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The 5+1 Secrets to the Perfect Resume
Have you recently graduated from high school, lacking any relevant work experience, and unsure how to start writing your CV? Or maybe you've had a couple of student jobs but don't feel they shine on a resume when applying for an internship? The Y Generation Student Union is here to help!
Writing a resume without significant professional experience is indeed challenging, but we'll show you how to impress an HR manager even so. Already been through several successful interviews? We might still have some new tips for you! Let's see what makes up the perfect CV for a beginner!
1. A Prestigious University
Not everyone manages to get into a university that alone can give you an edge, but if you attend one and it’s relevant to the job, be sure to highlight it in your resume! Employers might be interested in the main areas or subjects that excite you or that you focus on most in your studies.
2. Hobbies
Some employers are curious about your hobbies, while others are not at all interested... but one thing is certain: if it's relevant to the position, include it boldly. For instance, if you’re aspiring to be a barista and have no professional experience in that field but have taken a course or workshop as a hobby, mention it!
If you are seriously engaged in a sport, it will quickly signal to HR that you are persistent and dedicated. If you read a lot or write a blog, it’s likely that your spelling is top-notch. However, don't include anything just to fill this section – think about what would be informative for your future employer!
3. Don’t Forget Your Language Skills!
It’s a given to include your level of proficiency in English or German, but if you’ve learned or recently started learning any other language, include that too. This not only shows how well you speak your first (and perhaps second) language but also your interest in other cultures. Even if you’re not fluent or can only get by in a restaurant, list it and note your level!
4. Extras: Student Organizations, Volunteering, TDK...
If you have no previous work experience, don’t panic! List things you’ve done alongside your university studies or even in high school. Did you volunteer somewhere, join a student organization, or were you part of a cool high school club? If you’ve written a TDK paper or have a great competition result or OKTV placement, include that too! Show that you don’t just relax in your free time! 😉
5. A Good Photo
Your photo is the first thing an HR colleague sees in your resume, forming their initial impression of you. It’s crucial to choose a good picture. Be natural, preferably smiling, and definitely recognizable! They’re not looking for a heavily filtered, full-makeup, sexy photo but rather how you look on 99% of your days.
The quality of the photo is also important: if you don’t have a good one, try taking a new picture in very good lighting, in front of a white background, and preferably in smart clothing! Avoid selfies, vacation/party photos, or cropped images, and steer clear of wearing a turtleneck.
+1 A Good Design
Did you know Word has CV templates? And did you know how it looks when a resume arrives in Word format? Not very professional. Luckily, you don’t need to be a Photoshop guru to create a nice CV; just choose a good template and save the final version as a PDF.
If you’re familiar with online graphic editors, it will be a breeze to put together a beautiful resume. You don’t need to create a graphic masterpiece, just show that you take pride in yourself and your work and can put in a little extra effort.
Have you already created your trendy and super-professional resume? Then all that's left is to apply for the best positions recommended by our student union!
