Crafting your resume is like using your professional voice when speaking on the phone. You aim to present yourself in the best possible light, but it’s equally important that this impression aligns with who you are in real life. After all, your resume is only the starting point of the hiring process; once you advance, your personality and experience will come into play in interviews and online checks.
If your resume sparks interest, recruiters will likely investigate further, reviewing your LinkedIn, Facebook, and other online profiles. If things go well, they’ll pick up the phone and invite you to an interview. At this point, they’ll expect that the way you present yourself verbally matches what’s on your resume.
The key here is to strike a balance between a polished, professional resume and a representation that still feels authentic to who you are. Avoid creating two different versions of yourself, one for paper and one for real life. Consistency is key!
So, how can you create a resume that’s professional yet true to yourself? More importantly, what should you include?
Personal Information
In Spain, it’s common to include more personal details on a CV than in countries like the U.S. or U.K. Include your full name, city, country, mobile number, and email address. A professional picture is often expected here and can help personalize your application, along with information like nationality, age, and spoken languages. However, keep in mind that such details might be less appreciated in other regions due to potential biases.
Layout
A clear and concise layout is critical. Limit your resume to one or two A4 pages. Structure it with sections such as contact information, professional profile, work experience, education, and skills. Recruiters spend only seconds scanning resumes, so ensure that they can quickly find the information they need. Utilize tools like Canva or PFPMaker to create a clean and professional look.
Tip: If your resume exceeds two pages, consider whether all the details are relevant to the job. Only include content that helps paint a clear picture of why you’re the best fit for the role.
Content
Your resume’s content should highlight measurable achievements, not just job descriptions. For each position, rather than listing your daily tasks, focus on results you’ve achieved, initiatives you’ve led, or skills you’ve developed. Use action verbs like “Managed,” “Implemented,” or “Increased” and quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%”). Tailor the resume for each job application using relevant keywords from the job description.
Experience
Always list your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include the company name, your job title, and dates of employment. Focus on accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for and avoid detailing routine tasks that don’t add value.
Education and Certifications
List your academic background, focusing on relevant degrees or certifications. If you’re applying for a job in Spain, consider including the year of graduation as this is typically expected. Additionally, mention any relevant courses or certifications that align with the job’s requirements.
Skills
Your skills section should include both technical and soft skills. Be sure to clearly indicate your language proficiency, especially in a multilingual market like Spain. Use the CEFR scale (A1-C2) to show your level of fluency in each language.
Additional Information
Include any relevant additional information, such as significant projects, volunteering, or hobbies. This can give recruiters a fuller picture of who you are outside of your professional life, helping them assess cultural fit.
Proofread
Finally, always ask someone to review your resume. Choose someone who doesn’t know you well, so they can offer objective feedback. They might notice areas that need clarification or suggest ways to better align the resume with how you want to be perceived.
