A well-crafted CV is your ticket to landing interviews and securing your dream job. A strong CV makes all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a CV that stands out.
1. Keep It Clear and Concise
Your CV should be easy to read, with a clean format and clear headings. Stick to two pages unless you have extensive experience that requires more space. Make your most relevant experience stand out. Use a professional font like Arial or Calibri, and maintain consistent formatting throughout.
2. Think about our Personal Statement
The personal statement, or summary, is your chance to make an immediate impact. In 3-4 sentences, highlight your key skills, experience, and career goals. Tailor it to the role you’re applying for, showing why you’re the perfect fit.
3. Structure Your Work Experience
List your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each role, include:
Job title
Company name and Industry
Dates of employment
Key responsibilities and achievements
Use bullet points to make it easy to scan, and focus on quantifiable achievements where possible (e.g., “Increased efficiency by 30% through process improvements”).
4. Highlight Your Key Skills
Create a dedicated “Skills” section where you list relevant hard and soft skills. Tailor these to the job description, using keywords that match the role. For example:
Strong organisational and time management skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
5. Include Your Education and Qualifications
List your education in reverse chronological order. Include:
Degree(s) and institution(s)
Year of completion
Relevant certifications or training
If you’re early in your career, you can expand on coursework, projects, or relevant achievements.
6. Add Sections That Add Value
Consider including:
Professional Development: Courses, workshops, or additional training.
Languages: If you speak multiple languages, highlight them.
Volunteer Experience: Shows initiative and transferable skills.
Interests: If relevant, they can give insight into your personality and culture fit.
7. Tailor Your CV for Every Application
The temptation is to put all the experience you are proud of on a CV. Ask yourself what the hiring person really needs to see. Adjust it for each application by aligning your skills and experiences with the job description. It's time-consuming but worth it. This increases your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catching the hirer's eye. Try keeping a longer "Master CV" that you can reduce down to relevant aspects quickly and easily.
8. Proofread and Get Feedback
Typos and formatting issues can undermine your credibility. Proofread your CV multiple times, use tools like Grammarly, and ask a friend or mentor to review it.
9. Keep It Up to Date
Your CV should be a living document. Regularly update it with new skills, experience, and accomplishments to keep it fresh and relevant.
Final Thoughts
A well-written CV is your first step toward a great job opportunity. By keeping it clear, concise, and tailored, you’ll increase your chances of making a strong impression and securing interviews.
Need professional CV advice? Get in touch—we’d love to help!
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