Creating or updating a resume may seem like a challenging task, after all, this document is what companies use to initially evaluate each candidate. Knowing how to write a CV will help you stand out and get to the final interview, it should demonstrate that you meet most or all of the criteria required for the job.
It's even more challenging to create a CV for the international market, so we'll help you create the ideal CV for the gastronomy and hospitality areas in Austria.
What is the best way to organize my resume?
Firstly, it is important that you adapt your CV to the position you intend to apply for, exposing your experience and showing why you are the ideal person for the position. Think about why you are applying for a particular hotel or restaurant, in this industry, and for this position. Demonstrate what value you can add to the team.
A recruiter cannot spend more than a few minutes reviewing your resume, so it must be clear and convey all the necessary information. Add your achievements, skills and experiences objectively.
Were you responsible for creating a restaurant menu? Did you create signature drinks for a big event? Highlight these experiences, demonstrating the positive impact of your actions on previous work.
Your CV should be clean and well-structured, with enough white space to improve readability. Use a simple font like Arial 10 or 12 points and avoid italics and underlining. Highlight key points using bullet points, they make reading easier. Spelling and punctuation must be perfect, so don't forget to proofread everything more than once if necessary.
Furthermore, nowadays your CV also goes through initial screening algorithms, which identify suitable candidates based on the use of keywords. So be extra careful, okay?
Layout
Most companies send CVs directly to a database, so it's important to check that it's in an accepted format. We recommend a cleanly formatted PDF document with no graphics or fancy formatting and fonts. While a creative design may seem like a good idea, too many graphics and special fonts can be difficult for a recruiter to interpret.
The Ideal Size
Your resume must be of sufficient length. If it is too long, review and eliminate information that is not relevant to the desired role. For example, analyze the key skills and attributes needed for the job in question, then review your resume. You should get straight to the point, so don't use ten words to say something you could say in five.
If you don't have that much experience, don't worry. The main thing to keep in mind when writing your CV is that you must be able to demonstrate and articulate your skills, experience and potential to the recruiter.
Step-by-step guide to writing a great resume
1. Language.
The YWL! connects you with Austrian companies, and as these are international vacancies, the CV must be presented in English. If you want to make an even better impression, you can also create a German version. Don't worry, we can help you with this - talk to our team.
2. Contact Information.
Start with the basics, like your name, phone number, email address (make sure the email address you use is professional, no using your first email from 2005…). Also add a link to your LinkedIn profile. Use the phone number and email address you use most often. In the European market, especially in Austria and Germany, photos are practically mandatory. So make sure you add a good quality, professional photo. This will also serve to create an initial approach with the team that will work. We know that good team synergy is the differentiator that companies seek to find in the market.
3. Professional summary.
In 50 to 150 words, describe your relevant experience and skills. This summary should prove your value and help differentiate you. Avoid describing what you would like from your next job and instead focus on what you can offer. Use keywords from the job description to pass the CV through the algorithm.
4. Skills summary.
Compile a brief list of skills and competencies that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. Use keywords from the job description here too, after all, it is important to highlight skills that can be seen as a differentiator for the opportunity you are seeking.
5. Achievements and experiences.
List your main career achievements, based on facts, statistics or links. For example, if you exceeded your sales goals, say by what percentage and over what period. Your work history should be the most detailed section of your resume, with positions listed in reverse order, starting with the most recent. In other words, if your first job was in 2008, it should come last. The most recent experience should be at the top.
It's important to quantify your achievements – focus on the value you added in each role, rather than simply listing what your roles were. This section should not be read as a job description. Instead, it should tell the story of your strengths and accomplishments. Think about your biggest achievements for each role and provide concrete evidence for each. One way to help you do this is to use action verbs like “managed” or “supervised.” These verbs force you to focus on what you have achieved and your results in each role, which proves the value of your experience.
6. Education and qualifications.
List the academic qualification obtained, the year of completion, the name of the institution and a one-sentence summary.
What NOT to include on a resume
Use common sense when writing your CV. If you have already been employed for many years and have a lot of experience, avoid adding your first job if it will not add information. Focus only on relevant experiences, using space on your resume strategically. Except in special cases, you do not need to attach copies of certificates, diplomas or references. Wait for the company to ask for them. Also avoid adding your hobbies or interests. Instead, focus on the experience and skills that make you suitable for the job you're applying for.
Final tips
Finally, pay attention to details. If possible, ask someone to check for spelling, layout, or typographical errors. An error-free resume is important to demonstrate your dedication, attention to detail and desire to get that job.
