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Six essential elements for your CV

06/16/2016

Published by Espresso-Jobs, June 16th, 2016
Of course, you know how to write a CV. You’ve already sent out several of them, whether you’re just beginning your career, or you’ve been employed for several years. We certainly don't intend to teach you how to put one together. However, because it is essential that you update your CV over time as you accumulate more experience, Espresso-Jobs suggests that you review your CV’s key elements, and therefore revisit how they should be laid out—whether your CV is already very full, or on its way!

1. Contact information and identity.

First of all, it should be easy to spot your name and contact information (telephone number, email address, and street address). If you feel comfortable with including them, you could also add links to your Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. Of course, all of this is pretty obvious. But would you say your contact information is visible enough at first glance? Since recruiters will only spend about 30 seconds on your résumé, you'll do well to make sure this essential information stands out.

2. A quick summary of your skills.

At the beginning of your résumé, write up a list of keywords that sum up your skills. In one quick look, recruiters will have a good idea of your field of expertise and professional qualities. For example: Writing, community management, bilingual, editing, etc.

3. Your various titles, skills, and important related information.

Make sure to be clear and concise. Try to avoid providing extra details: limit your many experiences to those that are meaningful and relevant to the job you are applying to. Sometimes, it is important to be as concise as possible, even when you're trying to show the breadth of the skills you've acquired over the years. You will be able to speak more about these previous experiences and what they brought you once you're called in for an interview!

4. Be OK with the holes in your résumé, and be ready to justify them!

Don’t be misleading by modifying your résumé to avoid having to explain a time when you were not working, or when you were out of work. If a recruiter finds out another way, you could find yourself in hot water. Just be straightforward and explain the reasons why you were not working, without getting into the details. Sick leave, maternity leave, travel: when explained well, all of these reasons are valid and do not affect your credibility. Rather, they are a testament to your honesty in the eyes of your future employer.

5. Your degrees, certifications, additional trainings and skills you've acquired.

Limit your degrees to those you received from college and university training. Under each degree, you can sum up what specific skills and knowledge you acquired from this training. Do you have first aid training? Are you fluent in Spanish, or did you develop basic programming skills from a night class? Any type of training can be relevant, and must be mentioned!

6. Your meaningful experiences and involvement in the community, related to the position you are applying for.

Did you change careers in recent years? If the job you’re after does not relate to your previous experience in another field, such as architecture, you do not need to mention it. Not that this experience is irrelevant: you just need to quickly show that you are the top candidate for the job, and prevent the essential information from getting lost in the shuffle. Volunteer work is also significant experience. All causes that are meaningful to you, and which you have supported using your skills, are another string in your bow, and attest to your dedication.






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