5 Points that make your CV successful

The core of every application is the CV. In order to be successful, the CV must be convincing. But what are the crucial points that lead to the selection or rejection of an applicant in the eyes of recruiters? Here is the answer, what distinguishes a good CV from a bad one. Consider the following 5 points:

1) Tailored to the job offer

Your CV may always look the same as a "basic model". But the "fine-tuning" for each job has to be done over and over again. Your CV will therefore be different for each job application. Specifically: If information from your CV is not relevant for this job, it should take up little space. On the other hand, topics that are relevant to the job profile should be given appropriate weight and space.

Conclusion: "One size fits all" is definitely not possible for your CV - "tailor-made" is mandatory and makes the difference!

2) Uniqueness - your unique profile must be recognizable

Even though the CV is a very standardized document, it is still important to express your personality and to make your strengths visible and noticeable. Your CV answers the question: Why are you the right person for this job? What makes you stand out? Therefore: Under the heading "Work experience", give examples of the required competencies and also list concrete successes. And use the "Brief profile" section to position yourself.

Conclusion: Do good and talk about it - without self-marketing you unnecessarily reduce your chances of success.

3) Clarity before "fanciness”

Choose a simple, clear structure and a correspondingly simple layout. No content should have to be searched for and the structure should be logical and easy to follow. Your CV should not exceed 2 pages. The recruiter should be able to find your way around your CV within a few seconds and immediately get all the relevant information.

Conclusion: Not the bright colors and icons are in the center - but your content. The layout supports the content and the clarity - and not vice versa.

4) Spelling and grammar - mistakes are a killer criterion

Nothing is more unattractive than finding typos or even spelling mistakes in your CV. For many recruiters, this is already a reason to reject you. Therefore, make sure that there are no mistakes in your document by applying the 4-eyes principle. In concrete terms: After you have read your document several times yourself, ask another person to proofread your CV and check for errors.

Bottom line: mistakes are taboo - your CV is cross-checked and therefore 100% correct.

5) A professional photo - everything else is a "no go"

The most important visual element in your CV is your photo - not your graphic layout! Your photo is THE eye-catcher! This photo must be taken by a professional photographer and should show you as you currently look. The recruiter must not be surprised when she sees you for the first time. If you change your outfit (long hair => short hair / with full beard => without full beard), then your picture must be updated accordingly. A professional portrait shot from the front, where you are smiling, is a "must".

Conclusion: with a professional, up-to-date photo you make your first impression and you get the attention of the recruiter - "you never get a second chance to make a first impression"!

Do you have questions about your CV? Contact us at csc.business@fhnw.ch and we will be happy to help you.