guidelines for cv preparation (nato)

Women’s Professional NetworkRéseau professionnel féminin

DIVERSITY & INCLUSIONDIVERSITE & INTEGRATION

- 1 -

0746

-15

NAT

O G

raph

ics

& Pr

intin

g

NATO WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

G u i d e l i n e f o r C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e ( C V ) p r e p a r a t i o n

- 2 -

Key elements to include in your CVTips for a good presentation:The CV should be no longer than two A4 pages. Keep it short and to the point!

Don’t split the information about the same education institution / work experience over two different pages.

Don’t forget to maintain the same structure and format throughout your CV!

We advise to create your own CV template. This is a good way to show your interest and effort. It is also advisable to create a LinkedIn profile. This website is used by many companies to target potential candidates.

Remember: sometimes less is more. Avoid fancy font / layout. Use a universal font such as Arial, Times New Roman, Palatino or Courier rather than one that may not be available on the employer’s computer.

Note! Employers notice spelling mistakes in your CV. This is one of the easiest ways for an employer to determine your attention to detail and personal motivation. This is why proofreading is obligatory. If you don’t trust yourself to spell-check, ask someone else to double-c h e c k your CV.

Tips for content:Take your time and analyse the job advertisement / description. Highlight the skills you can match. Tailor your CV for a particular position. Don’t forget that some skills can be transferable.

Note! Each application asks for a new CV. There is no such thing as a generic CV! This being said, if you are pressed for time, there is a function on LinkedIn where you can create a PDF of your profile in a CV format.

Be keyword friendly – it will increase your chances. Use action words and words from the job description if they apply to your experience.

Note! Make sure the information on your CV is reflected in your LinkedIn profile or any other professional network.

Note! Your CV must be jargon and acronym-free. Do not assume that the

employer / reader understands your previous work jargon.

Be truthful. Employers sometimes crosscheck

information in the inter view

and ask for more

detail.

. Personal details;.Personal Profile Summary and /

or Career Objective (optional);. Work Experience;

. Education;. Skills and Competencies (hobbies

and interests, if relevant for the job);

. References (optional).Remember: the presentation of the information is equally important as the content!

Action Words

Naming the tasks you carried out is not enough.

Use action words to show what you have personally achieved!

ACTION WORDS

Naming the tasks you carried out is not enough. Use action words to show what you have personally achieved!

planned devised achieved

developed liaised (spell it right!) evaluated

supervised co-‐ordinated managed

administered controlled selected

created instructed negotiated

designed researched analysed

discovered recommended tested

diagnosed budgeted monitored

evaluated examined assessed

promoted sold advised

selected trained taught

explained presented conducted

distributed organised solved

represented persuaded calculated

completed arranged responsible for

- 3 -

ACTION WORDS

Naming the tasks you carried out is not enough. Use action words to show what you have personally achieved!

planned devised achieved

developed liaised (spell it right!) evaluated

supervised co-‐ordinated managed

administered controlled selected

created instructed negotiated

designed researched analysed

discovered recommended tested

diagnosed budgeted monitored

evaluated examined assessed

promoted sold advised

selected trained taught

explained presented conducted

distributed organised solved

represented persuaded calculated

completed arranged responsible for

BAD example:

Curriculum Vitae

Name Surname Address: Sun str. 123 Imagination land

Email: [email protected] Date of birth: 27 February 1985

Nationality: Belgian Gender: Male

Marital status: Single

GOOD example:

NAME SURNAME [email protected] | +32 45678910 | Sun Street, 123 Imagination land

LinkedIn or other professional websites

Tips:

You don’t need to write Curriculum Vitae (or CV) on top. It can be derived from the document itself that it is a CV. If you still want to put it – spell it correctly!

Address: there is no point to title it. Try to keep it as short as possible.

E-‐mail: Use a professional-‐looking email (e.g. using first and/or last name).

