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Nowadays applying for a job and getting it can be a real challenge, especially if your CV lacks the right structure and you don’t focus on the essentials. Most talent acquisition specialists scan the CVs by keywords and if your experience and previous tasks don’t match with the job description, you might lose the chance to be invited for an interview.
Regarding How to write a Professional CV question, There are some basic steps to follow before sending any job application.
Keep a structured CV and a professional-looking picture
Before sending any document that summarizes your work experience, certifications, and potential to achieve more, you should keep some topics under the loop. There are some important steps you should follow before sending any CV, such as picking the right (Europass) CV format, writing your updated contact information, and mentioning, in the end, your hobbies and interests.
The picture you choose should be in a professional format, your face should take 60% of its area and maybe you go for a professional outfit if possible. This can help you convince your future employer that you are a serious person with professional goals, ready to take responsibility, and successfully represent the company in front of the customers or shareholders.
Usually, you start your CV with your contact details, nationality, and personal information, and on the left side, you add your picture. You can mention the job you are applying for below the contact details. Afterward, you insert your work experience, education, and your key achievements in every section.
Be relevant
The best CVs are the ones that are less than two pages long and keep the most relevant achievements in focus. Keep your education short and clear, so that you show why it would recommend you for the position you are applying for. It is less relevant to list all your achievements if only a few of them match with your desired job position. You might also think about using adequate language that helps you stand out from the crowd.
Think about what would impress your future boss about yourself and don’t forget that at the end of the day it’s a subjective decision and the right approach might help you win more points.
Add a cover letter
Additional to the CV you might want to add a cover letter as well. Sometimes it is your ambition, curiosity, and determination to learn and improve that convinces your employer to give you a chance. Many say they don’t hire people for their CVs, but their attitude and personality. Of course, this is not always the case for very specific jobs, such as engineering or medicine.
If you apply for a job in marketing or sales in one of the biggest companies in the world, the cover letter might bring you in a positive light. This being said, the cover letter can be your lucky card, if your resume already matches the job description and there are 20 similar applicants.
Structure your cover letter
As the CV is already showing your work experience, the cover letter has the purpose to convince your boss to invite you for an interview.
Therefore, you might consider explaining why you think you might be a good fit for the company, why you are applying for this position, and how this is related to your previous work experience. You can consider adding some insights about your interest in working in an international environment or your ability to adapt fast based on some examples from your previous experiences.
You can as well point your ability to work in a team and contribute to its success and the success of the company while keeping a growth mindset and staying focused under pressure.