Learn what a CV is and how to create an impressive CV to impress employers

CV is one of the most important factors when applying to any company. Creating a standard CV not only helps you score points with the employer but also opens up wide career opportunities. This article sadesign will help you understand CV and guide you on how to create an impressive CV easily, bringing high efficiency.

1.What is CV?

CV (Curriculum Vitae) is an indispensable document when you want to apply for a job. This is a summary of your education, work experience, skills and personal achievements. The purpose of CV is to help employers have an overview of you and decide whether you are qualified to participate in the interview round or not.

CVs can be divided into many types, but mainly include two main types: functional CVs and chronological CVs. Both types have their own characteristics and presentation methods, depending on each person's career goals and experience.

1.1 Distinguishing CV and Resume

Although often used interchangeably, CV and Resume have some key differences:

Length: CVs are usually longer than Resumes, providing detailed information about your entire education and work history. Resumes are usually short, focusing on experiences and skills directly related to the position you are applying for.

Purpose: CVs are often used in academic, research, or senior positions. Resumes are more commonly used in other professions.

In Vietnam, the term CV is commonly used and can include Resume, however when applying to foreign companies or research positions, it is necessary to clearly understand the employer's requirements.

1.2 The importance of CV in the recruitment process

A CV is a candidate's "first impression" to an employer. A professionally presented and impressive CV will create a great competitive advantage.

CV helps employers screen potential candidates and assess their suitability for job requirements.

CV is the basis for employers to decide whether to invite candidates for interviews or not?

2. Why is CV important?

A good CV can help you “score points” right from the first step in the eyes of the employer. In today’s competitive recruitment market, a well-written CV can determine whether you get an interview or not. More than just a list of previous jobs, a quality CV also demonstrates your professionalism, organization and suitability for the job you are applying for.

CV plays a very important role in the job search process because it is the first tool that helps employers better understand the candidate's skills, experience and achievements. A professionally presented CV not only shows your seriousness and dedication to the position you are applying for, but also creates a positive first impression, helping you stand out from the crowd of other candidates. Moreover, CV is also an opportunity for you to demonstrate your communication skills by arranging information logically, clearly and convincingly, thereby increasing your chances of getting an interview and getting closer to your dream job.

3. Structure of a standard CV

A standard CV needs to ensure enough basic elements for readers to easily grasp the information. Below are the important parts you need to include in your CV:

3.1. Personal information

At the beginning of your CV, you need to provide complete personal information including:

Full name: Write full name, capitalize the first letter.

Date of birth: Specify the date, month and year of birth.

Contact Address: Enter the address where you live.

Phone Number: Provide an accurate and easy to reach phone number.

Email Address: Use a professional email (e.g. [email address removed]).

Links to professional social media sites (LinkedIn, GitHub, etc.): If available, this is a big plus.

3.2. Career goals

This is where you briefly introduce your career goals and aspirations. Your career goals will help employers understand your motivations and whether it fits the job requirements they are looking for.

3.3. Education level

List your education from highest to lowest level. If you have any additional certifications or courses that are relevant to the job you are applying for, be sure to mention them.

State your short-term and long-term career goals.

Demonstrate your understanding of the position and the company.

Avoid general goals, focus on specific and measurable goals.

Education:

List the degrees, certificates, courses you have completed.

Sort by date, newest to oldest.

State the name of the school, major, length of study and GPA (if applicable).

3.4. Work experience

This is the most important part of your CV. You need to list the jobs you have held, starting with your most recent. Each job should be accompanied by a brief description of your main duties, notable achievements, and the skills you used or developed during your employment.

List any jobs you have held, including internships and part-time jobs.

Sort by date, newest to oldest.

For each job, please specify:

Company name.

Work location.

Working time.

Job description (duties and responsibilities).

Special emphasis should be placed on achievements. Use specific figures to demonstrate your abilities.

3.5. Skills

List the skills you possess that are relevant to the job you are applying for. These skills can be soft skills (communication, leadership) or technical skills (project management, programming, graphic design, etc.).

List the hard skills and soft skills you have.

Divide skills into different groups (e.g. technical skills, computer skills, foreign language skills, etc.).

For each skill, there should be specific examples, which helps employers evaluate your abilities.

3.6. Achievements and awards

If you have any achievements that are relevant to your job or industry, include them in your CV. This will help you stand out from other candidates.

Extracurricular activities and hobbies:

List any extracurricular activities you have participated in, especially those related to the industry you are applying for.

Extracurricular activities demonstrate teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving skills.

List your interests, especially those that demonstrate positive personality and passion.

3.7. Personal preferences

This section is not required, but if you have any personal interests related to the job (e.g. volunteer projects, group activities…), you can mention them so the employer can know more about you.

4. Notes when writing CV

To make your CV more professional and impressive, you need to note the following points:

4.1. Easy-to-read CV format

Use an easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times New Roman with a font size of 10-12 points. Make sure the layout of your CV is neat, logical and not too cluttered. Each section of your CV should be clearly separated, making it easy for employers to find information.

