The Daunting Task Of Creating A CV

Entering the work environment can be daunting, especially when it comes to crafting your CV. The main question many face is: What should be on my CV? It can be intimidating to create one—do you use the template that Word or Google Docs provides? How much information is too much? These questions are valid and need to be addressed.

First, understand that your CV should demonstrate to a potential employer that you have the knowledge, experience, and skills required for a particular position. It's critical to remember that lying on a CV can damage your reputation.

Begin your CV with your basic details, like your name and surname, followed by your contact details. In creative fields, consider adding your personal social media to showcase your creative potential. Avoid including your ID number or actual home address; a generic location will suffice. By omitting these details, you can protect your identity. The company will request these details if necessary. It's optional to include a picture of yourself, as this can eliminate bias from the hiring process.

Next, include a summary. This is a brief statement highlighting your key skills, experiences, and overall career goals. Think of it as your elevator pitch, summarizing who you are, what you can do, and why you'd be a valuable addition to the company—in one or two sentences.

List your education, mentioning your high school, university, and any additional coursework. Include start and end dates for each, as this helps organizations understand your current educational status.

In addition to education, include achievements and awards. Keep them relevant; while a "World's Greatest Grandchild" mug might be cute, it's not something employers need to know about. Add any relevant certifications to showcase your commitment to staying current in your field.

Include a skills section, listing your technical skills. Employers want to know if you can adapt to their software and what software you're comfortable using. This section reflects your capabilities and whether you're prepared for the job or will require training.

Finally, include references—previous work experiences and contact details. This allows recruiters to contact them and gain insight into your work ethic. It also helps identify any gaps in your CV that need clarification.

Creating a CV can be stressful due to different layouts, opinions, and requirements. Having the basic information in your CV simplifies the task. Remember, you want your CV to stand out, so keep it to one page max one and a half page, otherwise, you will bore the recruiting department. Add your personal flair, and don't hesitate to seek advice from recruiters and do your own research.