Tips on how to write an effective and attention-getting CV!
Do you wish to complete your studies with a practical component abroad?
Get ready for an international experience!
But how to apply? Getting an interview for an internship placement can depend on how good your CV is It is the opportunity for you to show the employer that you are the right person for the placement!
Have a look at the following guidelines!
- How long? Don't write more than 2 pages! Writing a CV or Curriculum Vitae is no longer necessary. Don't worry, employers know what a CV is! This kind of not useful information definitely has to be avoided.
Your CV must be clear and readable, so don´t forget the importance of spaces between the different sections!
- What should I definitely include? It sounds basic but your CV should include sections like contact information, education, work experience, and skills.
- Start with your Personal Details: your name, address and contact details. It is up to you whether you include your age, marital status and nationality, its not essential but some employers would like to know, and it can sometimes be an asset for you!
- Don´t forget how essential it is to order information according to whats the most important! Education or Work Experience? Well, it actually depends on the work placement you're applying for!
For some positions your experience may be a real asset for you while for others qualifications will be more important.
- Keep in mind that if you have already been working for a while, you should put your Work Experience first, all the more so as it is relevant. Create a bulleted list showing not only your main duties and responsibilities but above all highlighting your specific achievements and skills you used and developed. This is the information the employer uses when deciding whether to interview you or not.
- If you are younger and do not have much work experience, focus on your Education and training, don´t worry, we hardly all went through this stage! The fact is that you have to make this section attractive with key information.
- Include then Other Skills that might be useful to an employer according to the work placement you're applying for - Driving, Languages, IT Skills etc. You can also have one specific Languages or IT Skills' section for example.
Once again be specific above all regarding your levels in languages.
If you already passed some certificate such as TOEIC, for example through an English course in Cambridge or another, specify it! An employer will appreciate it. You can use words such as "fluent", "intermediate", and "beginner" (if not bilingual!) but it won't be as relevant.
- And of course, don't forget your Hobbies and Interests! They're also important because they help the employer to understand which kind of person you are. As well as in the other sections, information must be relevant to the work placement you're applying for. Avoid activities that are too general and be specific. For example, if you're keen on dancing or music, specify which types! If you play tennis say for how long, if you already played in tournaments etc. Don't forget that your hobbies show who you are!
- Be consistent in style! When talking about a CV consistency is a keyword. Determine the way you want your CV to look and be consistent with your font (pick a quite standard one in general) and setup each section in the same way. For example, the titles of the different sections must all be alike.
- Tailor your CV to the job! The words you choose are important. You should adapt the content of your CV for each work placement you're applying for to reflect certain keywords the employer will be looking for. Think about what the employer is asking for. Take some time to find out about the main activities of the company.
- And last but not least, proofread your CV! If you don't want your CV to be thrown into the "No" pile immediately, proofread it! Mistake and CV are two words that are not compatible! So don't hesitate to ask somebody else to review your CV again before applying!
DO's & DONT's
DO's
Use positive language and power doing words like launched, managed and improved. Quote figures if possible to back up your claims.
If you need to print your CV, use good-quality paper - first impressions count!
DONT's
If you don´t want to pull such a face, just don´t:
- Lie - employers have ways of checking if what you wrote in you CV is true. If they find out you´ve lied to them, consequences can be severe for you!
- Delay responding to contact made by prospective employer. You should contact them only in the way they requested to (don´t phone them if they only gave an email address for example).
Contact us
Now that you are ready to apply for a work placement, what about an Exchange Program in England? Or maybe you'd prefer in Europe?
No matter where you're going, Nacel can help you. Let's go!