We’ve seen the basic rules for writing a CV. If you follow them, your CV will be complete and of good quality. But it’s not always wise to apply the same rules every time. So how can you give your CV that little extra that the others do not have?
Here are a few ideas, but try giving free rein to your own imagination.
Give your CV an original look
An original CV is probably not appropriate for a job in finance, but can be an asset when you apply for a creative job. There’s the story of a guy who sent the company he wanted to work for a shoe with a note attached that said: “to get my foot in the door.” This kind of original CV can work really well as it stands out from the rest of the batch.
However this does not mean you should overdo it – sometimes it’s better to stay more factual. First think of a concept for your CV and use this as a base to shape it. And choose something that suits you: your CV may reflect a part of your personality. Try to find a balance and make sure all of the content is readable.
Use an appropriate structure
It is sometimes useful to slightly modify the structure of your CV. For instance, if you have worked for many years but have held several positions in different sectors you can classify your experience by function. Imagine you have some experience in the areas of administration and sales, and also as a marketing manager. If you are applying for a sales position, then it’s your experience in sales which will be the most relevant. So it would make sense to group all your sales experience so that your employer can immediately see your experience in this area.
Content – a key factor
Even if you give free rein to your creativity with regards to the layout and structure of your CV, your CV must however still be clear and readable. You will not succeed if you use complex sentence constructions or unnecessarily formal words. So avoid using sentences such as “from 2007 to the present day, I have been an employee at Company X in Brussels.” The phrase “from 2007 to the present day” can be replaced by “since 2007” “and instead of “being an employee” you just “work” for a company in Brussels. It is difficult to avoid all jargon when writing a CV, but try not to use it too much. If your last job was for example “corporate communication, marketing and press officer Benelux”, cite briefly the responsibilities that you were assigned.
Give a personal touch to your CV
Even if you’re not a designer, you can give your CV a personal touch. Do not you just list your skills – for example, avoid “knowledge of MS Office” and “flexible” but rather say that you are an enthusiastic person who enjoys working within a team and who doesn’t give up easily under stressful situations. If you are passionate about wine, sports, movies, books, etc, do not hesitate to mention it in your CV. But only if such information is relevant in the context of the role or if your hobbies tell the recruiter something about your personality.