This is what the perfect CV looks like: The best tips and tricks
As is well known, there are numerous wisdoms, but hardly any apply better to an application than this: The first impression counts. And that applies in particular to the CV, because this document can ideally open the door to you – but only if you make your CV as appealing and meaningful as possible. However, there are numerous pitfalls and potential sources of error that can ensure that your application is sorted out in no time at all. Therefore, we are now presenting you with the best tips and tricks for an all-round successful and promising CV, with which you can convince even the most critical HR manager.
Don’t sell yourself short
So that your CV leaves a good and lasting impression on the HR manager, you should think of your CV as a kind of sales offer or presentation platform. To do this, you can list your strengths and previous successes, for example under “Personal profile” or “Special” as a separate item directly below your contact details. In this way, the HR manager can see right from the start who he is actually dealing with. Here you can, for example, address your social commitment, point out that you have a perfect command of several languages or have completed your studies abroad with distinction. In the ideal case, at least one of these points should also fit the desired job. Important: Don’t be modest, but in any case refrain from untruths and exaggerations – after all, your CV should impress and not ensure that you appear as a liar.
What you should definitely do without
As already mentioned, lies definitely do not belong on a CV. For example, if you state further training, you should also be able to prove this with an official document. Because what many people don’t know is that anyone who lies about their CV not only risks being dismissed without notice, but in the worst case can even face criminal prosecution. In addition, you can confidently do without irrelevant information. This includes, among other things, the professions of your parents, your religious affiliation and personal details such as your marital status or that you have a driver’s license. In addition, you should not list any overly crazy leisure activities under the heading “Hobbies and interests”, in other words: even if you like to pursue extreme sports in your life, the HR manager does not necessarily need to know that. Instead, try to find a hobby that at least partially matches the job you want.
Upgrade your vita
Two important points should be mentioned here. For one thing, your resume should be visually appealing. So make sure that you use a legible font and leave enough space between the individual dots. And definitely do without graphic gimmicks, as these usually only ensure that the recruiter does not find his way around and puts your application directly to the side. On the other hand, you can refer to your digital portfolio in your CV, for example with a link to your website or to your profiles on Xing, LinkedIn or social media. Here, however, it is important to ensure that the HR manager only finds high-quality content there – by the way, holiday photos in swimming trunks are not one of them.
In this way, you can skilfully avoid gaps in your CV
As is well known, the notorious gaps in the CV cause many applicants to break out in a sweat – and you can often easily avoid them. According to the career experts at the online magazine Welt, you can use a paraphrase such as “looking for work” or “career orientation phase” instead of “unemployed”. Longer times without a permanent job can be explained by professional training and further education measures, and taking time off for a reorientation is no longer a problem these days. And if you take care of a sick family member or your parents’ business for a while do not hesitate to mention this fact – because in almost all cases such an activity is taken up with benevolence.