 AN EXCELLENT CV
All of us are here at Bilkent want to be acceptable for the job or company where we would
like to work. These plans require a good CV. Writing a CV is not an easy task. Some
employers and companies place great emphasis on this piece of paper. A spelling mistake or
one unprofessional addition to your CV may be the reason you lose the job from the start.
I would like to write some "useful things" about how to write a CV. Although
there is no right way to write a typical CV, it is important for it to be simple and
academic. So the list I am giving is only suggestions that I gleaned from websites and
professional employers.
· Put your name in a large, clear font at the top, not at the bottom.
· The address that you give should be permanent. You should be easily reached at this
address.
· Write your email addresses. The best way to show that you are up to date with
technology is to write your e-mail. (Make sure your e-mail address is not funny and
informal - open a new, professional email account, if necessary).
· Include your telephone number (mobile phone, too) so that you can be easily reached.
· List the computer programs you use, and any certificates you have been awarded.
· List the languages that you speak and your degree of speaking ability in each one.
· Use Arial, Times New Roman or Verdana font. Never use Comic Sans font for your CV.
· Including "action verbs," is a new trend in western hiring practice. There is
a list of action verbs for describing accomplishments on your resumes and cover letter
with regard to past employment. It may not be common in Turkey and a potential employer
may find it strange but in the West, it has become a matter of professionalism. You can
find a list of action verbs on the Internet.
· If you are an engineering student, it makes sense to list the projects (related to the
job that you are applying for) you have completed at university.
· If you are going to provide a reference, make sure to include the person's name,
profession, company, address and telephone number.
· Create two versions of your CV. One in English and one in Turkish, or another language
that you speak and that the company you are applying to recommends.
· Do not write more than one page. Keep it simple. An employer reads many CVs and they
have little time to look at each one.
· Correct all spelling mistakes. Spelling mistakes give the impression of a carelessness.
· Some people suggest that you should not add your photo to your CV. It is your decision.
· Print your CV in black and white and not with rainbow colors.
· No one is interested in the courses you took at university. You do not need to show a
transcript when applying for a job.
· Do not write paragraphs; write simple sentences or bullets.
· No one will be interested in your hobbies, how good of a student you were or your CGPA.
· I would suggest that you not write your expected salary. You may write too high of a
figure, and an employer may find it funny. Or, you may price yourself below what you would
have been given. Do not set salary limitations.
· There are some CV drafts at www.yenibir.com and www.kariyerrehberi.com. Also, there is
also another format of the CV, which is common in Europe,
http://www.talent4europe.com/european-cv.htm
· With regard to hobbies: there might be some extreme hobbies that you do, and you may
have a certificate or an award for them that could be beneficial to your application but,
reading books, listening to music, playing basketball, playing an instrument etc. all look
unprofessional and funny on your CV.
Well, after writing so many things about the CV, I should say that, for my area (Media), I
worked and interned on some newspapers and magazines. But all of these opportunities were
not gained as a result of my CV. I wish they had been because of my CV but my
opportunities were chances given to me based on connections.
P.S. Life is not just about having a good CV. All of the clubs, courses and special
activities are not meant to be written on a piece of paper. A suggestion from me is try to
have fun in what you do and try to be useful in the activities you participate in and then
write them on your CV if they have a significant role in your academic life. But you never
know what will happen. Having a chance meeting with a potential employer in a holiday
place where you can express yourself is better than having a perfect CV!
Gülay Acar (COMD/IV)
howtoreachgulay@yahoo.com
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