What should be in a proper CV?

The application document, which is the CV, consists of several sections, thanks to which we can easily organize information about ourselves. Arranging the information in the right order will also make it easier for the recruiter to find the most important information faster.

Personal and contact details

In this section, we provide information such as our name, postal code and ta own where we live, e-mail address and telephone number.

Phone number

Write down the phone number as follows: xxx-xxx-xxx (e.g. 123-456-789). Dividing the number into 3 parts of 3 digits makes the number more readable.

E-mail address

In the case of both the e-mail address and the telephone number, you must be sure that the data provided is correct.

Education

It is in this section that the employer will find information about your education. Remember to include up-to-date information. If you have recently started your education at a new school, do not forget to write about it in your CV. Without this information, your future employer will assume that you have completed your education at a lower level.

In the education section, include information such as:
10/2020 – present
University name, city
Field of study Specialization – if it has already been chosen by you.
Study mode Full-time or Part-time
Degree of study

09/2016 – 04/2020 
 School name, city
Class profile

Experience

In this section, you will find information about whether you have already worked somewhere or whether you have completed an apprenticeship. At the beginning of your professional career, every professional experience is important – if you worked in a restaurant, looked after your neighbour’s child or picked fruit during the holiday season, do not omit it from your CV. An employer who will take your document in hand will see an enterprising person who is not afraid of challenges and new experiences. If you haven’t had a chance to work yet, you can remove this section from your CV. In this case, focus on other activities, e.g. membership in scientific clubs, membership in the student government, participation in competitions, etc.

In the work experience section, include information such as:
10/2020 – currently
Name of the Workplace, City
Position
The scope of your responsibilities
 
Write specifically about your tasks, and avoid general entries, e.g. performing tasks assigned by your superior. Such information does not say much about the nature of your work. Instead, list the tasks that were part of your responsibilities, e.g. customer service, handing out leaflets, etc.

Knowledge of foreign languages

In this section, we will post information about foreign language skills. Remember that in addition to the language you know, you should also specify its knowledge level, e.g. A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 or basic, good, intermediate, etc. If you have obtained language certificates, list them. Start your list with the language you know best.

Training, workshops

Did you take part in an interesting training or workshop, or maybe you obtained a valid certificate? Inform your potential employer about it. Participating in these types of activities shows that you like to develop your passions and are eager to learn new things. Write who was the organizer, what was the topic and specify how many hours the training or workshop lasted. Do not forget to provide specific dates (month and year in which the workshop took place).

Additional information

Do you have a driver’s license? Do you use graphics programs or are you good at office applications? Write about it, as in the case of foreign languages, and try to objectively assess your skills.

Interests

Thanks to the information contained in this part of the CV, the employer will be able to get to know you better. These topics often serve as a stress reliever during an interview. The employer may ask you what you like, and by talking about your passions, you will have time to calm your breath and collect your thoughts. Our passions are also information for our employer about whether, for example, we like working in a team (when, for example, we play team games) or we prefer an individual style (e.g. skiing, assembling models).

Data processing agreement

This part of your resume should not be skipped. It is in it that you should include consent to the processing of your personal data. Without your consent, the employer cannot process your telephone number, i.e. they cannot call you to invite you for an interview, nor can they write you an e-mail.

Below you will find two clause templates that you can use in your CV:

  • I hereby give consent for my personal data to be processed by [name of the company] for the purpose of conducting recruitment for the position for which I am applying.
  • I agree to the processing of personal data provided in this document for realising the recruitment process pursuant to the Personal Data Protection Act of 10 May 2018 (Journal of Laws 2018, item 1000) and in agreement with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation).

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Opracowano dla: Wyższej Szkoły Informatyki i Zarządzania z siedzibą w Rzeszowie na potrzeby projektu „Uczelnia otwarta dla nastolatków” współfinansowanego przez Unię Europejską ze środków Europejskiego Funduszu Społecznego w ramach Programu Operacyjnego Wiedza Edukacja Rozwój: oś III Szkolnictwo wyższe dla gospodarki i rozwoju, działanie 3.1. Kompetencje w szkolnictwie wyższym. – zgodnie z obowiązującymi Wytycznymi w zakresie informacji i promocji programów operacyjnych polityki spójności na lata 2014-2020. Numer umowy o dofinansowanie POWR.03.01.00-00-T127/18.