An effective CV is essential to make a good impression on recruiters and increase your chances of getting an interview.
In this article, we’ll give you 7 practical tips on how to create an attention-grabbing resume that will help you stand out in your job search .
Choose the right format
The format of your CV is the first thing that recruiters notice. Use a simple, clear design and an uncluttered layout with well-separated sections, such as personal information, work experience, education, and skills.
Finally, avoid overly stylized fonts: choose readable fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman.
Customize your CV for each position
Don’t send the same resume to every company. Tailor your resume to the position you’re applying for, highlighting your most relevant skills and experience . Include specific keywords that match the job description .
To increase the chances of your CV being noticed, read the job ad carefully and use the same keywords.
Enter a summary of your professional profile
A summary of your personal profile at the beginning of your CV can help to capture attention. Describe in a few lines who you are, what you do and what you are looking for in your next job . This section should highlight your motivations and strengths: focus on what makes you unique, but keep your tone professional.
Describe your experiences clearly
List your work experience in chronological order, starting with the most recent. Each position should include the name of the company, the role you held, and a brief description of your main responsibilities and accomplishments. Use bullet points to make the text more readable.
Highlight relevant skills
In your CV, include a section dedicated to skills, divided into technical skills and transversal skills (soft skills). For example, computer skills, foreign languages, problem-solving skills, or time management.
Make sure the skills are relevant to the position you are applying for.
Keep your CV concise
Recruiters spend only a few seconds on each CV, so make sure the content is clear and concise . A good CV should not exceed 2 pages. Avoid irrelevant information and focus on the details that really make the difference.
Check grammar and formatting
A CV with grammatical or formatting errors conveys unprofessionalism . Before sending it, proofread it carefully or ask someone to do it for you. Make sure the layout is consistent and that there are no empty spaces or unclear sections.
An effective CV is the first step to getting the job you want.
Personalize it, keep it simple, and highlight your most relevant skills and experience. By following these 7 tips, you’ll increase your chances of catching recruiters’ attention and landing the interview.
Our career guidance programs will provide you with personalized support, helping you to identify the job opportunities best suited to your profile and to successfully pass the selection process.
Are you looking for new job opportunities? If you are unemployed and live in Emilia-Romagna, Lazio or Lombardy, you can access our guidance and job support services for free through the Workers’ Employability Guarantee Program (GOL) .