Be clear and concise:

The average employer spends 30 seconds skimming over a CV. Your CV must be to the point, so that the employer can see at a glance that you are qualified for the job. It must be clear and well-structured. Reread it several times.

Reread it several times:

Your CV should be free of spelling and grammatical errors. Ask someone else to proofread it. A simple spelling mistake in a CV can make a bad impression on an employer and could even cost you a job. Limit yourself to two pages.

Limit yourself to two pages:

Emphasize your most recent experience. Older work experience, dating back more than 15 years, should be omitted or summarized. This allows the employer to focus on the most relevant information. Adapt your CV to the position you're applying for.

Adapt your CV to the position:

Put forward work experience or achievements that are related to the position you wish to apply for. To help you, consult the job description or the employer's website, and use the terms used in the job posting. Highlight your achievements.

Highlight your achievements:

You should cite the best examples of situations in which you have put your skills to good use. These examples should illustrate what you've accomplished in your position and what kind of employee you are. It's best to include this information in the "Work experience" section. Quantify your achievements.

Quantify your achievements:

Use concrete numbers that employers will understand and be impressed by. For example, how many people you've supervised, how many products you've sold, what percentage you've increased the company's sales by, etc. Be honest.

Be honest:

Lying on your CV is never a good idea. You shouldn't exaggerate your skill level or the extent of your achievements, as this could mislead the employer. Be confident in what you can really bring to the employer. Use simple words and active verbs.

Use simple words and active verbs:

The person who reads your CV is not necessarily the person who will hire you. An initial screening is often carried out by recruiters or human resources specialists who are unfamiliar with the field. Express yourself in clear, simple language, using active, persuasive verbs such as "manage," "lead," "develop," "increase," etc. Use volunteer experience to illustrate your skills.

Use volunteer experience to illustrate your skills:

If you've interned or volunteered with a reputable organization, or if you've done pro bono work for an important cause, mention this in your CV. You should add these experiences in the "work experience" or "volunteer work" section, especially if they are related to the position you are applying for.

Check and highlight your contact details:

Your CV should clearly state your name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number. This information should be presented at the top of the first page. Don't forget to check that your contact details are correct. Otherwise, the employer won't be able to reach you.

What to avoid

The wacky e-mail address:

Your e-mail address should be easy to read and type, professional, and non-offensive. As a general rule, it should consist of your first and last name. Any e-mail address containing your nickname, numbers, or special characters has no place in your CV.

Unnecessary personal information:

Omit any personal information such as your age, weight, height, marital status, religious beliefs, political opinions, or any other sensitive or controversial personal information. This is a good way of protecting yourself against arbitrary exclusion. Last but not least, remember never to include your social security number in your CV.

The photo:

While it's acceptable to include a photo in a CV in some countries, it's not the norm in Canada. The photo may actually reduce your chances of being hired and distract the employer's attention from the rest of your CV. You should encourage the employer to focus on your skills and experience rather than your physical appearance.

Long, drawn-out lists:

Make your CV easier to read by not exceeding 5 or 7 bullet points per listing in each of its sections or subsections. This will make it easier for the employer to scan your CV to assess your potential. Each bullet point should be used judiciously to convey relevant and concise information.

"I," "me," and "my" pronouns:

Except for the "Summary" section, avoid personal pronouns such as "I," "Me," or "My." Write your CV impersonally, using infinitive verbs whenever possible. Start each bullet point with an active verb.

Just tasks:

Your job title allows us to deduce the responsibilities that go with it. Rather than listing your tasks, emphasize what you've accomplished by making your responsibilities personal and providing concrete examples.

Vague and imprecise statements:

Refrain from making statements that mean nothing and fail to emphasize your real contribution. Vague and imprecise statements such as "Responsible for improving efficiency and saving costs" provide no relevant information about you. Personalize the description of your work experience!

Reasons for leaving:

The primary purpose of your CV is to promote your skills, experience, and achievements. Your CV should show you at your best. It should therefore not include the reasons for your resignation or dismissal. These reasons, whatever they may be, add no value to your application.

References:

Employers will only ask for your references if they are seriously considering hiring you. Keep your references in a separate document and only provide them when specifically requested by the employer.

Hobbies and pastimes:

It's not advisable to mention your hobbies because of the negative judgment a potential employer might make of them. However, if you have hobbies related to the position, don't hesitate to include them. They will demonstrate your enthusiasm and motivation to the employer.