Curriculum vitae

Curriculum vitae, CV, resume – this beloved child has many names. The dictionary also finds different meanings for each of the terms mentioned above. However, in job ads, the employers all mean the same document, and it is the most important document for the job seeker.

The curriculum vitae is an attachment to the job application that gives an overview of the candidate’s job experience, training, and other skills, and includes a summary of the candidate’s core skills and strengths. A good CV gives a first impression of the candidate’s professional competence and strengths while encouraging the reader to read more about the job seeker’s qualifications.

You should prepare the CV carefully and think about how it best reflects your expertise. Things may be clear and orderly for you, but the question is, how clear is it for others reading the document.

There is no single proper presentation for the CV, so it is up to you to choose a presentation style that is sufficiently clear and works best in your particular situation. A carefully customized CV is the cornerstone of the job search. This is why careful CV writing is very important. So take your time when you work on the CV.

The Union’s Career Specialist have listed the best tips for how to highlight your expertise to an employer.

What are the most important aspects of your knowledge, training, and experience related to the job you are applying for?

Everyone starts the job search from different backgrounds. The most important thing is to identify what your trump card is and highlight it at the beginning of the CV. For a recent graduate, it is often a newly completed engineering degree. As soon as you have gained some job experience, the achievements, skills, and competences you have gained in your working life should play a key role in your CV.

What special expertise do you have? How would you be able to capitalize on this characteristic in the role you applied for? Also, consider your previous work experience to the job you are applying to. What skills have you needed to succeed in your previous work that could be useful in the role that you are applying for? Describe this expertise in your CV so that the reader understands the value of the expertise.

Do not assume that the employer will be able to read between the lines and spot your skills. And don’t think that your skills are the same as everyone else. Especially in terms of working methods, IT skills, and language skills, it is important to highlight your know-how. It is good to mention management and work responsibilities, and not to forget about achievements or the scope of the tasks.

All relevant information must be found quickly in a CV. So make sure your CV is easy to read and well-structured. Try also to print the CV so that you can be sure that the colors you use or the photograph will also work in a black and white print. Also, please note that the curriculum vitae reads logically. If your curriculum vitae is more than one page, add a header or footer to each page. Always save the CV as a PDF and ensure that the document has been named. Using the word ‘CV’ or ‘resume’ as a name without other identifying details confuses the document with other applicants.

Do you want to get your CV to the next level? Send your CV to the Union’s Customer Service by email and you will receive our Career Specialist’s comments that will allow you to develop your CV and succeed in your job search.