The rules for a good CV

Your CV is the first contact the employer will have with you, it's therefore vital to write it properly. The information on the CV is what helps the employer decide wether he wants to meet you for an interview of not. This is why content and presentation matter.

The content

First on your CV should appear your personal details:

• first and last name,
• date of birth,
• address,
• phone number
• and e-mail address.

This will give the boss a first idea about you, so try to have an e-mail address that is appropriate !

Then your academic qualifications should follow. It is important for an employer to know where and what you studied. So don’t forget to mention the name of the establishment and the branch you studied because this can have an influence on the attention the employer will devote to your application.

Your previous work experience is also relevant and if possible some recommendation from a former boss could be useful.  In this section, it is also advised to add internships or volunteer work. It proves that you are active and that you possess some experience.  The importance given to experience is significant so anything that is relevant ought to be in the list.

Later in your CV the employer should be able to encounter more subjective aspects about you such as your interests or your skills and qualities. Try to avoid clichés as “dynamic” or  “motivated”. Your CV is not a display you should put information that is relevant to the position you are applying for.

The Layout

The length of a CV should be two pages A4 maximum. On one hand if it is too long it will seem boring and pretentious but on the other hand a CV that is too short will show a lack of experience.

In other word, you should be clear and concise but complete.

Also view our list of starter jobs!

A CV has to be simple to read in consequence it is preferable to use short sentences than never-ending descriptions. In the USA the Curriculum Vitae is called “résumé” which proves that it must be a synthesis of your professional experience, not a whole novel.