Formatting your information for readability is key to helping recruiters quickly grasp your information. Use clear fonts, appropriate font sizes, and logical layouts. Sections such as personal information, career objectives, work experience, skills, and education should be presented in prominent headings to create attraction. Avoid using too many colors or unnecessary images, and ensure that the spacing between sections is spacious enough to create a comfortable feeling when reading. Professional formatting not only shows neatness but also helps you score points in the eyes of recruiters.

4.2. Update the latest information

Make sure the information on your CV is up to date. If you have new experience, skills or certifications, don't forget to update it immediately.

You need to pay attention to fully and accurately updating the latest information about yourself, including contact information, education, work experience, skills and outstanding achievements. This not only helps employers have a comprehensive view of you but also shows professionalism and seriousness in the application process. At the same time, you should present your CV clearly, concisely, avoid spelling mistakes and use the appropriate format to create a good impression at first sight.

4.3. Include job-related keywords

Using keywords in your CV helps you stand out to recruiters, especially when they use search engines or automated recruitment management systems.

An important factor to note is to use keywords that are relevant to the job position you are applying for. These keywords will not only help your CV easily pass through automatic filtering systems but also demonstrate your understanding and suitability for the job requirements. Study the job description carefully, identify the skills, experiences or specialized terms that are emphasized and cleverly integrate them into the content of your CV in a natural and logical way. This will increase the chance of impressing the employer at first sight.

4.4. Avoid spelling and grammar errors

A spelling or grammar mistake can cost you points with a recruiter. Make sure you proofread your CV before sending it off.

These errors not only reduce the professionalism of your CV, but can also create a bad impression with the employer. Carefully check the content before sending it, or have someone else read it to make sure that your CV is presented clearly, coherently and without any errors.

5. How to create a CV very easily

There are many tools and websites that help you create a CV quickly and easily without having to worry about design or layout. Some prominent websites such as Canva, Novoresume or Zety allow you to choose beautiful CV templates that are easy to use with smart drag and drop features.

Here are some basic steps to creating an online CV:

1. Choose a CV template

Visit one of the online resume builder websites and choose a resume template that matches the job you are applying for. These resume templates are usually categorized by industry and job title.

2. Fill in personal information
Fill in your basic information on the CV form, including your full name, address, phone number, email, and social media links (if any).

3. Fill in your work and education information
Update information about your education, previous jobs, skills, achievements and certifications.

4. Edit and optimize
Optimize your CV by changing colors, fonts, and design elements to stand out while still maintaining a professional look.

5. Download and submit
Once completed, simply download your CV and send it to the employer as requested.

6. Secrets to writing an impressive CV that attracts employers:

Define your career goals clearly: This helps you focus on the right skills and experience.

Research the employer and the position thoroughly: This will help you tailor your CV to the employer's requirements.

Use professional, concise, and clear language: Avoid using clichés or overly complex language.

Focus on achievements and results: Use specific numbers to demonstrate your abilities.

Design a CV that is scientific, easy to read and suitable for the profession: Choose an easy-to-read font, use a clear layout, and avoid using too many colors.

Check your spelling and grammar thoroughly: A CV with spelling errors will make a bad impression on the employer.

Common mistakes when writing a CV and how to fix them:

CV too long or too short: The ideal CV should be between 1 and 2 pages long.

Incomplete or inaccurate personal information: Please double check your personal information before submitting your CV.

General career objective, unrelated to the position you are applying for: Tailor your career objective to each position you are applying for.

Listing work experience in a boring, unconvincing way: Focus on achievements and results.

Skills not relevant or clearly demonstrated: Provide specific examples to demonstrate your skills.

Too elaborate or too simple CV design: Choose a CV design that suits your industry.

7. Professional CV templates and CV creation support tools:

Introducing popular CV templates suitable for each profession: There are many free and paid CV templates on the internet.

Instructions for using free and paid online CV creation tools: These tools help you create a CV quickly and easily.

Tips for choosing the right CV template: Choose a CV template that is professionally designed, easy to read, and appropriate for your industry.

8. Optimize CV for each specific industry:

Information Technology: Focuses on programming skills and experience working with specific technologies.

Finance - Banking: Focus on financial analysis skills, experience working with financial software.

Marketing - Communications: Focus on creative skills and experience working with media channels.

Education: Focus on teaching experience, teaching certifications.

Hospitality industry: Focus on industry experience and communication skills.

9. Advice from recruitment experts

Make your CV stand out: Find ways to make your CV stand out from other candidates.

Prepare a professional cover letter: A cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and explain why you are a good fit for the position.

Practice your interview to increase your chances of success: Be prepared.

10. Conclusion

A CV is an essential part of your job search. Creating an impressive CV will not only help you impress the employer but also open up future career opportunities. Always remember that a complete CV is not only a representation of what you have done, but also a testament to your professionalism and organizational skills