Advisory Services Career Service

CV

The CV is the central element of an application and lists the applicant's most important personal data. HR managers generally spend very little time evaluating an application dossier or a CV. Your most important qualifications, experiences and interests for job advertised should therefore be clearly visible. Adapt your CV to each specific job advertised.

Structure

The CV follows the letter of motivation. It is generally presented in table form and is organized as follows:

Personal details
Application photo
Personal statement (optional)
Education
Work experience
Other activities
Language skills
IT skills
Interests / hobbies
References

Presentation and layout

  • Paper: white, high-quality, minimum weight (100g/m²).
  • Font: Font size no smaller than 10 points
  • Length: no longer than two pages of A4.
  • Title: The CV does not need the title “CV” or “Curriculum Vitae”.
  • Divide your CV into different thematic blocks and give each block a relevant title. Spaces must be left between the different blocks so that the text remains clear.
  • Consistency: To create an attractive and clear CV, use a consistent formating style. Do not mix too many fonts/font sizes.
  • Dates: The date is normally placed on the left and consistently listed precisely according to the month. (e.g. month/year; 06/2009)
  • No spelling or grammar mistakes!
  • Arrange your enclosures in the application dossier in accordance with the order used in the CV.

Wording

  • Use sentences which are short and as precise as possible.
  • Be positive – avoid negative formulations.
  • Do not generalize, be specific.
  • Wherever possible, do not use passive sentences.
  • Ensure that you can back your statements up in a personal interview.
  • False or exaggerated representations of your own capacities  are a no go!

Gaps in your CV

While gaps in your CV are not ideal, they are not tragic. It is important that you can plausibly justify the gaps. It is always decisive whether an entire CV is chaotic and filled with gaps or whether it is simply an “outlier” in your career. A “youthful folly” is easier to explain and to overcome than years of confusion.