Create a Lasting Impression with Your CV

Similar to a resume, a curriculum vitae contains information regarding your educational background, work experience, skills and achievements, but the CV is typically lengthier than a resume, stretching to two or three pages. Follow these seven steps to craft your curriculum vitae to make a big impression on any hiring manager.

1. Decide on a Layout

Look online for curriculum vitae layouts to find one that suits your style preferences. Be sure to include headings for a personal statement, work experience, educational background, career goals and accomplishments. Your name and contact information should be prominently displayed at the top of the page.

2. Opt for Clean Formatting

Keep the formatting of your CV uncluttered to present a professional image. Choose a simple font, and use headings to divide sections clearly. Opt for bullet points and short, easy-to-read paragraphs; recruiters are likely to be turned off by long blocks of text.

3. Make Use of Prime Real Estate

Think of the top quarter of your curriculum vitae as prime marketing space. Since recruiters often receive hundreds of resumes and CVs for any one position, they don’t have a lot of time to read each one in full. Order your headings so that your most impressive qualifications are listed at the top.

4. Customize It for the Job

Just as you do with a resume, make sure your curriculum vitae is tailored for the position for which you’re applying. Read the job description carefully, and determine what skills are most important to the hiring organization. Craft your CV to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job.

5. Provide Examples

Rather than just listing your skills and qualifications, give proof of your abilities by mentioning significant achievements. If you claim to be a good salesman, tell how you boosted company sales by 10 percent every quarter at your previous employer.

6. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Never send your curriculum vitae to an employer without taking a careful look to make sure there are no formatting issues, spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Ask a trusted friend or colleague to review the document to get a fresh perspective.

7. Pair It With a Cover Letter

Craft an impressive and convincing cover letter to send along with your CV when you apply for any job. Customize each cover letter to the employer, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job. Create a persuasive sales pitch, and keep a professional tone.

To stand apart from other candidates and land your dream job, you have to make a big impression on the company’s hiring decision-makers. A well-written curriculum vitae can make the case for you, demonstrating to potential employers what value you can bring to their firm.

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