloud to make sure it doesn't run smoothly at any point.
Also consider having someone you trust read your resume
Method 3 of 3: Things to Avoid
Step 1. Don't just list your work experience
As you list your work or volunteer experience, along with concrete facts, such as the dates you worked, you must try to provide examples of how you have contributed invaluable help to the company. Some ideas could be:
- The difficulties encountered and how they were overcome. Talk about the strategies used.
- Talk about how you supported the company or organization.
Step 2. Avoid stereotyped beginnings
If you want to stand out from the crowd, avoid overly common or old-fashioned phrases.
Rather talk about some skills in your area of specialization. Make sure any information you enter is relevant to the job you are applying for
Step 3. Try not to write too much or too little
Do not try to fill in a myriad of information, or to fill the page with unnecessary details. Whenever you add something to your CV, ask yourself if it is relevant to the job you are applying for.
Step 4. Reduce the number of personal pronouns in the CV
Since this is a professional document, you should minimize the use of personal pronouns, even though the document is about you. Don't list each skill by saying things like "I am organized".
Instead, when listing your skills, try to be short and to the point. Make a list like: 1. Very organized. 2. Proficient in WordPress, Twitter, and Excel. etc
Step 5. Avoid irrelevant information
Your marital status, weight, or your dog's name does not matter (unless you are applying as a dog-sitter). Your potential employer wants to know about your work experiences, not your private life.
Advice
- Focus on the quality of the CV, rather than its length.
- Try not to be repetitive.
- Don't include irrelevant information like hobbies, just to lengthen the stock.
- Try to adapt the CV to the expectations of the company.
- If you include references, include them at the end of your CV and don't rely too heavily on them.
