Writing a decent CV and cover letter is a real challenge, and writing them in a foreign language is even more difficult. Although going beyond the comfort zone and fulfilling your dream of working abroad is amazing and worth the effort. And we are here to help you with that.
A good job usually starts with a good CV, and a good CV is usually preceded by searching for information, this article can be helpful to start with. And some tips below:
1. Difference between cv and resume
Even though both words are used interchangeably in English, CV and resume are not the same.
A CV is a detailed list of your work experience, education and achievements. It contains almost everything you have done in your life and is not tailored to a specific job offer. If you compare your CV to a movie about your career, the resume will be its trailer. The resume is definitely shorter, preferably one page, never more than two pages, and will change depending on the job you are applying for. Resume lists the skills and achievements associated with a specific position, gives the manager a picture of who you are and what you can bring to the company.
2. Find out when to send your cv and when to send a resume
And what’s more – these two documents are used differently depending on your part of the world. According to Undercover Recruiter, Americans and Canadians prefer a resume (unless it is explicitly not required or you are applying for a job in a research and academic environment). Rectors in Europe and New Zealand usually require a CV. To simplify things a bit, in Australia, India and South Africa the two terms are used interchangeably and generally resume is preferred in the private sector and the public resume. Ideally, simply ask (your local job center or friend) how detailed your application should be.
3. Choose the relevant language
Write your CV in the language of the job offer. You can add a translation if the listing language is not in the official language of the country. For example, if you reply to a job offer in English in Germany, you can send your CV in English and German, English will have priority. Your LinkedIn profile can be in different languages, please send the link instead of a separate document.
4. Customize, customize, customize
Always customize your app by country, title and company. If your CV shows that you have obtained the necessary information, you will avoid unnecessary questions. Choose the best or the most important information from your CV when writing a cover letter and edit, delete and ruthlessly organize so as to attract the attention of the recruiter.
5. Be honest about work permit and language skills
Add the type of visa and residence permit you have to your CV. Do not hide this information, the interviewer will ask about it sooner or later, so save her time. The same goes for language skills. If you write that you are fluent in a given language, the recruiter will be able to quickly check it. There is no room for lies and exaggeration.
6. Follow photo rules
It’s not always a good idea to add a professional, high-quality photo. In the US, Canada, UK and Australia, never do this. But in Germany and France you have to add a photo. It is worth checking it, a lot of CV ends up in the bin, because the rules for photos have not been met. Not because someone is not photogenic, but for legal reasons. Employees do not want to be accused of appearance discrimination. If you’re not sure if you should add a photo, you can always link to your personalized LinkedIn profile on your CV. Then the rector will be able to see how you present yourself.
7. Take the European shortcut way
If you want to work in Europe, you don’t have to be the next Columbus and discover America. Check out Europass, an online application that will help you collect all the necessary documents so that you can present your experience and qualifications well. Easy to work out tool that includes CV and cover letter templates.
8. Pay attention to detail
When you start looking for information, pay attention to details that might save you, or cross out your CV immediately before anyone reads about your achievements and experience. In Germany, for example, your signature and date must be placed at the bottom of your CV. In Japan, you have to fill in (sometimes by hand!) rirekisho, Japanese CV with your own hard rules, or shokumu keirekisho, a document where you include work experience. In many European countries, information on the date of birth, marital status and even the number of children may be required. Which, on the other hand, will be a big mistake in the US (so don’t do it!). Other important information that varies depending on the country in which you want to work is the conclusion (or omission) of career goals, recommendations (letters of recommendation) from previous employers, study / school grades (here you can see how they can be converted) and a list of documents which you must send with your CV.
9. Make an order with numbers
Let’s focus on the smallest details. You will earn extra points if you add the country code to your phone number, the time difference is worth mentioning. The same goes for the spelling of the dates (in the order of month, day and year) and the choice of paper format (in case your CV is to be printed). The recruiter will see that you have done your homework and are really paying attention to the details as you ensure.
10. Ask for help
Checking your CV always takes an extra pair of eyes to spot mistakes and see if what you wrote makes sense. If possible, ask a native speaker with an understanding of grammar and CV writing to review your papers. If you want to apply for a job in a specific country and are determined, it would be a good idea to hire a local professional resume writer.
