To get the position you deserve and want, you need to learn how to write a resume correctly to make the best first impression.
In Spain there is an average of almost 20 million people who work in different fields. In turn, there is an unemployment rate of about 4 million citizens. In other words, if you are an outstanding professional, you must assert your knowledge and accredit everything you know to be able to enter the group of active inhabitants at work.
Next, we will introduce you to the basic guidelines on how to write a successful resume that is your presentation letter ideal.
How do you write a resume? initial guidelines
Before you start, you should know what a Curriculum vitaewhich is also known as CV. A resume is a document that concisely and briefly summarizes your professional career. It must be adapted to the job position you wish to apply for and demonstrate that you are the best candidate in personnel selection.
This requires high standards of perfection, much more so when you see how saturated the world of work is. To do this, you must stand out from the majority, write objectively and make reading enjoyable.
Be that as it may, every resume must meet the following requirements:
A sober design that combines elegance with professionalism. Be easy to read. A format that suits your professional profile. A quality writing. Precise description of your training data, skills, experience and aptitudes.
basic structure
Although there are many curriculum models, one should be taken as a reference. basic structure. Of course, the layout or order may change a bit depending on your skills and the format you choose. The important thing is that this structure is easy to visualize and that each section is found in a short time.
The most important sections to include in a resume are the following:
Contact information Professional summary Work experience Academic training Additional sections
Formats to write a resume
Knowing how to write a resume involves choosing the right format. The choice of format is essential, since each variant adapts in different ways to your professional profile. In fact, if you use an inappropriate CV, even if it has relevant information, it is possible that miss out on getting hired.
You can choose between the following options:
Reverse chronological CV Functional CV Mixed CV
Remember: Choosing the wrong format leaves you looking unprofessional, even though you have a lot of training. The CV must be adapted to your profile at all times.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what distinguishes each format and when you can use them.
Reverse chronological CV
He reverse chronological order in resumes It is the one that narrates the work experience in descending order. That is, he starts with your most recent jobs, which would be the most relevant to the person in charge of the staff pick. This same method applies to academic training, courses and certifications.
Functional CV
He functional resume prioritize your skills and abilities above professional experience and education. It is an appropriate format for candidates with few jobs or a reduced academic background. It focuses on what you can offer the company as an applicant, as well as your goals within it.
Mixed CV
Also know as Combined CV, which consists of a mixture of the two previous formats. There is no predetermined model to follow, rather the candidate is the one who determines the appropriate order.
For example, one of the most common strategies is to begin by explaining skills and aptitudes. In turn, they are followed by experience and training in reverse chronological order.
How do you write a resume? 8 essential tips
It does not matter if you are new to the world of work or if you have extensive professional experience. It is essential to know the correct way to write a resume, so that it is captivating and motivates hiring. Not all people know how to write a top essay that enhances their skills.
It is not a matter of simply filling in data so that the employer knows what you do. It is also relevant convey who you are, why are you better than other candidates and create the need to hire you. Although it may seem difficult, a good CV becomes the best cover letter.
Adapt your resume to the job offer
CVs cannot be general files that can be used for any job offer. The truth is that they must be specific and personalized so that they fit what the recruiter is requesting. Therefore, including information that is not relevant to the position is something that causes a very bad impression.
Instead, look for qualities, aptitudes, studies and relate your previous jobs with the one you aspire to now.
Include as many keywords as possible
There are certain phrases that optimize a good CV to the maximum. Although in the selection of personnel the recruiter will see your skills, studies and experiences first, the keywords are very suitable to introduce these sections. They give your cover letter a plus if you make proper use of them.
Recruiters use a type of software called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords. The main purpose of including such keywords is to get past this filter.
On the other hand, they bring life to the resume, making reading more enjoyable. If you don’t use the keywords, it will just be a dull empty sheet.
What keywords to add in the CV?
The keywords that the user must add are those used by recruiters in the job offer. Likewise, you must place the words that the target company uses to describe itself. Other than those, every professional who knows how to write a resume should include the following phrases:
Learning Achievements and objectives Proactivity Teamwork Leadership Knowledge Experience
With these keywords you will convey that you are focused, that you are open-minded and that you are willing to be the best. They make you known as a person you want expand your capabilitiesat the same time that brings benefits to the company.
Tip: Don’t just focus on your skills, experience and training. Explain in your CV everything the company can gain by hiring you.
Avoid stock phrases and filler phrases
It is not a secret that there are resumes that are practically identical in all sections. Although you can use templates, like the ones we offer from our portal, it is not a good idea to copy the phrases exactly. Employers look for original content and that stands out among the majority.
In the same sense, filler phrases are very common and at the same time unpleasant for recruiters. They are used by people who do not know how to write a distinctive resume. It is preferable that you go to the point, that you be objective and that in at all times explain your experience, strengths and value points.
Use professional language
How to write a resume correctly encompasses making an elegant presentation. After all, when recruiting experts and professionals are sought, then Your language must be according to the profile.
You want to be friendly, but it’s also not wise to express yourself as if you were dealing with your childhood friends. Do not forget that you are presenting yourself in a company that deserves respect.
Either way, write with neatness, objectivity and precision. This criterion is related to the previous one, since someone professional is characterized by being original.
Beware of misspellings
Although it is true that for many jobs spelling is not essential, if grammar rules are not followed, you will make a very bad impression. Of course, there are jobs that require following the writing guidelines to the letter, such as being a teacher, translator, creating web pages, among others.
keep it to one page
Many people don’t know how to write a resume on a single page, because they don’t see a way to put all the information. And that is where the secret of a good CV is: it is not necessary to include all the data . We previously mentioned that the curricular summary should be adapt to the job offer and you have to avoid filler words.
A curriculum professional, precise and concise does not span more than one page. Of course, there are exceptions, such as an academic or researcher’s resume. However, it is a rule that does not apply to all cases.
Focus on achievements and skills
We are not referring to using a functional resume. Regardless of the format you choose, it is always appropriate to focus on achievements and skills. Of course, it is easier when using a functional or mixed format.
However, when making a description of the academic training and you work experience, talking about achievements and aptitudes is essential. Provide a brief description of your education and previous jobs.
Subsequently, add a brief list with the benefits that you contributed to the companies, awards, certifications and any other aspect that makes you stand out.
Complement your resume with a cover letter
If a single sheet is not enough for you, the presentation letter It is the ideal complement. Here you can talk a little more about yourself, tell your story and explain in more detail who you are.
How should a resume be?
Now that you know how to write a resume, it is important that you look at its visual design. Although it is true that the most important thing is the quality of the content, if it is not attractively presented or is not easy to readit will not meet its objective either.
When writing, keep the following in mind:
Source, margin and distribution
The choice of these three aspects depends exclusively on the type of curriculum vitae that you are going to write. is not the same a Lawyer CV either accounting manager than a cover letter from an expert in gastronomy or hospitality. In any case, there are some basic tips that may be useful:
Use a font size that is easy to read, but does not overwhelm the eye. Between 10 and 12 points is recommended for most occasions. The font must be adapted to your professional profile. In most cases, Arial and Times New Roman They are styles that go well with sober and simple CVs. If you are looking for more modernity, choose lato either future rounded. Don’t combine more than two font types. Distribute the sections in several easily identifiable blocks. Use a margin of 2.5 cm.
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