Applying for your dream internship or job can be nerve-wracking, especially when companies receive hundreds—sometimes thousands—of resumes. So, how do you ensure yours stands out from the rest? Follow these essential CV tips to craft a job-winning resume that captures attention and lands you that coveted interview, even if you don't have lots of work experience.
1. Highlight Relevant Experience
Employers don’t have time to sift through a five-page resume detailing every job you’ve ever had. Focus on relevant job experience that aligns with the position you're applying for. If you’re pursuing an internship at a school, mention your summer nanny job. If you’re applying for an accounting position, highlight financial roles and leave unrelated jobs out.
If you’re lacking relevant experience, consider volunteering. Many organizations offer career-building volunteer opportunities. For instance, if you’re interested in finance, volunteering to help with tax preparation for low-income families can provide valuable experience while enhancing your professional resume. If you’re applying for an international internship, mention any foreign language skills. IT competencies are also valuable in nearly every field, so be sure to list relevant software expertise like Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, or programming languages.
2. Include a Hobbies & Interests Section
At the bottom of your resume, include a brief ‘Other Interests’ section. Keep it concise—just a few words like ‘Photography, Travel, Sports.’ This personal touch can help establish a connection with potential employers and serve as a great conversation starter during job interviews.
3. Proofread for Perfection
Spelling and grammar mistakes on a resume can make you seem careless. Use spell check, read your resume out loud, and ask a friend to proofread it. A typo could cost you a job opportunity, so double-check your work before submitting your resume.
4. Research Resume Formats
Resume expectations vary depending on the country and industry. If applying internationally, be sure to check local resume conventions. For example, in the U.S. and Europe, you shouldn’t include a photo, marital status, or personal details like nationality or gender. You should also avoid using non-professional fonts like Comic Sans, Papyrus, and Courier. Instead, the best fonts to use on a resume are Times New Roman, Garamond, and Calibri.
5. Attach a Tailored Cover Letter
Your resume should be concise, but a cover letter allows you to add personality and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. A well-crafted cover letter can make a strong impression, so take the time to personalize it for each job application. Check out our guide on how to write a compelling cover letter for more tips.
6. Send Your Resume as a PDF
Always send your resume in PDF format, not as a Word document. PDFs preserve formatting, ensuring your resume looks professional and remains uneditable by recipients. Name your file appropriately (e.g., ‘YourName_Resume.pdf’) and submit it along with your tailored cover letter.
7. Be Concise
Keep your CV concise and impactful—limit it to one page. Employers value clear, well-organized resumes that highlight key achievements efficiently. A streamlined CV not only showcases your accomplishments but also demonstrates strong organizational skills, making a great first impression.