Make sure you include your mobile or telephone number since it is one of the most convenient ways to contact you.

Note! Nationality / national insurance number / date and place of birth / gender / marital status are not necessary to determine your skills and could lead an employer to discriminate.

1. Personal Profile Summary and / or Career Objective (optional):

BAD example:

I am a hard-‐working individual who enjoys his work very much. I am a team player with an excellent communication skill. I have three years of experience in law and I would like to contribute to your law firm.

GOOD example:

BAD example:

Curriculum Vitae




Marital status: Single

GOOD example:


LinkedIn or other professional websites (URL, if possible)

Tips:

You don’t need to write Curriculum Vitae (or CV) on top. It can be derived from the document itself that it is a CV. If you still want to put it – spell it correctly!

Address: there is no point to title it. Try to keep it as short as possible.

E-‐mail: Use a professional-‐looking email (e.g. using first and/or last name).

Make sure you include your mobile or telephone number since it is one of the most convenient ways to contact you.

Note! Nationality / national insurance number / date and place of birth / gender / marital status are not necessary to determine your skills and could lead an employer to discriminate.

1. Personal Profile Summary and / or Career Objective (optional):

BAD example:


GOOD example:

- 4 -

. Personal detailsTips:You don’t need to write Curriculum Vitae (or CV) on top. It can be derived from the document itself that it is a CV. If you still want to put it – spell it correctly!Address: there is no point to title it. Try to keep it as short as possible. E-mail: Use a professional-looking email (e.g. using first and/or last name). Make sure you include your mobile or telephone number since it is one of the most convenient ways to contact you. Note! Nationality / national insurance number / date and place of birth / gender / marital status are not necessary to determine your skills and could lead an employer to discriminate.

BAD example:

GOOD example:

BAD example:

Curriculum Vitae




Marital-‐status: Single

GOOD example:



BAD example:


GOOD example:

Personal Profile Summary

A motivated and responsible law graduate from the University of Imagination land. I have good knowledge and practical skills developed through past work experiences in an international law company which I can use to contribute in this particular position.


A motivated and responsible law graduate from the University of Imagination land. I have good knowledge and practical skills developed through past work experience in an international law company which I can use to contribute in this particular position.

Tips:

Personal Profile Summary needs to be short and target your skills as it relates to the position you are applying for. Avoid vague and/or broad general statements. If you are not sure what to write – leave it for your cover letter.

Take your time to think about your main strengths. We are sure that you can offer more than excellent communication and/or team working skills!

2. Work Experience:

BAD example:

2011 – Present Paralegal at Justice, True str. 567 Imagination land I am responsible for writing legal documents. 2008 – 2011 Trainee at IT firm 2006 – 2008 Bar tender at Glory bar

GOOD example:

Work Experience Law firm Justice Paralegal

Imagination land

May 2011 – Present

• Assisted domestic and international clients on all tax-‐related issues; • Provided tailor-‐made tax advice and innovative solutions to all tax problems; • Undertook research and conducted legal studies on issues of law arising in connection with the tax law.

IT firm Trainee

Imagination land

February 2008 – May 2011

• Installed and configured computer hardware operating systems;

- 5 -

. Personal Profile Summary and / or CareerObjective (optional)Tips:A personal Profile Summary needs to be short and target your skills as it relates to the position you are applying for. Avoid vague and/or broad general statements. If you are not sure what to write – leave it for your cover letter.Take your time to think about your main strengths. We are sure that you can offer more than excellent communication and/or teamwork skills!

BAD example:

GOOD example:

BAD example:


GOOD example:


Imagination land


• Assisted domestic and international clients on all tax-‐related issues. • Provided tailor-‐made tax advice and innovative solutions to all tax problems. • Undertook research and conduct legal studies on issues of law arising in connection with the tax law.

IT firm

Trainee

Imagination land


• Installed and configured computer hardware operating systems; • Resolved network problems and relevant software issues.

