There’s a common belief that creating a CV is a long and tedious process, but it’s time to change that mindset. A CV is an investment for your future, a way to make a great impression and open doors you didn’t know existed. A well-crafted CV should highlight your skills and experiences in a way that meets the employer’s expectations. It’s important to keep your CV updated, even if you’re not actively job hunting, as opportunities can arise unexpectedly.
But I’m not looking for a job, so why do I need a CV?
A CV isn’t just for those who are actively seeking new jobs. It’s wise to keep it updated regularly. Firstly, many companies use recruiters who search for specific candidates and make direct offers. You’ll only get the right offers if your CV reflects your current skills, not outdated ones.
Secondly, our memory is selective. Important details about training, courses, and seminars can be forgotten. Having a comprehensive CV ensures you don’t miss anything.
Keeping all information in one consolidated CV template saves time.
Keep all information in one place. Record new training or achievements immediately. This consolidated CV isn’t meant to be sent out as is but can be tailored for specific job applications, saving you from starting from scratch each time.
Create a primary CV in a system (create it at CV.ee) and update it regularly. When applying for a job, copy your CV, remove irrelevant information, and highlight what’s necessary. This makes job applications quicker and easier.
Golden Rules for Creating a CV:
- Emphasize your strengths honestly.
- Avoid spelling mistakes; read your CV out loud to check.
- Write clearly and concisely.
- Keep it professional; avoid casual language and slang.
- Ensure it is well-structured and easy to understand.
- Use a professional email address, avoid using these kinds of emails: sexykitten@eaadress.ee, gotohell@eaadress.ee, olen.helme@eaadress.ee etc.
- If adding a photo, choose a clear and appropriate one. Party pictures and selfies with you furry animals leave for other platforms.
- Refer to CV examples for guidance.
Six Easy Steps to Create a CV:
- Include Personal and Contact Information in Your CV
An anonymous CV will likely be discarded since companies want to hire real people. Double-check your contact details to avoid errors that can make you unreachable. - Detail Your Work Experience
Include specific job descriptions, not just titles. If you have many roles, list those relevant to the job you’re applying for. - Describe Your Education
Focus on the highest level of education you have achieved. If you are still studying and it is relevant, include it with the expected completion date. - Include Training and Courses
Add relevant additional training and courses, especially those with certificates. Request copies if needed. - List Your Language Skills
Mention any languages you speak besides Estonian and describe your proficiency level. - Highlight Your Hard and Soft Skills
List hard skills (e.g., software proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., creativity, analytical thinking) that are relevant to the job.
Utilize Additional Information
Now is the time to include information that didn’t fit elsewhere. Did you help reorganize a work process that saved the company money or brought in a new client? Have you won the Employee of the Year award three years in a row? These details can set you apart from other candidates. Don’t be shy about highlighting your achievements!
If possible, add your expectations for the new job to your CV. If working from home occasionally is crucial for you and the employer cannot offer this, you may not be the best match. Similarly, include your salary expectations to ensure alignment with the employer’s budget. Stating your expectations helps the employer make suitable offers.
Through the CV.ee job portal, you can see a good CV example and create your CV following these six steps.
