Steps to create a resume from scratch [even if you don't know where to start] - cv creation

Do you feel overwhelmed at the idea of creating your curriculum vitae? Don't worry, you are not alone! Many candidates face the same challenge, especially when starting their professional career or looking for a change of direction. This guide will provide you with the necessary steps to create a professional and effective curriculum vitae, even if you feel you don't have much experience to show. You will learn how to highlight your skills, achievements and potential, attracting recruiters' attention and increasing your chances of getting the interview you want.

1. Personal Analysis: Discover Your Strengths and Professional Goals

Before you start writing, take time to reflect on your professional profile. Ask yourself:

• What are your most outstanding technical and soft skills? (For example, proficiency with specific software, languages, leadership, communication).
• What achievements have you obtained in your work or academic experiences? (Quantify your results whenever possible. e.g.: ""I increased sales by 15% in six months"").
• What are your professional interests and passions?
• What type of job position are you looking for and what type of company appeals to you?

This analysis will allow you to tailor your curriculum vitae to the job offers that truly interest you and highlight the qualities that make you the ideal candidate.

2. Choose the Right Resume Format for You

There are mainly three curriculum vitae formats:

• Chronological: Focuses on your work experience, listing it in reverse chronological order (from most recent to oldest). Ideal if you have a solid and steady work history.
• Functional: Focuses on your skills and competencies, grouping them by category. Recommended if you have little work experience, have changed sectors, or have gaps in your employment history.
• Combination: Combines elements of the chronological and functional resume. It is a good option if you want to highlight your skills while also showing your professional trajectory.

Consider your particular situation and choose the format that best suits your needs. If in doubt, the chronological format is usually a safe bet.

3. Key Structure of a Professional Curriculum Vitae

A well-structured curriculum vitae makes reading easier and allows recruiters to quickly find the information they are looking for. The essential sections are:

3.1. Contact Information: Your Gateway to the Working World

• Full name: Use a slightly larger font size to stand out.
• Professional title (optional): e.g.: ""Computer Engineer"", ""Digital Marketing Specialist"".
• Phone number: Make sure it is a number where you are reachable.
• Email: Use a professional address (e.g.: [email protected]). Avoid informal addresses.
• LinkedIn profile (optional): If you have an updated and relevant LinkedIn profile, include it.
• Location (optional): Indicate your city and country of residence.

3.2. Professional Summary or Career Objective: Your Cover Letter in a Few Words

This section is crucial to capture the recruiter's attention from the start. Choose between:

• Professional Summary: A brief paragraph (3-4 lines) that summarizes your experience, skills and most relevant achievements. Ideal if you have work experience.
• Career Objective: A paragraph that describes your professional goals and how your skills can benefit the company. Recommended if you have little work experience or are seeking a sector change.

Customize this section for each job application, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.

3.3. Work Experience: Showcase Your Career and Achievements

List your work experiences in reverse chronological order, including:

• Company name.
• Position.
• Start and end dates.
• Description of your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities (e.g.: ""Managed"", ""Implemented"", ""Developed""). Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

If you have little work experience, include part-time jobs, volunteer work or internships.

3.4. Education: Your Knowledge Foundation

Include your education in reverse chronological order, from most recent to oldest, indicating:

• Degree obtained.
• Educational institution.
• Start and end dates.
• (Optional) Honors, awards or relevant projects.

3.5. Skills and Competencies: What Makes You Unique

List your technical skills (e.g.: software, tools) and soft skills (e.g.: communication, leadership, teamwork). Tailor this section to the requirements of the job posting.

3.6. Languages: A Competitive Advantage

Mention the languages you speak and your level of proficiency (e.g.: native, bilingual, advanced, intermediate, basic).

3.7. Additional Information (Optional): Highlight Your Personality

You can include information about your interests, hobbies, volunteer activities or any other activity that demonstrates your skills and personality.

4. Key Tips for a Flawless Curriculum Vitae

• Use a professional and easy-to-read template.
• Be concise and direct. Avoid irrelevant information.
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Use relevant keywords for the job posting.
• Carefully check spelling and grammar.
• Ask someone to review your curriculum vitae before sending it.
• Tailor your curriculum vitae to each job application.
• Save your curriculum vitae in PDF format.

5. Online Tools to Create an Impressive Resume

There are numerous online tools that will make creating your curriculum vitae easier. Some popular options are:

• Canva
• Resume.io
• Kickresume
• Novorésumé
• Zety

These tools offer professional templates, examples and tips to help you create a high-quality curriculum vitae.

6. Continuous Updating: Keep Your Curriculum Vitae Up to Date

Don't forget to update your curriculum vitae periodically with your new experiences, skills and achievements. An up-to-date curriculum vitae will keep you ready for any job opportunities that may arise.

Creating a curriculum vitae from scratch may seem challenging, but with this step-by-step guide you will be well equipped to create a document that highlights your skills and helps you get the job of your dreams. Good luck in your job search!