BAD example:

1992 – 1996 Primary School

1996 – 2002 Secondary School

2002 – 2004 High School

English: A Mathematics: C Biology: B History: A September 2004 – September 2007 University of Imagination land (Bachelor degree)

2001 -‐ 2004 Master of Tax Law, Dream land


A motivated and responsible law graduate from the University of Imagination land. I have good knowledge and practical skills developed through past work experience in an international law company which I can use to contribute in this particular position.

Tips:



2. Work Experience:

BAD example:


GOOD example:


Imagination land


• Assisted domestic and international clients on all tax-‐related issues; • Provided tailor-‐made tax advice and innovative solutions to all tax problems; • Undertook research and conducted legal studies on issues of law arising in connection with the tax law.

IT firm Trainee

Imagination land




A motivated and responsible law graduate from the University of Imagination land. I have good knowledge and practical skills developed through past work experiences in an international law company which I can use to contribute in this particular position.

Tips:



2. Work Experience:

BAD example:


GOOD example:


Imagination land


• Assisted domestic and international clients on all tax-‐related issues. • Provided tailor-‐made tax advice and innovative solutions to all tax problems. • Undertook research and conducted legal studies on issues of law arising in connection with the tax law.

IT firm Trainee

Imagination land



BAD example:


GOOD example:


Imagination land



IT firm

Trainee

Imagination land



BAD example:






- 6 -

. Work ExperienceTips:The most recent work experience should be mentioned first.

For each entry, the following is required: name of the company (full address is not necessary, but you can name the city) start and end dates (month / year format), your job title and main tasks.

It is better to omit irrelevant or otherwise insignificant work experience (unless there is a large gap between work periods).

Remember: less can be more.• If you do not have work experience, you can highlight volunteer

experience and/or major projects during your studies.

• Update your CV as you gain new work experience.

Avoid technical terms and do not use acronyms.

BAD example:

GOOD example:

• Resolved network problems and relevant software issues. Tips: For each entry the following is required: name of the company (full address is not necessary, but you can name the city) start and end dates (month / year format), your job title and main tasks. It is better to omit irrelevant or otherwise insignificant work experience. Remember: less can be more. Avoid technical terms and do not use acronyms. 3. Education:

BAD example:






GOOD example:

Education

University of Law, Imagination land

Master of Tax Law

September 2004 – August 2007

Law University, Dream land

Bachelor of Law

September 2001 – June 2004

Certificate, Introduction to Imagination land Law Certificate, International Law

- 7 -

. EducationTips:The entries of this section need to be in reverse chronological order (i.e, the most recent comes first).

It is better to omit irrelevant and outdated education and expand on important ones (e.g. name the degree and the certificates, the relevant modules / projects / thesis). The education section of the CV usually highlights professional degrees and recognised certifications (and not high school).

BAD example:

GOOD example:

BAD example:


GOOD example:


Imagination land



IT firm

Trainee

Imagination land



BAD example:






Notes:

The entries of this section need to be in reverse chronological order (i.e. the most recent comes first).

It is better to omit irrelevant and outdated education and expand on important one (e.g. name the degree and the certificates, the relevant modules / projects / thesis). The education section of the CV usually highlights professional degrees and certifications (and not high school).

4. Skills and Competencies (hobbies and interests, if relevant for the job):

BAD example:

Skills and Competencies:

ü Computing ü LANGUAGES: FRENCH • Dancing • Analytical skills

Hobbies and interests:

I enjoy football, tennis, dancing, cinema, reading books and going to Church.

GOOD example:

Skills and Competencies

• Computing: proficient user of Microsoft Office; • Languages: French – limited working proficiency; • Strong analytical skills; able to understand and consolidate large quantities of data and draw

concrete conclusions; • Demonstrated teaching abilities as a guitar instructor to students of all ages (Sep 2012 –

Present).

