CV - Spain

The "Curriculum Vitae" (CV) or "Resume" is where your work and other relevant experience is laid out in a more outline-type form. Along with the Cover Letter (which is more literary and personal), it should clearly show any interested employers exactly what they can expect from you and why they should hire you! CVs vary by country as well, so take into account the following notes we have prepared for you.

Heading (Encabezamiento):
"Curriculum Vitae" (you can add of "..."). You can also write down only your name and surname/s, because "Curriculum Vitae" isn't used as often anymore as a title.  

Personal Information (Datos personales):
Name and surname/s, place and date of birth, address, contact telephone number/s, fax and email.

Professional Goals (Objetivo profesional):
Optional. Here you can specify in a couple of lines what are the objectives you want to achieve. (Example: Managing the commercial area of a company specializing in pharmaceutical products).

Professional Experience (Experiencia profesional):
Company name and sector. Dates, duties, achieved goals, etc. (use the order that is better for you depending on the experience you want to emphasize: from the oldest to the newest, or vice versa.)
Read more about the two ways of organizing your work experience:

• Chronological resume
• Functional resume

Academic Studies (Formación académica):
Highest level of studies. Title, place, city, dates of studies (best to list in a chronologically inverse order).

Other Education (Formación extra académica):
Courses, seminars, or conferences that are relevant in relation to the position. Long or prestigious courses are also interesting. Point out their duration in hours. Do not list courses that are not relevant or not recent. (The list should be in a chronologically inverse order.)

Languages (Idiomas):
Your level of ability in each language: high, medium, or low. Point out if you can translate, speak, or write. Specify which titles you have, if any.

Publications and other Professional Activities (Publicaciones y otras actividades profesionales):
Follow the same steps as on the professional experience.

Computer Skills (Informática):
List the programs and software you know and your skills at word processing, using databases and the Internet, etc.

Miscellaneous (Otros datos de interés):
(Optional.) Information you're not sure where to put can go in this area. For example: geographic and job mobility, your category of driver's license, access to a car, etc. Explaining your hobbies is not usually done as it will be discussed in an interview.

Other things to keep in mind:

• Your CV should be short. One or two pages at the most.
• Send an original copy printed on high quality paper—do not send a photocopy.
• Be neat: take care of the presentation, design, spaces, spelling, don't use abbreviations, emphasize the sections and things that are important by underlining or using bold type, etc.
• Make sure the CV is organized, so the information can be found easily.
• It's good to date your CV.
• Do not sign your CV.

• Make a different CV for each job you are applying to, in order to adapt it to their needs.
• It is not necessary to attach a picture, but if you do, do not send a photocopy or an old one.
• Write your CV in the third person singular.
• Emphasize your qualities without lying.
• If you have finished the military service, mention it. If you haven't, don't.
• Stating your marital status is optional.
• Do not attach diplomas or documents unless asked to.
• Attach a cover letter with the CV.
• If you have studied abroad, don't forget to mention it!
• And finally, do a last lookover.