Just another CV?/ Samo još jedan CV?

Your CV is often the first step in the job search and your first contact with a potential employer. It is the key that unlocks the gate of the company. Its purpose is to create a good first impression and to get you an interview. Even though there is no single (correct) way to write it, there are some general rules you should follow. Your CV should be carefully and clearly laid out, informative but concise, accurate in content, spelling and grammar, designed or targeted for the specific job or career area for which you are applying and preferably sent with an effective cover letter.

We will deal with this important topic in two issues and we will start by presenting major sections in a CV. In our next issue we will just continue with discussing the rest of the sections every CV typically consists of. The order and the emphasis of sections depends on what you are applying for and what you have to offer. You may want to stress your relevant work experience first, or, if you have just graduated, you will highlight your skills.

The opening part of a CV would be its Heading. In this part you should include all your contact details. It is normal to include your date of birth, but it is not essential. The golden rule here as with other sections is to include what you are comfortable with showing and what presents you in the best possible light. Marital status is not required, but some people think that being single suggests a) …………………. for working shifts or travelling, while being married suggests b) ………………….

The section CV personal profile / objective describes your c) …………………. and is sometimes called personal mission statement. It should be a short, concise statement that informs the employer what kind of position you are seeking, why, and how the company would benefit from hiring you. It should not exceed four lines.

In the section Employment history you should explain briefly, but as clearly as possible in reverse chronological order where you worked and your d) …………………., tasks and responsibilities. Include relevant full-time paid jobs, academic research projects, internships, part-time jobs or volunteer work. List months/years you worked, position, name and location of employer or place and responsibilities you had.

In the section Education list qualifications both academic and non-academic degrees and certifications. Education usually refers to post-secondary education and can include special seminars and summer schools as well as college and university. Here you should also provide information about e) …………………. and month/year obtained; names and locations of schools. If this is relevant for the position you might include a brief summary of important courses.