Writing a CV: Rules and examples

It is mandatory for every professional to compile a CV, which is a prerequisite for professional activities and career progression. Firstly, it will be useful in the recruitment process. When preparing this document, attention should be paid to the meaning and content of the document. However, the format of the document is just as important.

Ground rules

If you are applying for a job, you must prepare and format your CV properly. There are certain subtleties in preparing a CV.

Clear and understandable structure

You should never write your CV in black and white. For a document such as a cover letter, a similar format is more appropriate. As for the CV, it should have strictly differentiated sections and columns: name and contact details, education, work experience, professional skills, achievements, hobbies, personal qualities, references, some additional information.

Business style

In today’s environment, a great many businesses and professionals prefer to eschew the classic CV and opt for a more up-to-date style. This is not something forbidden and in some cases even encouraged. Be that as it may, and with your creative approach and artistic talents, it is still worth remembering that a CV is a business document, on the basis of which the employer considers you as a professional employee, therefore, inappropriate images or symbols should not be used when compiling it.

Uniformity

When writing a resume, you need to adhere to a single design style: the same font and indents, alignment style, and so on. If you use too many elements, you create a resume that will be perceived not as a single neat document, but as a chaotic combination of facts about you and your professional life.

Color combination

Traditionally, it is not customary to use any colors other than black and white in resumes. However, you can deviate from this rule and show your artistic skills and abilities. But even in this case, you should make sure that all the shades you use are combined with each other. Otherwise, your creativity will be perceived negatively.

The advantage of meaning over design

Although the design of a resume can make your document stand out among a large number of resumes from other applicants, it is still important to remember that the semantic content of the document is more important. In this regard, you should not hide the lack of work experience or relevant education behind bright pictures and flowcharts.

Classic Resume

This is an option that has been used for quite a long time, while it is suitable for almost any area. At its core, this type of resume represents a strictly defined form, sections, blocks and columns of which the applicant has to fill out.

The most important rule for writing a classic resume is correctness and correctness.

Unusual Options

Many employers will give preference to a person who sends a stylish and non-standard resume. Moreover, there are a huge number of options for compiling such a document.

Common Mistakes

Even the applicant who correctly compiled a resume and designed it beautifully will not get the desired position if he makes one or more mistakes:

  • Grammar and punctuation errors.
  • Large volume.
  • Inconsistency in the chosen area.

In order to compose your professional resume with high quality, as well as to correctly format it, you should focus on samples and resume templates of experienced professionals or turn to best resume writing services for help.