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CV-Resume > CV-Resume: how to write a resume

CV-Resume: how to write a resume

The information you display in your resume must be clear, concise and logical. Make sure it contains no mistakes that can confuse the reader. People in charge of selection do not spend more than 10 seconds scanning your resume to see if they will read it or not, and about 30 seconds reading it to take a decision on inviting you or not to an interview. DO NOT FORGET THIS! For each position they may receive 300-400 applications.

Before writing up and sending your resume you must ask yourself a few questions. Write the answers and later there will be time to shape the resume

- What do I think the company and/or the selector are looking for?

- What abilities are required in somebody to develop and carry out the position?

- What achievements and functions in previous positions have I carried out that can help me to do well in my new job?

- Do I have the correct academic preparation? Have I updated my knowledge?

- Do I speak languages?

- Do I have other life experiences that have helped me to develop skills and capacities to solve problems? (for example travelling abroad alone, volunteering in some NGO, taking on responsibilities at university...)

- What type of position is ideal for me? Do I like to work alone or in a team? Am I creative or do I prefer to be directed in a project?

- What did I like about my previous position? What aspects or functions I would rather skip this time?

- For what reasons am I changing or looking for a new job? Always be honest in the answer. It is not necessary to lie, but neither is it necessary to give all the details or to speak ill of the company and ex-colleagues/bosses.

- Are there periods of inactivity in my professional history? How I can explain them positively? What have I learned and what abilities have I used, for example travelling, taking care of my children, looking for work for a long time...

Organize the answers in blocks, like this:

1. What is my objective? What level of responsibility am I looking for?

2. Summary of abilities, acquired skills and knowledge.

3. Experience.

4. Studies/training.

5. Use of computer programs/Internet.

6. Languages.

7. Points of interest that I want to emphasize: things I like, interests, voluntary work.

When you write the CV or resume you must present what you want to communicate with your resume: the information the resumet contains is relevant. It is only necessary to reflect your interests and hobbies if they are relevant to the position to which you are applying; for example, if you like to read, and the position is in mass media, or for example you like sports and you decide on a position in a sports company.

If you are a volunteer and help people but you choose a sales position, it is possible that the selector might think that you are not going to meet the hard and competitive nature of a commercial position, where people often come second after sales and targets.