The best way to write a CV involves a little bit more thinking and a smarter
way of doing things. It involves a few counter intuitive aspects. They are counter intuitive
because most of us don't exercise them each day.
The following aspects help you find the
best way to write a CV:
1: Think from the recruiter's perspective
Put your ego's desires aside and focus on what the other person really wants.
2: Keep it simple
Focus on the complexity and you will get more bloat and complexity. Keep it simple. Start with
the core ideas, with the things that matter. Add from there only the things that are absolutely
necessary.
3: You impress by not trying to impress
You don't sound impressive by boasting about it. You are impressive when you act impressively.
Don't try to come up with the perfect phrase or word. Write the entire CV in rough for the
first time. Don't worry about the grammar or spell checking.
Next, simply improve each paragraph one by one. Think about how it integrates with the entire
composition. Improve all the parts one by one, over and over again. Do it until it feels right
and until it the text is grammatically correct.
4: Leave out anything irrelevant or unnecessary
If something is irrelevant then you should leave it out. Antoine de Saint-Exupery said:
"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left
to take away." Stick only with the essentials.
Here's the structure for the best way to write a CV:
1: Name
This section comes right at the top of your first page, in the upper left corner. Add your full
name, physical address, email and phone number.
2: Profile
Describe:
your main psychological traits
the most important work skills you have
your career goal
3: Work experience
List all the companies you worked for, what you did there, what you've learned in the process
and the dates between when you worked.
4: Education
List all the schools and courses you attended. For each one write:
its name and profile
what you've learned
your marks, only if they are good
the dates when you started and when you finished that particular school period
5: Language skills
Mention all the languages you know. Describe your level (beginner, intermediate or advanced)
for each one of them.
6: Computer skills
Clearly and concisely describe what you know to do with your computer. Your future boss cares if
you understand how to:
send, read and receive email
open and edit Microsoft Office documents
browse the Internet
understand the basics of Windows, Linux or Mac
7: Hobbies
List your most important hobbies. The more unusual they are, the better.
8: Referees
Mention 2 or 3 people. They should be important people in their fields. Ideally, they should
have a reputation built upon years of work or upon high accomplishments. They also need to know
you and your work. Mention their full name, title and contact information. Also contact them
personally. Tell them that they may be contacted by your future boss.
The best way to write a CV is always based on the recruiter's interpretation.
So, you'll never know if you wrote the best CV or not. The best to measure the results is by
counting the number of interview invitations you receive.
The following aspects help you find the
best way to write a CV:
