Writing the perfect CV... 10 tips for writing a perfect CV

If your CV is in the hands of a recruiter, it's probably because it contains a certain number of keywords selected by an automatic search engine.

At this point, your CV has passed the first stage in a few milliseconds. Then it's up to a human being to devote no more than 30 seconds to its first reading. That's how important the first impression made by this document is when it's discovered.

In terms of both form and content, an effective CV should stand out from the rest of the applications received by the company.

Creating a CV is an exercise in synthesizing your identity and your career path. If you stand out from the crowd, a successful CV will reflect that.

Work first on the content of the CV, then on its formatting.

There's no point wasting hours on Word page layout if you've only got a rough grasp of it. You can do the layout, or have it done, after you've read, reread and had your prose proofread. You can also try to make an online CV on Canva or other online CV services, but it's also illusory to get the most out of it. Free perfect CV without doing the substantive work yourself.

A layout professional will only spend a few minutes formatting content that you've already spent many hours on. It will cost you just a few euros from an online service to get the look of a professional CV. Word-processing skills are not common among job applicants.

Avoid the "creative" style CV if you're not artistic or eccentric. No unnecessary exuberance, just sobriety. Don't blabber, but give clear, useful information about your professional life.

Lying on your CV.

Embellishing reality is one thing, but lying about your qualifications, work experience or language skills is taking an unnecessary risk. It's a small world: social networks allow recruiters to take references without your knowledge. A recruitment agency's visit to your LinkedIn profile says almost as much as a job interview!

Identify yourself.

Declare your identity and contact details with your postal address, then complete with your e-mail addresses, Linkedin and Viadeo profiles, Skype address, Twitter (if this account is linked to your professional activity only).

Avoid ridiculous e-mail addresses such as turlututu@monfai.com or dated, early nineties-style @wanadoo.fr. In fact, why not create a dedicated e-mail box for your job search? That way, you won't be mixing towels and napkins - in other words, you won't miss the opportunity of your dreams, because it's drowned in your junk mail.

Do I need to put a passport photo on my CV?

A passport photo is not mandatory, but if you choose to include one, it must be to your advantage. Once again, don't be fancy. Choose a recent photo that doesn't distort reality! If you've been spoiled by nature, make the most of it, but don't overdo it. You'll be recruited for your skills, in principle!

Mention your desired position!

Sometimes it goes without saying, but it's better when you say it. If your recruiter is looking for a "Project Manager" or "Project Manager", it will be easier for him to identify you as the ideal candidate at a glance than if he has to find out between the lines what positions you've actually held. Be precise, because the position mentioned is not a catch-all that indicates all the positions you're open to. It's an opportunity for a "perfect match" between your expectations and those of the recruiter. Adapt your CV and the position you're applying for to each application if necessary. Use your recruiter's jargon, or even better, that of your future employer. Social networks are very useful for this. Consult, for example, the profiles of employees at your target company, and don't forget to check out the profile of your potential future boss.

Talk about your know-how.

If you're looking for a permanent contract and already have significant experience, highlight your know-how in a concise paragraph. In just a few words, the recruiter will know what you're capable of.

Reading the rest of the CV will only serve to confirm your first impression. Think about the key words that will confirm the recruiter's initial selection.

Be specific and concrete. Avoid generalities: for example, for "budget management", we'd prefer "management of the €3.2M annual R&D budget", without going into too much detail. You'll have the opportunity to do this with your interviewer during the interview.

Talk about your experience.

If it's your first job, put your training ahead of the game that are not significant. Lack of professional experience doesn't mean you shouldn't highlight activities in which you've developed real skills. If, for example, you are the treasurer of a sailing club, or the coach of an amateur soccer team, you should mention them. These are positions that showcase your ability to manage people.

For each of your professional experiences, clearly present the mission and the results you achieved. Be honest, and don't overestimate your own worth, as you could get hurt...

Use precise terms to describe your experience. If your missions are not technical, use action-oriented terms. Banish "management of..." or "in charge of...", which suggest that you've been subjected to your position. "Animate, promote, organize, supervise, develop" say much more about your ability to act.

Talk about your training.

Start with your training if you have little or no experience. Here too, be honest, because usurpers are quickly exposed.

Indicate your level in each of your modern languages. There is now a European language proficiency assessment system which allows you to carry out a self-assessment and create your language passport online.

No CV without a cover letter.

Writing a good CV isn't enough unless you think you're Marissa Meyer! This is your chance to personalize your speech and show off your communication skills. Don't forget: " What is well conceived is clearly stated, and the words to say it come easily. "said Boileau. You need to show your suitability for the job in a clear, concise and punchy style. The letter of motivation is essential for an unsolicited application.

Have your CV or cover letter proofread

Creating a CV is a lot of hard work, and you don't want it to end up in the garbage can after 30 seconds... So have your CV proofread. You've spent so much time on it that you can't see anything! You've already contacted your spouse and friends several times. At this point, the spell-checker built into your favorite word processor is no longer going to save you from making mistakes. Leave it to professional proofreading of your Curriculum Vitae or cover letter. For just a few euros, the proofreading your CV is a good investment!

If the marketing is your specialty, follow this guide to make a good marketing CV.

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