CV 2021: content, structure and absolute no-gos

The résumé is the entrance ticket to the job interview.

But how do I write the perfect résumé in 2021?

And which mistakes are not possible?

Everything on the subject.

Do you have to write an application *?

Then it's best to start with your résumé.

The curriculum vitae (CV), as the résumé is also called, is the heart of every application - and not without reason.

Structure: This is how your CV should be structured

The curriculum vitae gives HR managers a precise overview of your educational qualifications, your professional stages and other experiences and knowledge you have gained so far.

It is important that the curriculum vitae is simple and clear so that the most important points can be grasped quickly.  

The

reverse chronological structure has been

established

for years

.

That is, the most recent work experience is mentioned first.

This is followed by studies or training, the school career and the knowledge.

This has the advantage that

HR managers see the most important information first

. 

The following

structure

is recommended by career experts in 2021: 

1. Personal information (name, address, telephone number, email address, blog / homepage if applicable) 2.

Professional experience 3. Further training 4. Internships / international experience / part-time jobs5.

Studies / training 6. Military or community service (if applicable) 7.

School8.

Languages ​​9. Knowledge (IT, possibly driver's license, publications etc.) 10. Interests / hobbies (optional)

You can find out more about resume structure in this article.

Content: How to write the perfect CV in 2021 

Personal Information

The résumé begins with your personal information.

At the top, in a header, state your personal name and address as well as an

email address

and

telephone number

at which the HR manager can contact you.

Application photo

You can place a professional application photo in the top right corner.

While this is not a must, many HR professionals still like to see who they are dealing with.

You can find out what to look out for here.

Professional background

This is followed by the professional career - in reverse chronological order.

So start with the last or current job.

First, state the

period of time (month / year)

and the company in which you worked, which position you held and describe your tasks in a few brief bullet points.

Like this:

12 / 2015-01 / 2021 job title

                           Company XY, location

                           - Task 1

                           - Exercise 2

                           - Task 3

Further training, internships, part-time jobs

This is followed by relevant further training as well as internships and part-time jobs, provided that these still play a role at your career level.

Training, studies and school

Now comes the section on

school and vocational training or studies

.

Start with the times for your training or your studies (month / year), followed by the data on your school career.

If you have achieved a particularly good degree (grade: very good), please also mention the final grade - this will impress HR managers. 

Knowledge and skills

The last part contains information on knowledge and skills - such as foreign languages, software knowledge or - where required - also the driver's license class. 

If

you speak a

foreign language

, you should always state how well you speak the language.

Typical formulations for this are:

• Mother tongue / mother tongue level

• Business fluent in spoken and written

• Very good written and spoken skills

• Good written and spoken skills

• Basic knowledge

Hobbys and Interests

As a last point, you can indicate hobbies and interests.

At this point, however, the experts argue.

However, there is a big advantage in always stating your hobbies.

In any case, be sure to indicate the "right" hobbies.

You can find out what these are here.

For further reading:

 The perfect CV: These ten points lead to success.

Video: The 10 application rules

How to deal with gaps in your CV

The same applies in 2019: You should definitely

avoid

gaps in your CV

.

You can find out how you can do this here.

However, if it happens anyway and you've been idle for a few months, this is how you should respond to recruiters.

It is imperative to avoid these mistakes in the resume in 2021 

Mistakes in a resume happen to everyone.

But classics like spelling mistakes or gaps in the résumé are usually not well received.

Find out here the typical mistakes applicants make over and over again.

More tips on applying

Do you want to know how you can create the perfect cover letter, which certificates are important and how you can master the interview with confidence?

You can find out in our application guide.

(as) * Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen central editorial network.

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With this body language the interview goes wrong

With this body language the interview goes wrong