Why is the CV so important in the application process?
Your resume - or curriculum vitae (CV) - plays an essential role in the application process. It is your business card, which you present to potential employers before they even meet you in person. Your CV is therefore a crucial factor in the initial selection process - it can knock you out of the running or push you far ahead.
For this reason, you should invest a lot of effort in the design of your resume and make it in such a way that it leaves an impression on the recruiters - and in a positive sense 😉
Please note: Not all CV tips on the internet are helpful. Find out here which advice you should ignore.
But what makes a convincing resume? What do recruiters look out for in particular when reviewing your application documents? We have put together a checklist for you:
Checklist: 10 must-haves for your resume
1. Clarity and structure: Your resume should be well structured and have a clear easy-to-read formatting. Your CV should be a compact presentation of yourself, not a sprawling novel. Use headings, paragraphs, and bullet points to keep the text clear.
2. Adaption to the job advertisement: Adapt your resume to each job advertisement individually. Emphasize the skills, experience, and qualifications that are most relevant to the position.
3. Chronological order: State your education and work experience in reverse chronological order. Start with your current or most recent position and work backwards. This way, recruiters will see your most recent job at first glance.
4. Explaining gaps: If you have gaps in your resume, whether due to unemployment, continuing education, or personal reasons, explain them succinctly. Show that you have made good use of these periods and that there are no unexplained interruptions.
5. Achievements and accomplishments: Highlight particular successes and accomplishments you have achieved in your career. This will show the value you have added to your previous employers, which will make you seem all the more attractive to recruiters.
6. Language skills and abilities: List your language skills and other relevant skills that are relevant to the position you are seeking. You should distinguish between basic and advanced skills to allow a clear assessment.
7. Contact details: Make sure that your contact details, such as name, address, phone number and email address, are clearly visible at the top of your resume. This way, potential employers can easily contact you.
8. Up-to-dateness: Always keep your resume up to date. Regularly add new information about your education, work experience, training and relevant skills.
9. References: A resume is also important to check the credibility of the applicant. By providing references and previous employers, recruiters can check the information in the CV and determine whether an applicant is telling the truth and actually has the claimed qualifications and experience.
But be careful: If you are still in a current employment relationship at the time of the application, you should point out in the CV that the current employer may not be contacted. This usually goes without saying, but you should play it safe and prevent misunderstandings and unpleasant situations.
10. Proofreading and spelling: Needless to say, your resume should have no spelling errors. Read your resume carefully and watch for spelling, grammatical errors, and inconsistent formatting. An error-free resume conveys professionalism and care.
Also pay attention to formal criteria
If you have prepared your CV perfectly in terms of content, you should also pay attention to the following formal criteria ->
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The file format: It is best to make your document a PDF file. PDFs can be opened easily and, unlike Word files, your formatting cannot slip if the recruiter views the document on a different operating system.
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The right photo: In today's world, a photo is a must-have in any resume. Make sure that the photo is up-to-date and gives a serious appearance.
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The right design: Choose a professional and appealing design for your resume. You should match your design to the company for which you are applying. If your application is for a creative position in a young start-up, for example, you can choose a more unconventional font or include different colors. In traditional companies and positions, you should keep the design simple.
