A Student’s Guide to CV and Cover Letter Writing in Finland (2): Write your CV
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Now that your self-assessment and research are complete, it’s time to start writing. In this section, we’ll guide you through creating a CV that showcase your strengths and align with the Finnish labour market.
Imagine stepping into a busy job fair in Helsinki, your CV in hand, ready to impress recruiters. The key to standing out lies in how you present your qualifications.
1. Header Section: Your Introduction
Start with a professional header that includes:
A Professional Photo: Choose a friendly, approachable image that reflects your personality. Remember to have a warm smile 😊
Full Name: Make it prominent and easy to read.
Professional Titles: Specify your area of expertise (e.g., “Mechanical Engineer” or “Creative Content Marketer”).
2. Contact Information: The Basics
Your contact details are important for recruiters to reach you. Include:
Email Address: Use a professional-sounding email, either your student or personal email.
Phone Number: Ensure it’s current.
Address: A general location is sufficient; no need for specifics.
LinkedIn Profile: Include a link to your LinkedIn profile to showcase your professional online presence.
Professional Website/Portfolio: If applicable, add a link to your portfolio or personal website to give recruiters a deeper insight into your work.
3. About Me: Your Story
This section is your chance to tell your story. Share who you are, what drives you, and what you aspire to achieve. Answer the following questions:
- Who are you?
- What are your key skills and competence? (Match them with the value you can bring to a company)
- What are you looking for?
- What are your hobbies? (Not too much, just enough to leave a small impression)
For instance:
“As a passionate mechanical engineering student, I thrive in problem-solving and innovation. My hands-on project experience has enhanced my technical skills and fuelled my drive for sustainable engineering. I’m seeking opportunities to apply my expertise in a role focused on sustainability. In my free time, I enjoy cycling and exploring new technologies.”
4. Skills Section: Highlighting Your Strengths
Break this down into:
Field-Specific Skills: List technical, professional, and hard skills relevant to your industry.
Soft Skills: Highlight interpersonal skills, such as teamwork and communication.
Language Skills: Mention any languages you speak, especially Finnish and English, as they can be advantageous in the local job market. Indicate your proficiency level (e.g., B2, C1) to provide clarity.
5. Work Experience: The Chapters of Your Career
Think of your work experience as chapters in your story. Even if you lack extensive paid experience, you can include internships, volunteer work, or relevant projects. For each role, consider:
What You Did: Describe your responsibilities and actions.
Skills Applied: Highlight how you used specific skills and tools to solve problems.
Roles Played: Discuss your contributions to teamwork and collaboration and what role you played during the process
Remember to keep description of every work placement description concise and straight to the point, indicating the points above, so that the recruiter can easily understand the input and outputs of each work experience.
6. Education Background: Your Academic Journey
Detail your educational experiences, focusing on relevant coursework and projects. If applicable, mention any significant achievements, such as awards or recognitions.
- If you do not have a lot of degree studies background, change the title to Education and Training.
- Under the new title, you can also add diploma training, courses, and other certificate information.
- No need to have bullet points, but you can shortly describe the focus area of your studies. For example, which profiling module have your studied or are planning to study (field of expertise).
References: Your Support Network
Include references from supervisors or colleagues who can attest to your skills and work ethic. A strong reference can add credibility to your application.
Hobbies
What do you like to do in your free time? It can be integrated into the About Me section.
Visual Design: Making It Look Professional
Ensure that your CV is clean, minimalistic, and easy to read. Finnish employers often appreciate a well-organized and visually appealing CV that is free from unnecessary embellishments.
Download the CV template.
Continue to A Student’s Guide to CV and Cover Letter Writing in Finland 3: Write your Cover Letter