In this article, we will help you prepare a resume that shows your potential in front of potential employers. You will also learn how to write a clear and persuasive cover letter that will prepare you for the interview stage.
What is a CV?
In the USA and Canada CVs are known as résumés, sometimes spelled resume, called a CV, which stands for curriculum vitae, is a document created and used by a person to present their background, skills, and accomplishments.
Résumés can be used for a variety of reasons, but most often they are used to secure new employment.
What to include in a CV
A CV is a summary of the personal, professional, and social characteristics that demonstrate that you are the right candidate for the job.
It must contain the following:
- Your contact information, such as your full name, phone number, and email address.
- Summary, two or three sentences in the introduction to your resume describing yourself and what you can offer to the company.
- Details of your previous professional experience, including company names, positions, start and end dates, and a summary of each job and achievements to confirm that you have the skills required for the job you are applying for.
- Certifications, it is also important that you provide details of any diplomas, certificates, or tests you have passed with the dates of each and the grades if they are relevant to your field of work.
We recommend that you include only the most recent and relevant information in your resume and share it in PDF format.
Recruiters and employers are known to browse through dozens of resumes for each job, so make sure your resume is unique and fits the job requirements.
Easy CV writing tips
In short, here are tips for writing a great resume:
- Make sure it's brief and clear, with the most recent and important information added at the top.
- Review the entire content for spelling and grammatical errors.
Don't overuse formatting, such as bold, italics, or underscores.Avoid using terms that your employer may not understand, such as acronyms and jargon for a company you work for. - Depending on the jobs you're applying for, you can set up another type of resume, such as a LinkedIn profile or even a personal website. LinkedIn is an excellent platform to enhance your exposure to employers while also connecting with experts in your field.
- When creating a LinkedIn profile, make sure the title is clear and simple and that you include in the Summary section a glimpse of your past, current, and future ambitions. It is also useful to ask for recommendations from previous employers or colleagues, to add to your profile.
- When describing your previous jobs, focus on the skills appropriate to the job you are looking for and make it clear that you have the necessary experience.
- Update your profile regularly, showing potential recruiters that you are organized and motivated to get the job.
After completing your CV, we now move on to writing the cover letter that will help you add your own touch to your application and outline what you can offer.
- Always try to address the hiring manager or manager directly, and avoid general opening phrases like “to whom it may concern.”
- A cover letter makes a first impression of you, so it's important to write it in a way that says it's addressed to the recruiter directly.
- Make sure that the cover letter is brief and professional, and avoid repeating the same information mentioned in the resume, but talk in three or four paragraphs about your suitability for the job you are applying for.
- Start by including your personal motivations, and articulating the possibilities that make you a good fit for the job.
- Don't overuse the word “I,” and focus on ways you can help the company.
- Finally, make sure the subject line is clear and simple, such as, “Job Application - Title - Your Name,” or include the job reference number if available.
Since you are now fully aware of the steps needed to create these important documents, you are ready to start searching and applying for jobs with confidence.
Remember to revise and adjust your resume and cover letter to meet the requirements of the specific job you are applying for.