How to make a successful resume, in 8 steps

The curriculum vitae is an extremely important tool when we want to find work, it is a presentation to the company that wants to hire us, so it is important that it is well done.

Building a successful CV doesn't have to consist of one of many pages not too much text; it is better to know how to manage information and synthesize. It must be characterized by showing the necessary data, in a structured and visible way so that the recruiter can decide that we are suitable candidates for the job to which we aspire.

Importantly, recruiters decide if a candidate continues through the selection process in just 6 seconds of looking at the resume. At least this is what a study published in "TheLadders" states.

• Related article: "I don't have a job: 7 expert tips for finding it"

How to make a successful resume

Since the CV is an important piece when it comes to guaranteeing our success in a recruitment processIn this article we have decided to present you some keys that make the curriculum vitae a success.

In the following lines you can find a list of essential points to make a good CV.

1. Choose the type of resume

Although many people believe that the classic or international CV is the most appropriate, it is not always true. There are different types of resumes and all of them have some pros and cons, so when deciding the CV to use, it is necessary to know what the objective is, our experience or what we want to highlight.

For example, the chronological CV is ideal if you have always worked, but if there have been breaks between work and work and you want to highlight certain areas instead of the time you have spent in a company, you can make use of a functional resume.

• Related article: "Types of Curriculum Vitae: The 4 CV models (advantages and disadvantages)"

2. Know the company and the position for which you aspire

Many individuals use the same resume for different jobs, which is a mistake. If recruiters have little time to look at a CV, it is important that the information is clear and the strengths stand out. In this sense, it is necessary to know well the position to which you aspire and the organization in which you are going to work.

For example: the CV of a graphic designer may be different from that of a director of Human Resources. The first can be more creative and the second more classic.

Personal data: Name and surname, ID, place and date of birth, personal address, contact telephone, email address ...

3. Follow a clear structure

The structure of the CV It should be designed in a way that makes the job easier for the recruiter and that, at the same time, is attractive to the eye. Some important points to include may be:

• Personal information: It is necessary to include the full name, place and date of birth, address, contact telephone, email, etc.
• Academic training: Studies carried out and courses of greatest interest. Although this last point can be included in additional courses.
• Professional experience: Those jobs you have done. If you have a lot of experience or irrelevant jobs for the position, put only those that you think may have skills that the recruiter will look for in you.
• Languages: If you have official titles, you must include them.
• Computing: Especially important if it is related to the job you aspire to.
• Other data of interest: Time availability, driver's license, etc.

4. Use blanks to attract attention

In addition to the information mentioned above, it is also necessary to leave blank spaces for attract the recruiter's attention to those things that are important to your profile. Making things easy for the interviewer also benefits you.

5. Only include relevant information

This point has already been mentioned, but it needs to be highlighted. It may happen that you want to put all your professional experience if you have had many jobs. But the recruiter only you want to know about the relevant information. For example, if your hobby does not have to do with the work you want to do, avoid putting hobbies.

6. Use bullets to highlight important points

You do not need to write entire sentences, it is better to summarize the information. To do this, you can make use of bullets. For example, when you specify your roles or professional achievements.

7. You do not need to include references

It may be attractive to include the references on your resume, but you don't have to. If you pass this phase and the interviewer wants to know more about you through your former bosses, they will let you know. If they don't ask you for that information, you don't need to provide it. This will allow you to notify them in case they want references from you.

8. Avoid including hobbies

It may look good on paper, but hobbies don't always need to be included. If you choose to work in a sports store and play soccer on your town's team, you can include it. But do not include in the CV information that does not contribute anything to your candidacy.

If you are successful with your CV… How to face the interview?

Nowadays competency interviews are often used, which bring a number of benefits to recruiters and the organization. Therefore, if they liked your CV, they will want to meet you in person. You can read the article "How to face an interview based on skills: 4 keys to getting the job"To be successful in your job interview.