How to write good CVs and applications

How to write a CV

A CV usually contains the following points, and usually in the following order:

1. Personal information, name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, marital status, children.

2. Work experience, your career: places of employment and description of the main tasks/responsibilities - in reverse chronological order with your current job at the top.

3. Education: your formal education and possible other programs. If you are a recent graduate and thus without work experience, put this point as number 2 and write a little bit about your thesis, key projects and internships.

4. Courses

5. Language / Study abroad

6. IT skills

7. Leisure time, sports, community work and other important activities.

How to write an application

It is important that your application is specific to the company and the actual job. You shouldn't use exactly the same application for several companies.

Your job application must focus on what you can offer the company in this job – what they will gain by employing you. You will need to list the reasons why you are the best person for the job and back these up with examples.

The application itself must not fill more than one page.

An application usually contains the following points, and usually in this order:

1. An engaging headline that captures who you are
2. What is your motivation for applying for this job? Describe why you think the company and the job are interesting.
3. Describe why you are the right candidate for the job
4. How do you fulfil the job criteria?
5. Describe your experience with tasks that relate to those listed in the job ad
6. How does your personal profile match the job and the company?

Get inspiration from these examples of CVs

• CV - in classic style

• CV - in modern style

• CV - just graduated - in classic style 

• CV - just graduated - in modern style

More useful tips in our videos

As a rule, a job application in Denmark is made up of two parts: an application and a CV. They are equally important and must supplement each other.

Want to know more about the difference between solicited and unsolicited applications in Denmark? 

What are the tips and tricks when working with your CV for LinkedIn? Learn more and get the insights in this video with IDA's Career Consultant Lise Dan.