How to Write Standard CV for an International Job Application

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Writing a CV can be done by just anyone with basic skills and knowledge whereas writing a standard CV that will land you a job (locally and internationally) can’t be done by just anyone as it requires advanced skills and knowledge in CV writing.

A standard CV is best described as reliable, influential, decisive, and inclusive. The CV must be clear, concise, complete, up-to-date, and well-structured. It should provide a summary of your experience, academic qualifications, work experience, and others.

In this context, we provide you with the necessary information to equip your basic skills and knowledge on how to write a standard CV for an international job application. This context further entails the importance of a standard CV, the characteristics of a standard CV, and the types of CV.

Do you need help writing your CV/ Resume for your international job application? Contact Fasthire.

Table of Contents

Characteristics of a Standard CV

There are certain qualities that your CV should entail to make it standard. A standard CV should be

Attractive to the reader
Self-explanatory
Tailored for the potential job
Showcase you as the best candidate for the job
Perfectly describes your career journey.
Narrates powerful mini stories about you
Your best branding tool.
Readable and understandable

Most Common Mistakes in a Standard CV

Hiding relevant information
Not being broad about your experiences. Most employers want to know how your experience has affected your day-to-day life.
Not doing your research
Placing an unprofessional email address in your cv
Poor file naming (in cases where you email your cv to your potential employer)
Spelling and grammar errors
Poor formatting
Lengthy CV
Putting the wrong contact information or making a mistake about it
Using boring and clichéd statements
Exaggeration of the truth or telling lies.
The use of jargon statements.

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Types of CV Format

These are the types of CV formats there is

The chronological CV
The functional or skill-based CV
The combination CV
The academic CV

The Chronological CV

This CV format is the most common format used by job seekers. It contains details of your education, qualifications, and interests sorted out by date in order of the most recent. It can be used in the following cases

Applying within the same industry.
Trying to demonstrate growth and maturity in the industry.
When you don’t have many achievements in your career.
When you want to make it easier for potential employers to read through.
When you don’t have a stable and solid career progression across one or two industries.

The Functional or Skill-Based CV

This CV format emphasizes your skills and abilities rather than the chronology of your employment. It is used to demonstrate your suitability with skills and achievements gained through training or experience. This format is suitable for fresh-outstudents entering the job market for the first time or recent graduates with little work experience.

Also, use this format when

You have several career gaps.
Your experience comes through unrelated jobs
You change jobs frequently.

The Combination CV

As the name implies, this CV format is a combination of chronological and functional CV formats. A CV written in this format is a bit longer than usual. The format can also be used when

You are changing careers and you have some relevant skills for the new industry.
You want to exhibit your strengths and experience.
You’re a senior-level applicant and have a lot of working experience and achievements to showcase.

How to Write a Standard CV for an International Job Application

Conduct your research. This will save you a lot of stress and time as you get information on things you don’t know or are confused about.
Determine page length suitable for the international job application.
Decide on the appropriate format to be used.
Adjust your writing tone.
Translate your CV into the appropriate foreign language (if requested).
With relevant hobbies and personal interests, portray you’ll easily adapt to your new environment.
Outline your international experiences (if any).
Make use of active verbs.
Be sure to use a spell checker after writing.
Tailor your CV to the company and country.
Avoid exaggeration or lies in your CV.
Provide a professional email address.
Use a clear and easy-to-read font.
Stick to writing on the relevant stuff.
Don’t just write about yourself, properly outline and focus on your goals and visions for the company.
Keep sentences short, sharp, and positive.
Make use of bullet points to list your duties, skills, and achievements. Makes your CV easy to read.
Avoid fat and chubby sentences.
Don’t include irrelevant information just to fill up space.
Always proofread.
Check if you are eligible by writing a draft before the standard CV. If you aren’t capable of producing your best please get professional help. Need help? Contact Fasthire today.

Conclusion

Your CV can’t be tossed into the trash if it’s standard. It stands out and if perfectly written can land you a job. Don’t use your regular CV to apply for that international job. Go through this context today and know how to write a standard CV for an international job application.