How to write a CV

Lee Callender

Director

Here are some tips and hints to help you create an effective CV:

  1. Keep it concise and targeted: Your CV should be clear, easy to read, and not overly long. Aim for 2-3 pages, especially if you are early in your career. Tailor your CV to the specific job you're applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
  2. Contact information: Start with your name, contact number, professional email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile URL. Avoid using unprofessional email addresses.
  3. Professional summary/objective: Write a brief summary that highlights your key skills, achievements, and career goals. Make it attention-grabbing to encourage the recruiter to read further.
  4. Work experience: List your work experiences in reverse-chronological order (starting with the most recent job). Include the company name, your job title, employment dates, and a concise description of your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements with specific results wherever possible.
  5. Education: Include your educational qualifications, starting with the most recent one. Mention the institution's name, degree obtained, and any relevant academic achievements.
  6. Skills: Highlight both technical and soft skills that are relevant to the position you're applying for. Be honest about your abilities, and if possible, provide examples of how you've used these skills effectively.
  7. Achievements and certifications: If you've received any awards, honors, or relevant certifications, include them to demonstrate your commitment and expertise.
  8. Volunteer work and extracurricular activities: If applicable, showcase any voluntary work or involvement in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or other valuable skills.
  9. Avoid unnecessary information: Exclude personal details like age, marital status, or photographs, unless specifically requested.
  10. Formatting and style: Use a clean, professional font, and maintain a consistent formatting style throughout the CV. Use bullet points to make it more scannable.
  11. Proofread and edit: Typos and grammatical errors can make a negative impression. Always proofread your CV carefully, and if possible, ask someone else to review it as well.
  12. Be honest: Be truthful about your experiences and qualifications. Avoid exaggerating or providing false information.
  13. Customise for each application: Tailor your CV for each job application, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills for the specific role.
  14. Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs to showcase your accomplishments and impact.
  15. Include keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to help your CV pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many companies.

Remember, your CV is your first impression on potential employers, so make it count. Showcase your strengths and accomplishments effectively, and let your unique qualities shine through. Good luck!