Beginner's guide to editing your CV

Let's start off by saying that the correct way of editing your CV is knowing that there is no single right way to do it. Instead, it's adapting your content to align with the requirements of the company you are applying to. 

There are two pivotal aspects to consider when editing your CV. The first one is the content, and the second is the arrangement of the content. 

Let's start by assessing what you're putting in it, then. There is no need to include every single thing you have ever done. The purpose of the CV is to showcase yourself as an individual who is a good fit for the position that you are applying to. So, if you are applying for a professional position, include information that is relevant to the skills required for the position. Similarly, if you are applying for an academic role, it is important to highlight how you excelled in the subject that you are applying for. 

Now, let's do a little debunking for extra-curricular activities. Although being able to show that you have varied interests does make you an interesting candidate, it's best to not let this section take up too much space unless they are somehow directly related to your desired role. 

Now that you have the content ready for your CV, you need to arrange it.  

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Horrors You Face While Writing Your CV

When you are arranging the content, put yourself in the mind of the recruiter or get someone you trust to read it for you. At first glance, what does the CV say about you? No recruiter will spend hours analysing a CV. If nothing stands out to them, your CV will just get lost in the pool of countless others. 

Start by not having an entire paragraph worth of information about your personal and familiar details. Have your name in a large font and below, your contact information, which can include your phone, email, and LinkedIn. 

This very next paragraph below your contact is going to be crucial. This is where you will put down the information that makes you the most suitable candidate for the role. It is the first thing that the recruiter will be reading about you and it will essentially decide whether they will proceed any further. 

When you are putting down your professional experience, writing down the designation of the position will not suffice. Elaborate on the responsibilities by drawing parallels to the new position that you are applying for. If you don't have professional experience yet, don't fret. Put down your academic results but highlight the courses that most accurately depict what makes you a good fit. 

Tasnim Odrika is a drug development analyst at Renata Limited.