The CV as a Sales Tool
A CV is not just a collection of information about you—it literally sells you. That’s why it’s very important to dedicate some time to preparing it. With a well-written and interesting CV, you can gain an advantage over other candidates.
Most of us already know which basic sections a CV should contain. So, what are the details that will make your CV stand out above the rest? Be specific, but don’t include absolutely everything. Save some information for a possible in-person interview. 📝
- Lately, it’s become more common to include a personal introduction at the beginning of the CV, right after your personal details. This is a short paragraph briefly describing your career, achievements, and skills. You can also tailor this paragraph to match the position you’re applying for and what you believe is crucial for that role. 🖊️
- Photograph—yes or no? A photo is one of the first things a reader will notice on your CV. If you decide to include one, make sure it is formal and of good quality, and don’t forget appropriate smart casual attire. If you don’t have a suitable photo, it’s better to create a CV without it. This also stimulates the reader’s imagination. 📸
- It’s important to capture the reader’s attention from the very start. Only then will you keep their interest to read on. After your personal details/introduction, continue with your work experience. 💼
- When listing work experience, start from the most recent and work backward. Provide a short description of each position (what you were responsible for, what you achieved, how many people you managed, etc.). What impact did your achievements have on the company? You can mention this as a bonus. Students can include internships during their studies. 🎯
- Another important part is your education. Focus on your highest level of education and include any courses or training through which you gained new skills. 🎓
- Don’t forget to mention your language skills. Avoid vague levels like “good / with a dictionary / I can get by,” etc. It’s best to specify your skills according to the European Reference Framework, or list any certificates you have earned. 🔠
Try to connect the sections of your CV so the document forms a cohesive whole (for example: knowledge from a communication technologies course – its use in work – acquiring a new client – profit for the company).
Write clearly, use bullet points and paragraphs. The document should look clean and attractive. Finally, remember that less is more. Try to keep the document under 2 pages (A4 size).
If You’re Creative, Try Online Tools
If you have the time and inclination, you can create your CV using one of the online graphic programs, for example, Canva (available in Czech), or Zety (in English). When creating your CV with these tools, keep in mind that less is sometimes more. Most recruiters will only print your CV in black and white—so keep this in mind when choosing graphics. Of course, you can also create a classic CV in Word or PowerPoint. Some well-known job portals also offer their own CV builder tools.
Social Networks Can Help You, but Also Hurt You
A profile on a professional social network can be a good supplement to a traditional CV. Most of them are now fully available in Czech, and the individual sections will guide you on how to complete your profile ideally. The most popular network here is still LinkedIn, but you can also try the Czech alternative Staffito.
Facebook is also a widely used tool for job hunting these days. However, you should be careful what information you share about yourself on this platform. A potential employer might access private information that you’d prefer not to share. It’s a good idea to check your shared and personal posts, and if necessary, change your sharing settings so only your friends can see them—this limits the information visible to other users.
If you’re considering changing jobs, it’s ideal to join Facebook groups such as “Jobs in Brno,” “Jobs or part-time in Plzeň,” and keep an eye on the latest openings. Another option is to follow our Facebook page, where we regularly post job offers from our clients.