Few WritingTips to build a successful CV

From the very little time that I have spent in my professional life, I can clearly see that there is a lack of “essential criteria” fulfilled by the newcomers while trying to enter a professional company.

I was one of those who struggled and was frustrated at the lack of chances I got even though I knew I had in me to succeed. Over time, I learned the hard way about the “right way” to start a professional career and I was rarely rejected by companies for an “interview”. So, without further ado, I am going to share some knowledge that I have gained over the last few years.

First and foremost, the most essential document required for a job is a CV. If you nail the CV, you are more likely to get a chance for an interview. So, how does a good CV differentiate from a bad one? Let’s get right into it.

Basic Components of a Good CV

1. Personal Information (Name, Email, Address…)
2. Education Background
3. Professional Skills
4. Personal Skills (Language Skills, Communication Skills ….)
5. Training, Seminars and Projects, Publications
6. Previous Job Experience
7. Additional Information (Driving License, Club Activities, Volunteerism….)

I suggest you write the above information on a piece of paper so that you have enough clarification about yourself and don’t miss anything that you should definitely include.

Things “Not to Do” while creating a CV

1. Don’t try to talk without the walk.

Please don’t write up skills you don’t have. You will likely be asked about the majority of the skills by your interviewer so I suggest you “Don’t fake it till you make it”, instead learn about those skills (at least the basics) as fast as you can to “make it so you don’t have to fake it.”

2. Don’t write vague and unrelated statements

It doesn’t make sense to show that you have a “Machine Learning skill” if you are applying for a software QA, does it? So, don’t do it. Be specific to the Job Description provided by your employer. If they haven’t put effort to publish a Job Description, you should avoid the company as a whole.

3. Don’t make your CV too long

CV typically is one page long and at max should be of 2 pages. Don’t make it more than that, remember you are not writing a high school essay.

If you stick to these fundamentals, your chances of an interview are likely to increase. If you are still struggling, below are the basic steps to increase your chance of success.

1. If you are getting rejected often, ask your friends and seniors who are working in the same industry what you are doing wrong (don’t hesitate).
2. When you apply for a job via mail, remember it is professional mail so try to be as professional as you can be. Don’t forget to mention the subject of your mail and write up a brief mail body.
3. Don’t make any grammatical errors while you write a mail.
4. Don’t name your CV file to CV1, Latest CV, random CV, QA CV, etc.
5. Update your profile on LinkedIn and stay in contact with the recruitment agencies.
6. Check job vacancies in different job portals and carefully analyze the Job Description as well.

I hope this reaches out to anyone who needs it.