How to write a CV: Tips for 2020

In this article you will learn all the elements that contain a modern CV. If you follow the rules, you'll create modern resumes that are in line with trends for 2020. We come to idea that it will be cool to add some advices from brainy hr.

Many candidates do not pay attention to new trends in CV writing. They believe that what matters in a resume is content, not the layout of the section or the appearance of the document. This approach often results in the rejection of their application documents.

Of course, qualifications and experience are the most important. However, you need to highlight this key information so that your curriculum vitae doesn't get lost among hundreds of other documents.

That is why you should create a modern CV, 100% in line with the expectations of employers. In a moment you will see a template of a modern CV and learn how to encourage a recruiter to invite you to an interview.

Basics for resume

CV is an elementary part of an application. The scope is usually two pages. The CVs of young professionals are naturally shorter, which is why one page can be sufficient in this case. The curriculum vitae enables HR managers to get a first impression of an applicant in a short time - often within a few minutes. This document gives you the information you need to compare an applicant profile with the requirements of a position to be filled. Clearly structured information and a clear structure are important so that the HR managers can quickly process the applications received and quickly find the information that is crucial for filling a position. As an applicant, you should take this into account when writing your CV so that important arguments that speak for you are not overlooked. It is advisable that you focus on the really important information and avoid information that is not relevant for the job. This procedure will, on the one hand, sharpen the applicant profile, on the other hand, the clear, clean focus will help to ensure that relevant information is not lost and thus overlooked.

Your CV should always meet the following requirements:

• Use the same font in the resume as in the cover letter

• A clear structure is important

• The CV is behind the cover letter

• The curriculum vitae should be complete, meaningful, error-free, structured and clear.

• The time should be anti-chronological.

• The resume should include 1-2 A4 pages

Add a summary to your resume

This is the element that distinguishes a modern resume from classic resumes. However, many candidates still do not know about it. This is a mistake that your CV may suffer a lot. What is a professional summary anyway? This is a brief description of your most important skills, achievements, experiences, various types of qualifications and professional goals.

Remember that the professional summary in a modern resume must match the job offer. Therefore, first read carefully the requirements in the advertisement and describe the qualifications that are the "answer" to the expectations of the employer.

Profile and career goals are placed at the top of a modern resume. However, it is better to prepare a summary at the end of writing a CV. Why? At this point, you will already know exactly what the employer expects and what competences to distinguish.

Focus on specific skills

Description of your competences is the second most important section of CV. It gives you the chance to show your employer that you have all the qualifications required by him. Therefore, as in the case of summary, the description of skills in the CV must be tailored to the requirements in the offer.

Competences in a modern CV should be divided into hard and soft skills. Thanks to this, the recruiter will find information that interests him faster. It is worth knowing that soft competences are more and more important for employers.

When describing your skills in the curriculum vitae, try to be specific and detailed. Provide in the CV the level of knowledge of computer programs and foreign languages, show off the knowledge of the given industry and methods of work used every day.

Show off your professional experience

When writing a CV, be sure to show off your professional experience. In this way you give the employer a signal that you do not have a problem with the daily performance of duties or teamwork.

It's best that your past responsibilities are somehow related to the job you're interested in. When describing your professional experience in your CV, show off your biggest successes and additional activities.

Do you write a modern CV without experience or your first CV? Remember that employers also appreciate participation in volunteering, student internships and internships in the CV. Therefore, be sure to mention them, even if you still have a "permanent" job.

Briefly describe your education in a modern CV

Today, employers attach less and less importance to the education of candidates in the CV. Usually there is a requirement of secondary or higher education in job offers. However, completing the course related to the position is an additional advantage.

So you don't have to write too much. In a modern CV, it is enough to provide the years of education or the year of its completion, the name of the field and university. Also mention the level of education - e.g. undergraduate or graduate studies. If your direction was related to the job offer, you can additionally provide the title of thesis or grade average.

If you were or are a student, you do not have to enter high school, middle school or elementary school in a modern CV. However, it is worth mentioning a technical school or vocational school - if they are related to the position you are applying for.

In your modern CV, also mention your interests

Some candidates find that it makes no sense to write in the CV about interests. Employers don't read this section anyway. This is not entirely true. A meaningful description of interests may draw the recruiter's attention. In addition, it is an opportunity to show that the position somehow connects with your passion or hobby.

Remember, however, to avoid uninteresting interests such as "watching TV" or "playing computer games." Try to adapt the hobby description to the requirements in the offer. Of course, don't lie. Just choose those interests that may somehow be useful in your new position.

What else do you need to remember when writing a modern resume?

At the very bottom of modern CV design should be a CV clause with consent to the processing of personal data.

You can prepare a modern CV in a Word template, but it's best to save and send it in PDF format. Why? Such a document will correctly display on almost every device. And you won't have to worry about someone making changes to it.

If you already have professional experience and good relations with former employers, you should also add references to your modern CV. When leaving work, ask your boss to prepare such a document.

Are you trying to write a modern CV, but you have a problem with some of its elements? Write to BrainyHR and we can help you to do it freely (you don't need to pay for it). We will try to help.