An effective CV
Everything is important, but conciseness comes first.
Before sending a CV, it is essential to study the company, to highlight your personal and professional attributes that match those required and to properly know your motivations.
In the case of an advertisement, read it very carefully to check whether the requirements match your profile.
FAQ
How long should the CV be?
One page is more than enough; two are acceptable if you have a wide range of work experience. Three pages are not recommended in most cases.
What if I have no work experience?
There comes a time when everyone has to find their first job. You can enhance your CV even if you have little or no work experience.
Do I have to use the European CV model?
Unless it is explicitly requested, you can draft your CV using any format.
Could grammatical errors penalise a job application?
It could happen. It’s always a good idea to reread your CV several times or have it reviewed by others before sending it.
Is form or content more important?
The balance between the two factors is a key to success. Simplicity and clarity without using weird fonts or overly artistic solutions will come out best.
On average, a recruiter spends 10 to 20 seconds reading a CV in search of meaningful information and interesting data in order to decide whether or not to contact a candidate.
Essential Information
- Personal details (contact information, address, place and date of birth)
- Education and training
- Information on your educational background: school/university experience (duration, dates of completion, grade, institute/university, thesis title)
- Professional and internship experiences
- Professional specialisation/qualification courses
- Foreign languages
- IT skills
- Work experience during studies
- Any study experiences abroad
- Achievements and successes considered relevant
- Useful attachments, such as an appropriate photo, professional certificates or qualifications
- Motivation and areas of professional interest
- Hobbies and personal interests (without going into detail)
- Any membership of protected categories
- Authorisation to process personal data as per current privacy legislation (Law 196/2003)
How to tackle the motivational interview (with HR)
It is very important to us that during the interview the applicant demonstrates a good knowledge of the company (target market, size, competitors, etc.) and that there is consistency between any position we propose and personal expectations.
We positively assess the match between personal and corporate culture (values, style,) and any requests for clarification on activities/opportunities proposed (role, skills, superiors and colleagues, training path) and short- and long-term expectations (career development).
How to tackle the professional technical interview (with the Line Manager)
In order to well-prepared for the interview with line managers, it is essential to be well- informed and be fully up-to-date about the company, its current business plan and the role sought, explaining your motivation for the company and the proposed position.
It is necessary to brush up on the skills and knowledge that may be examined during the interview and you should highlight any certifications or technical specialisations that add value. In addition, a candidate who proposes innovative solutions, depending on the context, is positively valued.
You shouldn’t be afraid to ask the Line Manager questions to show curiosity and interest in the topics addressed or to elaborate on issues only mentioned.