Writing a Curriculum Vitae: tips and tricks to compile it as best as possible

Education, school, university, experience, social skills. These are just some of the terms we hear quoted with great recurrence when we speak of Curriculum Vitae, that is, the document that practically each one of us is forced to fill in, sooner or later, in life.

There is always a lot to say about the Curriculum Vitae. As in other areas of reality around us, also for this important document the opinions of professionals and users are divided into different perspectives.

As usual, however, the truth is in the middle. In this article we will show you some of the tricks to follow to develop a Curriculum Vitae in the best possible way, and make it as attractive as convincing to the employer.

The first impact comes from the design of the CV

Keep this in mind: the first impact for the recruiter comes from the design of the CV, whether it is sent directly by email or published on a specialized job search portal. It seems impossible, but in the vast majority of cases a very bad first impact has a major impact on the outcome of the candidate assessment. Here are some tips:

1. Use columns to maximize space. To keep everything in order, it is necessary to combine the use of columns with concise and essential writing. An example could be the use of a column to the left to write personal information, different in color from the right column that, instead, will gather experiences, training, etc.
2. Use graphic separators. They are often implemented in pre-built templates, but can also be added using commonly used software. In addition to the classic dots, we recommend the use of horizontal lines to divide sections, or even simple logos to identify, for example, your social skills.
3. Insert the most important aspects in the upper part of the CV: the more they are shown in the foreground, the better.
4. Don’t underestimate the use of infographics, increasingly appreciated in modern CVs.

An underestimated tactic: the use of company colors

The use of colours deserves a special mention, as they are always part of the design options. The advice we can give you is to take advantage of the colours of the company for which you are proposing.

These colors do not have to be identical but, if you use colors very similar (or almost the same) to those of the company’s brand, you will feel somehow “at home” when reading the CV: a positive return is inevitable.

Specific personal information: definitely to avoid

In the Curriculum Vitae it is correct and appropriate to enter your personal data, although it is not always useful for the candidate. However, there is extremely personal information that should be avoided without excluding blows.

We are talking, for example, about the civil status, or the religious orientation of each one and any other information that depends on the private sphere. It is not uncommon to see employers who, by virtue of certain personal situations (which are completely legitimate), discard a resume. In addition, by law, the employer cannot investigate and ask questions about aspects such as these, so it is good to avoid them immediately.

Don’t just talk to the company: think in terms of audience

Writing a CV somehow implies a dialogue with the company proposing the job: a dialogue that continues with the job interview, a real face-to-face meeting with the recruiter.

In this sense, however, it is always good to think in terms of audience. Before writing your objectives, ask yourself the following questions: Which external companies will I contact? Am I trying to achieve a prominent position in the reference market, or can I afford to aspire to less? What will the company expect of me on the first day of my work?

These are seemingly useless questions, but they have a positive impact on the CV: the recruiter will read all his thoughts between the lines.

Trying to positively influence the employer

Special emphasis should also be placed on the human approach that you can print on your CV. You should try to express the best aspects of your character, or your interpersonal skills, in order to influence the recruiter in a positive way.

Have I positively influenced my previous work environment? If so, how? What positive aspects of me would external people mention?

Be pragmatic: numbers, steps, fundamental steps

The last piece of advice we can give you is to be as pragmatic as possible. Quantify in numbers as much as you can: economic results achieved, number of employees hired, number of articles written for a newspaper.

In addition, if you have achieved an important objective, clearly state the steps you have taken to achieve it: the starting point, the tools used to complete it, etc. Of course, sincerity comes first: inventions can come to light soon.

And after these tips, are you ready to subscribe to our database and be the protagonist of the many operational marketing activities we follow? We’re waiting for you!