Writing a CV:  What is important

 

The CV is intended to highlight your qualification for the advertised position. This integrates your education, knowledge, experience and achievements.

 

You put all this together in a profile that is as clear as possible. The CV should not span more than two DIN A4 pages.

 

That is your fundamental task. It is difficult, but not impossible. Pay attention to an appropriate layout and a good structure. Of course, this does not only apply to the Curriculum vitae

but to the entire portfolio.

 

 

 

Curriculum vitae: This is the layout

 

The tabular CV has prevailed. It is clear, well structured and can thus sharpen the profile of the applicant, as a list, on which the most interesting information immediately catches the eye.

 

In fact, the CV is the most important part of the entire application. Recruiters often read it first – even though the cover letter is actually placed on top of it.

 

A quick look at the CV allows one to see immediately whether the applicant has the necessary qualifications, at least the formal ones. That's why you should design your CV with the utmost care.

 

It is important that you take into account all relevant information about your education, your special knowledge, certificates and hobbies. Of course, your soft skills too, if they are important for the position.

 

 

The form of CV: This must be followed

 

Structure

The tabular CV is a custom. This means: on the left the dates, on the right the facts. And don't use optical gadgets. No human resources manager appreciates this. They collect facts and want to establish clarity – all distractions only disturb!

 

Content

No salutation, no greeting and no comments and personal remarks. Instead, this is part of your CV:

 

Personal data: first name, last name, birthday, place of birth, address, telephone number, e-mail address, marital status, nationality.

Work experience: Your last or current position comes up. Chronologically, you are now moving backwards – and list your professional posts that are further in the past. Graduates can identify their main areas of study, jobseekers their special knowledge.

Qualifications: This includes relevant training courses, certificates, computing skills, languages and driving licence – for example.

Training: Please do not keep back the military and civilian service that may have been performed.

 

You put all of this in a sequence. And be sure to fill in gaps. Large gaps could lead to suspicions that you were trying to cover up embarrassing stages. Gaps in the CV are a golden opportunity for recruiters to specifically ask about them in the job interview.

 

Time

Gaplessness yes, temporal pedantry no. This means that monthly information is completely sufficient in the CV. You don't have to document your posts to the day.

Example:

06/2014 - 06/2017 Training as a bank clerk at Kreissparkasse Darmstadt

 

But be careful not to leave big gaps in your CV. They raise questions – and are brought up at the job interview surefire by the recruiter. However, a gap is only spoken of from three months on. So if you’ve been on a world tour for two months – a gift of time.

 

Taboos

What you should leave out:

Family information: Formerly common: Father: Senior Study Council, Mother: Housewife. Your father's or mother's profession - it doesn't matter.

Hobbies: Are your private business. You should only name leisure activities if they have a direct connection to the job and underline your skills.

Salary expectations: Money is an issue for salary negotiations – and possibly also for the application letter.

Worldview: Religious or political views certainly do not belong in the CV – you should also mention a possible party affiliation only if it has a direct connection to the position.

Ballast: Basically, when writing your CV, you should be careful to keep it free of any information that is irrelevant to the job.

Motto: Less is more.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Be sure to complete your CV conscientiously. So provide it with  a place, date and signature – this can be interpreted as a seal of authenticity, which testifies that your information is true.

 

Please also note: Incorrect information in the CV can still lead to termination without notice even after the end of the probationary period. So be careful – and don't give a reason in case your employer wants to get rid of you later.