Essential CV knowledge

Your CV is your professional story on one or two pages. Before you start writing, you need to understand what makes a CV effective.

What is a CV?

CV stands for "curriculum vitae" – Latin for "course of life." It's a document that summarizes your:

• Work experience
• Education
• Skills and competencies
• Contact information

While your application letter tells the story of why you want the job, your CV shows what you've done.

Why your CV matters

Most employers read the CV before the application. In fact:

• 80% of employers look at the CV first
• 50% will skip your application if your CV is weak
• Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds on the first scan

Your CV is often the first impression you make. Make it count.

CV vs. resume: What's the difference?

In Denmark and most of Europe, the terms are used interchangeably. However:

CV (European style)	Resume (American style)
1-2 pages typically	Strictly 1 page
Photo often included	No photo
More personal details	Minimal personal info

For jobs in Denmark, follow the European CV style unless the job posting specifies otherwise.

What employers actually look for

When employers scan your CV, they're looking for:

1. Relevance: Does your experience match the job?
2. Clarity: Can they quickly understand your background?
3. Results: What have you actually achieved?
4. Professionalism: Is it well-organized and error-free?

The three C's of a great CV

• Clear: Easy to scan and understand at a glance
• Concise: No fluff – every word earns its place
• Compelling: Highlights achievements, not just duties

Common misconceptions

• "More is better": No. Quality beats quantity every time.
• "Use a creative design": Unless you're in a creative field, simple is better.
• "One CV fits all": You should tailor your CV for each application.
• "Include everything": Only include what's relevant to the job.

Try it yourself

1. Find a job posting you're interested in
2. Identify the 3 most important requirements
3. Think about which of your experiences match these
4. Write down one achievement for each experience

Next step

Now that you understand the basics, learn how to structure your CV for maximum impact.