Tips: If you use bullet points they must be the same. If you name the language -‐ name the level: basic, intermediate or fluent. Don’t mention any irrelevant hobbies. Also, avoid listing too many. Don’t disclose political or religious affiliations. Avoid passive interests (e.g. watching TV, solitary hobbies). 5. References:

- 8 -

. Skills and Competencies (hobbies and interests, if relevant for the job)Tips:If you use bullet points, their format must be consistent

If you name a language skill - name the level: basic, intermediate or fluent.

Don’t mention any hobbies that are not relevant to the job you are applying for. Also, avoid listing too many hobbies.

Don’t disclose political or religious affiliations. Avoid passive interests (e.g. watching TV, solitary hobbies).

BAD example:

GOOD example:

GOOD example:

Education

University of Law, Imagination land

Master of Tax Law

Septemebr 2004 – August 2007


Bachelor of Law



BAD example:

Skills and Competencies:

! Computing ! LANGUAGES: FRENCH • Dancing • Analytical skills

Hobbies and interests:

I enjoy football, tennis, dancing, cinema, reading books and going to Church.

GOOD example:


• Computing: proficient user of Microsoft Office; • Languages: French – limited working proficiency; • Driving: driving license. • Strong analytical skills; able to understand and consolidate large quantities of data and draw

concrete conclusions. • Demonstrated teaching abilities as a guitar instructor to students of all ages (Sep 2012 –

Present).

BAD example:

Mr. Best Bank Flowers str. 147, Imagination land Tel: 123456789 E-‐mail: [email protected]

GOOD example:

Mr. Best Recommendations Accountant Bank Address: Flowers str. 147, Imagination land Tel: 123456789 Email: [email protected]

Another GOOD example:

References are available on request.

BAD example:


GOOD example:




BAD example:


GOOD example:




- 9 -

. ReferencesTips:The referral’s name needs to be full. Also, you have to name her / his position in the company.

Don’t disclose private contact details on your CV unless you have permission.

BAD example:

GOOD example:


BAD CV example:

Curriculum Viti

Name Surname Address: Sun str. 123 Imagination land Email: [email protected] Date of birth: 27 February 1985


Marital-‐status: Single

I am a hard-working individual who enjoys his work very much. I am a team player with an

excellent communication skill. I have three years of experience in law and I would like to contribute

to your law firm.

Work experience:

2011 – Present Paralegal at Justice, True str. 567 Imagination land I am responsable for writing legal documents. 2008 – 2011 Traine at IT firm 2006 – 2008 Bar tender at Glory bar

Education




English: A Mathematics: C Biology: B History: A Septamber 2004 – September 2007 University of Imagination land (Bachelor degree)


- 10 -

Bad CV example:


! Computing ! LANGUAGES: FRANCH • Dancing • Analytical skills

Hobbies and interests

I enjoy footbaal, tennis, dancing, cinema, reading books and going to Church.

References


- 11 -

Bad CV example:

GOOD CV example:



Personal Profile Summary and / or Career Objective A motivated and responsible law graduate from the University of Imagination land. I have good knowledge and practical skills developed through past work experience in an international law company which I can use to contribute in this particular position. Work Experience Law firm Justice

Paralegal Imagination land


• Assisted domestic and international clients on all tax-related issues; • Provided tailor-made tax advice and innovative solutions to all tax problems; • Undertook research and conducted legal studies on issues of law arising in connection with the tax law.

IT firm

Trainee Imagination land



- 12 -

Good CV example:

Education University of Law, Imagination land

Master of Tax Law

September 2004 – August 2007


Bachelor of Law



Skills and Competencies • Computing: user of Microsoft Office; • Languages: French – limited working proficiency; • Strong analytical skills; able to understand and consolidate large quantities of data and draw concrete

conclusions; • Demonstrated teaching abilities as a guitar instructor to students of all ages (Sep 2012 – Current).


- 13 -

Good CV example:

guidelines for cv preparation (nato)

Documents