Checklist for a CV that works

Today we will give you a checklist for a CV that works.

All the things that are important are in my CV

After reading your CV recruiters want answers to all of their questions. In your CV then you also need to include all items that are relevant to the position that you are applying for. Experience, training, hobbies, … anything that may be relevant to convince the recruiter about your qualities, must be set out in your CV.

There is a clear structure in my CV

A recruiter can’t do anything with all of this information, if he can’t find it. In addition to the content, the structure of your CV is also therefore extremely important. If the recruiter is not able to find the critical information in an instant, the chance of a positive answer is greatly reduced. Use a clear structure, with clear, relevant titles.

My CV looks well organised

Looks matter… and this also applies to your CV. It needs to look good. A well organised layout is an invitation to read on. May be it requires a little more time, but carefully organise your layout if you want to stand out amongst the other CVs.

The most important things should go at the top

‘Save the best for last’, once again then this is not an approach you should adopt for your CV. Your relevant work experience, relevant diplomas and certificates must stand out. Definitely do not put them anywhere at the bottom, but place them clearly at the top, then the recruiter will read them first and you will grab his attention. Don’t just summarise them, but with your work experience, for example, provide an overview of the jobs that are relevant to your application.

I only provide the information that is important for the job for which I am applying

An employer wants to find out about you when he reads your CV, but he doesn’t need to know everything about you. If you have completed many training courses, you don’t need to summarise all of them, just those that are relevant to your application. You don’t usually need to state your secondary school.

For an ad hoc application I will clearly specify what I am looking for

Do you know exactly what you want? Then say what you want: set out in your CV what type of job you are looking for. In this way recruiters will understand this and they can consider whether they are to look at your application. This is particularly true for ad hoc applications, and applications for positions that differ from what you have done in the past.

The recruiter is not able to find my contact details

Of course you want to be invited for an interview as quickly as possible! Put your contact details at the top of your CV, so that the recruiter can easily find them. Preferably put them in the page header, so that where applicable they can also appear on a second page.

My knowledge of languages is also included in my CV

Definitely do not forget to state your knowledge of languages, which is important for most positions.

My CV is concise but complete

Generally speaking, recruiters do not have much time, so don’t make it too long. Limit your CV to 2 pages, a CV that is longer will not actually be read in full. Don’t leave any gaps in your CV, as this will raise questions. If you have been unemployed for a period, then indicate this.