Dear Job Doctor:

What is the CV format most commonly used in Luxembourg? Should I use the European style? Should I include a photo? One or two pages? Shall I make it more detailed or keep it simple?

Considering that most recruiters and hiring managers will spend less than ten seconds evaluating your CV, you must make sure it has an immediate impact and hold their attention for longer.

There are 3 main ways to present your CV: chronological, skills-based or a combination.

The length and complexity of your work history and how close or far removed your experience meets the criteria required for the role is likely to determine the best format.

The experienced candidate

If you have work experience, my recommendation for the Luxembourg market place is a combination. On the front page you should highlight your skills related to the specific role you are applying for.

Always fit your current or last employer on the first page, it’s the first thing that catches our attention.

We are looking for close matches, similar companies, and similar positions. In other words, have they done a similar job?

We are also looking for consistency and longevity in a role. In other words, will they stay with the company?

“I’ve had many jobs”

Since the beginning of the economic crisis it is now more common place to see less longevity and consistency on CVs.

If you’ve had different roles with the same employer, make sure you highlight how long you’ve been with that employer. When recruiters are skim-reading they may miss the longevity with one employer and incorrectly assume you are a job-hopper.

Now, if you have had many employers and your employment has not lasted too long --less than 3 years as a general rule is not long--you may wish to consider highlighting the reasons for leaving and attaching a reference with each role.

Keep it simple and stand out from the crowd

Avoid using colours, different fonts and try to find the right amount of ‘white space’ that makes it easier to read.

With each role/employer highlight your job title the duties performed in bullet point format. If you wish to stand out from the very crowded market a little, add a few more bullet points under the heading ‘Achievements’, try to identify two or three measurable and successful accomplishments.

Less is more

Unless requested, do not add all of your educational certificates.

You should be aiming for two to three pages. Even the most seasoned professional can keep to this limit.

There are still some companies in Luxembourg who may require a photograph on a CV. I don’t recommend it, but if you must, ensure it is professional and if sent by email keep in mind the size of the document, certainly under 500 KB.

Darren Robinson is managing director of Badenoch & Clark Luxembourg, the largest staffing and recruitment firm in the Grand Duchy.

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