CV is one of the important means of applying for a job. In France, many employees are looking for specific profiles to fill the vacant position. A CV is the best way to work for these missions. Like applicants who are looking for opportunities, employers are looking too for hires. Writing a CV should not be an obstacle in this case. Here are the top 10 CV essentials you need to put in your French CV:

French CVs:

CVs in France are following the European standards. They share many similarities with Belgium Cvs and many other application documents. Within this developed era of technology, A  CV is no longer a simple paper written through Microsoft world. Various websites are offering templates and Art design to put a special touch on a CV. Although templates and formats play a positive role in a CV’s visibility, there are still more important things to consider adding the external look. ACV content matters and might tell whether you are made for the job or not. French employers are usually looking for qualified applicants with professional qualities meeting the requirements. That’s why before deciding on the final CV, you need to sign up to Fratres to learn about the specific features about CV writing in various countries. Remember if your CV is not meeting the standards, you will not be invited for a job interview.

Which are the must-have elements in a French CV:

CV elements depend on the applicant’s situation. Some applicants are experienced. Others are fresh graduates. The CV elements may also differ, when it comes to the chosen field. For example Cvs for front-office jobs require a photo. While in various fields attaching a photo is not an obligation.  In all cases, a CV offers a preliminary image of the applicant, his or her practical background, skills and abilities. Through a CV, recruiters decide the candidate with whom there will be a job interview. Therefore, this document is the main key to any job, internship, and even further studies. Many companies and institutions seek to employ the CV system before choosing the applicant. They also use this tool to reduce the number of interview candidates. That’s why, Fratres will guide you towards the necessary CV elements through which recruiters are filtering out applicants. Here is what you should put in your CV.

1.Name and Personal information:

This part is the fundamental way in which you can introduce recruiters about yourself, and how to reach you. In French CV, your last name (family name)  is placed before your name. Your contact information is your phone number and your email address. You may also include additional information such as, date and place of birth, age and marital status. 

2. Summary: 

A summary is a quick introduction of yourself including your intention to apply for the job. The summary may include your current professional situation ( a fresh graduate, an experienced employee) with additional information such as educational level, internship and years of experience. Reorder the information in terms of importance. Take a look at What I Wish Everyone Knew About Cover Letters.

3.Work experience: 

Experienced applicants are always on the top list of employers. Write your work experience stating the recent job title, its place, its duration. You can also include a list of three main task for each job. Remember that short term jobs, students’ jobs, internships and voluntary work are not included in this section.

4. Education: 

Qualifications reflect your hard skills. You should indicate your field of studies by mentioning the most recent degrees, adding the educational establishment from which you have obtained it, and the date. If you have additional certificates, especially certificates of appreciation and participation, do not include them in this section. 

5. Training/ Internship:

This section involves the period of training, the place, and the duration. you should also include the training purpose such as final year project, PFE, or vocational training. You can also include the name of your supervisor or manager of the internship.

6.Skills:

Employers are looking for a combination of hard and soft skills. You should pick the keywords and the skills that are related to your target profession. Specify the degree of expertise in each skill. For example, if you are mentioning linguistic skills, describe the level of proficiency in each language such as, advanced, intermediate, or good. The same applies to other skills such as technical skills.

7. Hobbies/ Interests:

This section reflects your personality. Employers are curious about the type of activities that make you comfortable and motivated. Hobbies should not give the impression of laziness or consumerism. Avoid hobbies like going to movies, or hobbies that are not relevant to the chosen job.

8. Achievements:

This section can draw the lines between people applying for a particular job by comparing their previous work, skills, experience, accredited courses, and other information that is placed in the CV. Having achievements and additional certificates proving your talents and positive contribution.

9.Volunteer Work

in case of being an active volunteer, put the name of your volunteering activities, with reference to the association. You can also include the name of association and the roles you had held as a volunteer. Take a look at; Seven Reasons Why You Should Invest In Getting Started.

10. A Photo: 

Although photos are not a must in a French CV, it is still a positive step to give your identity. Photos should be decent and formal. Avoid using filters, party photos or selfies. Give you CV an identity by using a photo similar to your ID card or passport.

These were the ten essential things that should be present in a CV. The elements can be reordered in terms of current updates ( recent job, recent degree, recent, internships, etc…)

The importance of the CV stems from the importance of being fully and arranged in a professional manner that shows all aspects of a person’s strengths. , and help him pass the first stage of the test.