Use Your CV to Showcase Your Best Self!

With your curriculum vitae, you have only a few seconds to show a recruiter that you are the right person for the job you’re after. Therefore, you must be sure that your CV ticks the boxes of what we at CINDE call the three C's: clear, concrete, and concise.

But how can you achieve the three C’s?

Let's take it section by section:

1. Be Clear

First, make sure that your contact information is clear and up to date. The most important things are your first and last name, telephone number, and email address. In addition, you can add other information, such as your profiles on LinkedIn and other social networks, if you consider these to be relevant to the job for which you’re applying.

Remember that the top third of your CV is the most important, and the section that recruiters will most use as their selection criteria. Verify that the most important elements of your career are in this top third.

If you have important achievements, put them here. For example, if you graduated from a top-tier university and don't yet have any work experience, put your education first. If you have unique skills, what’s what you should highlight here.

Review the requirements of the position for which you’re applying. This is how you determine what elements are most important to highlight on your CV.

2. Be Concrete

Being concrete, or specific, can be difficult. At the end of the day, remember that the recruiter will only have a few seconds to decide whether you’d be a good fit for the company.

Don't use abstract terms or long descriptions. In a few lines, say who you are, if you have any program management skills that you consider to be necessary for the position, and whether you have any proven soft skills.

3. Be Concise

You don't have to list your entire education from kindergarten through college. Recruiters are only interested in any studies that directly correspond to the position for which you are applying.

With this in mind, it’s only important to include your latest educational achievements and any courses or certifications that will help you meet the employer’s expectations.

Likewise, it’s not necessary to list every responsibility you’ve had at every position you’ve held. It’s sufficient to list the name of the company and your position, paired with the time you spent there.

Now it’s your turn. Take these recommendations, create or update your CV, and then enter the CINDE Multilingual Job Fair to find your next job opportunity!