🎙️ How to Build A Great CV ft Ana Nogal
CVs have always been my downfall when I was searching for a job. I hate trying to summarize myself into text to get a job.
That's why I tried many different approaches: a long CV, a one-page CV, or a CV created in Canva (yes, I see you. We all did it at one point).
But I didn't know if I was doing a good job. Did I transmit the information clearly on that piece of (virtual) paper?
So, this year, I enrolled in a mentorship program with Ana Nogal. She's a career coach with vast experience in software development and a specialization in iOS Development.
I wanted to share what I learned with you. That's why I created this podcast episode.
Make It Impactful
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the importance of tailoring your CV for each job application.
It's important to highlight specific skills and experiences relevant to the job you're applying for. For instance, if a role requires expertise in Swift, ensure that your experience with Swift is featured.
Invest Time To Write the Profile Section
The profile section of your CV is crucial. It's the first thing employers read.
You should make it engaging and specific to the job's requirements. Avoid generic statements like "quick learner" or "motivated." Instead, tell your story—what have you accomplished, and how can you add value to the company?
Add Skills To Your Experience
When detailing your work experience, you should go beyond bullet points.
Instead, provide context by describing the projects you worked on, the skills you applied, and the tools you used. This approach showcases your abilities and aligns them with potential employers' needs.
Avoid The Pitfalls
Ana pointed out common pitfalls, including irrelevant job experiences or ranking skills (like "Japanese 2 out of 5").
Instead, focus on strengths that are pertinent to the job.
If your CV appears sparse, consider expanding on your experiences by describing them in more detail.
Final Tips
- Keep it Concise: A one-page CV is often sufficient, especially in the IT field.
- Tailor for Each Application: Customize your CV to match each job's requirements.
- Highlight Recent Experience: Focus on what you've done in the last few years.
- Engage with Your Profile: Make it compelling and relevant to the job.
- Describe Your Skills in Context: Show how and where you've applied them.
Connect with Ana Nogal
If you're seeking personalized guidance, Ana Nogal offers mentorship opportunities. You can connect with her via her blog, ananogal.com, or on LinkedIn.
She offers a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your needs and how she can help improve your CV.
Check out the full 🎙️ episode bellow: 👇