Tips
cvhjälpen.nu gives you tips on how to handle: Writing your resume, cover letter & interview training
To write a resume – think about this:
CV is short for curriculum vitae, a Latin expression that can be translated as ”the course of your life” or ”a summary of your academic and work history.” However, composing a CV or résumé doesn’t mean you should include every detail of your work life, just the most relevant information. The information that will get you the job you want.
Keep in mind when composing your résumé that is must look good with a high degree of readability. Take time to plan the layout. Remember, recruiters look at hundreds of CVs. They may be looking for reasons to reject you, so it is important that key facts stand out and that there are no errors. You only have a few seconds to catch a recruiter’s attention.
Content you must have in your CV incluces key contact details; name, phone number, address, professional e-mail address etc. You must list work experience and education, starting with the most recent; language skills – including your level of verbal and written ability. Add IT skills and other qualifications.
Do not include references. Always ask for permission before adding a reference.
Should you include a picture? It is not customary to attach a picture to your application. However, including a photo can be a good idea in certain situations. Just make sure you select a professional picture, not just any picture.
Don’t forget to spellcheck your resume!
To write a cover letter – think about this:
Keep these things in mind when you write your cover letter:
- Avoid cliches. A cliché is a phrase or expression that is so overused that it becomes annoying. Most clichés begin life as clever phrases. The first time around, they convey a distinct message in a funny or striking way, and that makes them repeatable. But after too much use, they become corny and meaníngless.
- Don’t repeat everything in your resume in your cover letter. A cover letter should complement your cv and explain why you are applying for the job.
- Your letter should not cover more than one page. The biggest mistake people make when writing a cover letter is making it too long – and irrelevant.
- Don’t send form letters. Each cover letter needs to be tailored to fit the job you are applying for.
- Typos and grammatical errors. Run your resume throuhg spellcheck at least once.
- Should you include a profile photo? This depends on where you are. In Sweden, it’s considered acceptable, but in the US and some other countries, it is not okay unless you are specifically requested to do so. Research in the US shows that HR managers do not favor including photos and that including one can have an adverse effect on their impression of the candidate.
If you are asked to include a photo on your resume, choose a sensible one with a plain background (preferably a professional headshot). Don’t cut your face out of a group photo taken at a social occasion, and keep it professional at all times.