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How do you prepare a CV?

Mark
|
3 minuten
Applying for a job; it’s never easy... Because where do you start when you're done studying? Of course we want to help you out there! For us, it is a daily activity to review and assess letters of application and CVs. Because we can imagine that getting started can be tricky, we want to start with step one: creating a resume.

Although the basis of name and address details, work experience, education and skills is used by the vast majority, there is considerable variation in the clarity and completeness of information. So what can you do to get even better attention? Read our tips & tricks and who knows, we might meet soon!

Gather as much information as possible


One standard resume does not exist. If your resume can be sent directly to all employers in the Netherlands, you probably do not have a very high success rate. So what can you do? First of all, read through the vacancy and write down the most important skills and job requirements that apply to you. In addition, don't just look at the job description, but also collect other information such as the company ambiance and the partners.

Key elements


Make sure your resume is no more than two pages and lists all the crucial details on page 1. What information is that? To start with, your name and address details and a great photo. Why? This will give us a better impression of you. This information could also include a link to your LinkedIn profile.

Other important details are of course your education and work experience. Make sure there are no gaps in your resume; a year-long trip around the world or getting your first-year P certificate in your first study? Show us, otherwise we'll think you've done nothing for a year. As a starter, it is wise to begin with your education. Mention your study, minor & thesis topic if relevant, and don't forget the number of years and whether or not you graduated or earned certificates. Should you already have several years of relevant work experience, this is of course a great distinguishing factor. Also name the periods and employers, and add a short description.

The last two parts of your resume are your hobbies and extracurriculur activities, and your skills and abilities. Especially the latter is extremely important and this is the basis of making the match! Name your certifications, languages, courses, and tools or software tools learned. Above all, be honest about your level of expertise. Be careful not to ascribe too many characteristics to yourself. Someone who attributes ten different soft skills to themselves and 'excels' at them is missing the point. Because where does your strength really lie? Tip: ask your friends and family, colleagues or fellow students to describe you in three words.

Personalise your cv


A fixed structure will greatly help a recruiter to effectively assess your resume. However, remember that this is the most important document to form a picture of you as a person. Therefore, try to make your resume as personal as possible. How do you do that? You can write a short summary of yourself or play with color. You can also create a cleaner CV if you are more of an introvert, or a more exuberant CV if you are an extrovert.

What's next?


A resume is not complete without a cover letter. Can't wait for a blog about your cover letter? Then contact the Calco recruiters for a verbal summary and be sure to ask any questions you may have about the traineeship!