Tips and tricks for crafting the perfect CV in English.
The first step in your search for a new job is to create (or adapt) your CV. For many jobs, it may be interesting to provide your CV in English as well, but only if you are sure you can do this flawlessly.
A recruiter only needs a few seconds to assess whether you are a suitable candidate or not. When writing your CV you want to attract attention and stand out, but in a positive way.
We give you 10 tips for attracting attention with a perfect CV in English:
1. Keep your CV short and to the point
You are definitely not the only one applying for your dream job. A recruiter receives many CVs for each vacancy, so it is important yours stands out.
Keep your CV concise. Your CV needs to be no more than two pages long.
Limit yourself to relevant information
A concise CV means that you sometimes have to make choices about what you want to include. You will probably want to provide as much information as possible and highlight all your qualities, but limit yourself to the information that is relevant to the job you are applying for.
Focus on work experience, skills and qualities that they are looking for in the vacancy. This way you will confirm that you are a suitable candidate.
2. Structure your CV well
A recruiter will screen your CV in a matter of seconds. That is why it is important to draw up your CV in a structured way so that all relevant information can be found instantly.
Make sure the following items are included in your CV:
- Your full name
- Your personal contact details (telephone number and e-mail address)
- Work experience
- Education
- Summary of your skills including languages
- Optionally, key achievements, interests, references
Extra tip: Putdown the information about your work experience and education in reverse chronological order so that the recruiter starts with your most recent information.
3. Make sure your personality shines through
Naturally, you want to make a professional, business-like impression on your CV, but make sure there is also a glimpse of your personality too so they can get to know you as a person.
Above all, be enthusiastic and sell yourself!
4. Make your CV attractive and well-organised
Your CV has to make a good impression, so spend sufficient time on the layout and design of it:
- Make sure you present the information in a clear and structured way.
- Use subheadings to indicate certain categories.
- Dare to use colour or bold type to highlight key information.
- Save your CV as a PDF before you send it.
5. Check, check and check again
Typos in your CV are absolutely avoidable, so read your CV several times. Check your spelling and rewrite any parts you are not 100% happy with.
Do you have doubts or would you like an extra check? Ask someone close to you to proofread it as well. An outsider's fresh look at your text can help clarify the message and professional image you want to communicatie through your CV.
Do you need professional help with writing your CV in English?
Then you can contact one of our Squidll coaches. Your coach will help you write your CV, review it and correct it where necessary.
Together you will create the perfect CV so you can start your application with confidence!
Are you ready to get started?
Create your account on Squidll, find a coach who fits your needs and start today!
Do you want more tips on boosting your business English? Find out all our tips on our blog.