What to include on a résumé: 5 essential sections you can't omit - cv creation

In the job search, a well-crafted curriculum vitae (CV) is your cover letter. It is the first contact you have with a potential employer and, therefore, it should be concise, clear, and persuasive. It’s not just about listing your work experiences, but about highlighting your skills and achievements in a way that captures the recruiter's attention. Below, we present 5 essential sections that should not be missing from your CV to maximize your chances of success.

1. Personal and Contact Information: The Foundation of Your Professional Presentation

This section is fundamental. Make sure to include the following information, reviewing it carefully to avoid errors:

• Full name: Use your full legal name.
• Contact information:
  • Phone number: A number where you are available and check voicemail frequently.
  • Email address: A professional address (avoid informal or unprofessional names).
  • LinkedIn profile (optional): If you have an up-to-date and professional profile, include it. It showcases your network and experience.
  • Location (optional): You may include your city and country, but it is not necessary to provide your full address unless required.

SEO Tip: Use variations of "personal information" and "contact information" in this section to optimize keyword search.

2. Professional Profile or Objective: Your Concise Statement of Purpose

In this section, provide a brief summary of your professional background and objectives. It’s your opportunity to highlight your most relevant skills and what you can bring to the company. Tailor this summary to each position you apply for, emphasizing the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role.

Example for a Web Developer: "Web developer with 5+ years of experience in designing and developing innovative web applications. Expert in [mention languages and frameworks such as React, Angular, Node.js]. Seeking a challenging position at a company that values innovation and professional growth."

Tip: Use action verbs to describe your skills and achievements. Avoid generic phrases and focus on what makes you unique.

3. Work Experience: Demonstrate Your Background and Achievements

This is probably the most important section of your resume. Describe your work experiences clearly and concisely, highlighting your most relevant responsibilities and achievements. Use reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each position, include the following information:

• Company name: Include the full name of the company.
• Job title: Indicate the exact title of the position you held.
• Start and end dates: Use the month/year format (for example, January 2020 - present).
• Description of responsibilities and achievements: Describe your main responsibilities and achievements, using action verbs and quantifying your results whenever possible. For example, "Increased sales by 15% in the first quarter."

SEO Tip: Use relevant keywords for the industry and position when describing your responsibilities and achievements. For example, if you are applying for a digital marketing position, use keywords like "SEO," "SEM," "social media," "content marketing," etc.

4. Education: Support Your Knowledge

List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree. Include the following information:

• Name of educational institution: Indicate the full name of the institution.
• Degree obtained: Specify the degree you earned (for example, Bachelor's degree in Business Administration).
• Start and end dates: Use the month/year format.
• Honors or recognitions (optional): If you received any honors or academic recognition, include them.

If you have little work experience, you can expand a bit in this section, mentioning relevant projects or courses you have taken.

5. Skills and Competencies: Show Your Potential

This section allows you to highlight your skills and competencies, both technical (hard skills) and personal (soft skills). List the skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Some examples of technical skills include:

• Software knowledge: Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.
• Programming languages: Python, Java, C++, etc.
• Digital marketing tools: Google Analytics, Google Ads, etc.

Some examples of soft skills include:

• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with others and work in a team.
• Problem solving: Ability to identify and resolve problems effectively.
• Leadership: Ability to lead teams and motivate others.

Tip: Be specific and provide examples of how you have used these skills in the past. For example, instead of simply saying "Communication," you could say "Ability to communicate effectively with clients and coworkers, both orally and in writing, as demonstrated by leading the presentation of a new product that resulted in a 20% increase in sales."

Conclusion: Your CV, Your Tool for Success

A well-structured and complete CV is essential to stand out in the competitive job market. By including these 5 key sections, you ensure you present a professional and persuasive image of yourself, increasing your chances of getting the interview and, ultimately, the desired job. Remember to customize your CV for each position you apply for, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant. Good luck with your job search!