How to Write a CV for a Job Application: Step by Step Guide | Indeed Career Tips

Summary

In this video, career coach Jenn from Indeed offers a comprehensive guide on crafting a compelling CV, distinguishing it from a resume, particularly in the US context. She emphasizes the importance of company research to tailor your application, creating a clear and consistent format, and structuring the CV to highlight accomplishments. Jenn outlines essential sections, such as education, professional experience, and skills, while advising on targeting two key audiences: eliminators and selectors. By following these steps, viewers can enhance their chances of standing out in job applications and securing interviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a detailed professional document that emphasizes academic and work experience, typically longer than a resume.
• 📊 Conducting company research is crucial for tailoring your CV to align with the specific needs of the employer.
• 📝 Use a clear and consistent format for your CV, avoiding unnecessary graphics or colorful fonts to maintain professionalism.
• 📑 Structure your CV to highlight accomplishments, starting with the header, followed by a professional summary and education.
• 🏆 Include optional sections for honors and awards, particularly in academic applications, to showcase your achievements.
• 💼 Use reverse chronological order for the professional experience section, detailing responsibilities and impacts with bullet points.
• 📚 If relevant, list publications and presentations in order of publication date to demonstrate expertise in your field.
• 🔍 Tailor your CV to appeal to two key audiences: eliminators (HR/recruiters) who filter candidates and selectors (hiring managers) who make final decisions.
• 🔑 Incorporate keywords from the job description to increase the chances of passing through applicant tracking systems.
• ❤️ Present yourself compellingly to selectors by explaining how your skills and experiences position you as the best fit for the role.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a CV?

A CV serves as both a professional introduction and a key component of a job application, helping candidates secure interviews.

How does a CV differ from a resume in the U.S.?

In the U.S., a CV is typically longer (2-3 pages), focusing on detailed academic and work experience, whereas a resume is a brief, one-page document highlighting only the most relevant information.

What types of job applicants usually need to submit a CV?

CVs are primarily requested for job applicants in education, science, or research fields.

What is the importance of conducting company research when creating a CV?

Company research helps candidates develop an angle or strategy for presenting their skills and experiences in a way that aligns with the employer's unique needs.

What is a recommended approach to format a CV?

A clear and consistent format is essential, using a single font style, minimal colors, and avoiding excessive graphics while ensuring uniformity in headings and bullet points.

What should be included in the professional summary section of a CV?

The professional summary should be a concise paragraph that highlights the candidate's most important accomplishments and explains how they can help the company meet its goals.

How should professional experience be listed in a CV?

Professional experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position, and include detailed bullet points describing responsibilities and impacts.

What types of additional sections can be included in a CV?

Additional sections can include professional affiliations, volunteer experience, interests, or other relevant experiences that enhance the candidate's profile.

What are 'eliminators' and 'selectors' in the context of CV reviewing?

Eliminators are those who screen CVs for basic qualifications, such as HR representatives or applicant tracking systems, while selectors are hiring managers looking for reasons to hire a candidate.

What is a key strategy to appeal to eliminators when creating a CV?

Incorporating relevant keywords from the job description into the CV can make it easier for eliminators to see that a candidate meets the necessary qualifications.