IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING YOUR CV

BY THE GVAHIM CAREER CENTER (GCC)

The first step in searching for a job is usually editing your CV. This means updating it with your latest positions before sending it to a prospective employer.

If you’re applying for a job that requires previous professional experience, you can be sure the recruiter will scan your CV for evidence of that experience before anything else.

Your education is important if it is related to your profession. If you studied at a well-known institution or received honors or awards during your studies, mention that in the “education” section — in boldface.

The most common way of presenting your professional experience is to start with the most recent position (i.e., 2017-present), then the job before that, and so on. Include company names and job titles, as well as responsibilities. Use bullet points detailing what you did or supervised at each job. Avoid long sentences or paragraphs.

Make sure your CV speaks the same language as the job description itself; any buzzwords appearing in the requirements should also appear in your CV if they apply to you.

What about your knowledge of software and systems? If, for example, you have professional experience working with an Oracle ERP system, include that as part of what you accomplished. If you learned a system during your studies but aren’t that familiar with it, list it in the “tools” section towards the end of your CV, along with languages.

Many job seekers ask what personal details and information to include in their CV. We suggest your full name, of course, plus your Aliyah date and city of residence (unless you think disclosing where you live might be a barrier to securing a specific job). Add contact info such as your phone number and email address — and make sure both are readily available to the recruiter.

Remember that the purpose of your CV is to land phone interviews. You’ll know that your CV works well when you start getting calls from recruiters after applying for jobs.

You generally don’t need to write a cover letter when applying for a job that’s an obvious continuation of your career path. If, however, you’re branching out in a new direction, a short paragraph explaining why you chose to apply for this specific role would be helpful. In a few lines, let the reader know why you want this job and what you can bring to the company.

For more tips and guidance, contact the Gvahim Career Center.