In What Order Should I Arrange My Information on My Resume?

It's time to write your Curriculum Vitae, but you don’t know where to start? Some information should appear before others, and it's useful to know this. Discover the correct order in which to present the elements of your CV ✍🏻

1) Personal Information ✔️

This section includes your first and last name, age, address, phone number, email, nationality, and marital status. These details should appear at the top of your CV. They allow the recruiter to quickly access essential information about you. You can also add a photo of yourself (preferably not a vacation snapshot!).

If you have a LinkedIn profile, this is also where it should be included.

2) Job Title ✔️

The job title should be placed at the top of the CV and describe, in just a few words, the role you are applying for in the company. This serves as a hook, so be careful with what you put here! It would be a shame if the recruiter stopped reading your CV because the job title didn’t make them want to continue!

3) Education ✔️

Since you are a recent graduate, it is advisable to place your education before your work experience. Education is an important element for employers when reading a CV. It is recommended to list your education in reverse chronological order, meaning you should start with the most recent degrees and work your way back. If you mention an acronym for your school, make sure to also spell out its full name. For higher degrees, indicate the levels you have obtained, and if applicable, the title of your thesis, dissertation, or internship report. If you participated in an Erasmus exchange, specify the university and country—it will give recruiters insight into your language skills. Clearly state the exact name of the degree you obtained for each education entry.

4) Work Experience ✔️

Work experience is one of the most important sections of a CV. To properly present the jobs you’ve held, it’s best to list them in reverse chronological order as well. However, if you feel that your work experience is significant and adds value to your application, you may place it before the education section. Don't just list the positions you've held, be specific about the tasks and responsibilities you undertook. Go into detail: What exactly did you do? And of course, don't forget to mention the name(s) of the company or companies you worked for. Include the precise dates and durations of your work experiences. If there are gaps in your CV, it’s better to acknowledge them clearly. You may have taken a gap year, paused your studies, etc. Mention these periods without trying to hide them and present them positively!

For example:

"I was searching for my dream job."

"I completed an internship to learn more about a profession before committing to a degree."

5) Languages ✔️

Language skills are an essential factor for many recruiters today. Do not lie about your language proficiency on your CV, as it could work against you during your job interview!

6) Computer Skills ✔️

If you are proficient in software programs, design tools, or programming, it is crucial to mention them in a dedicated section. Again, don’t exaggerate your skills, if you list certain software on your CV, be prepared to discuss your level of proficiency during the interview.

7) Miscellaneous ✔️

The last section of your CV can include a "Miscellaneous" category. This section can describe your interests and highlight your strengths. Talk about what you are passionate about!

• What sports do you practice?
• Are you involved in an association?
• Are you part of a project-based student group?
• Were you a scout leader for five years?

This kind of information demonstrates your sense of responsibility. Every detail will provide more insight into your personality and help the recruiter get to know you better, making it easier to connect during your interview. If you wish, you can describe your personality in a few words.

8) References ✔️

You can include a few references at the end of your Curriculum Vitae. These are people you have worked with who can be contacted by the recruiter if they want to learn more about you. For each reference, include the person's name, job title, phone number, and company. Of course, if you list someone as a reference, ask for their permission first!

Final Tips

In general, express yourself clearly and in a structured way, and be mindful of spelling! Use a clear and readable font, nothing too fancy. Ideally, your CV should not exceed two pages; otherwise, you risk losing the reader’s interest. Finally, don’t hesitate to have your CV proofread!

If you follow all these tips carefully, you should have a top-notch CV! Good luck with your job search!

If you’ve already finished your CV but still haven’t found a job, check out our section on first jobs!