A CV, also known as a curriculum vitae, is a short-written document used when applying for jobs. It should have the information necessary for an employer to distinguish if you would be a good fit for the role and their business. A CV is a gateway to learning more about your personality, skillset, experience, education, and ability. It is usually the deciding factor whether a job seeker is invited to future interviews or any other next steps after applying.
After reading all that, you probably think there is a lot of pressure to make your CV unique and stand out above the rest. Well, we are here to help! Here is our guide to creating the perfect CV.
SO, FIRST OFF, WHAT DO YOU NEED TO INCLUDE IN A CV?
The below listing is useful information to add to your CV as well as the order in which they could be written down:
- Personal Details – Your contact details (phone number and email address) and home address. You do not need to add a photograph (unless the job description advised otherwise) or your date of birth.
- About me – Try to include an ‘about me’ section detailing a little bit about yourself and your key characteristics. Keep it short and concise – an employer does not want to read a multiple-length feature about who you are. They want to know what makes you ideal for the role they are hiring for and why your personality would fit their company values. A good tip is to keep this section around 100 – 200 words long.
- Work experience – Write down all your work experience from the most recent first. Include the dates of when you started and ended alongside your job title. List the key tasks/experience you gained while working at your earlier companies. Try to keep the points short and highlight the most important workloads. Using bullet points is a terrific way to keep this section clear and easily readable.
- Education – List all your degrees/accomplishments in this section starting from your most recent (Ie. Higher Education). Using a table to list all your qualifications is an excellent way to present the information. Make sure all the details are correct and accurate. Lying on your CV is illegal and could lead to charges of fraud in the UK.
- Skills and knowledge – In this section, you can write down any skills and knowledge you have. This could be things like programme skills, additional languages, and industry expertise.
- Interest/hobbies – This is a section where you can bring your CV to life by adding value to your identity. It is a chance to get creative and put your personality on centre stage. Recruiters/hiring managers will not be wowed by hobbies such as ‘watching tv,’ ‘shopping’ or ‘spending time with family or friends’ however you can catch their attention by noting down activities you engage with that are beneficial for others or with interest to the role you apply to. This could include volunteering, events you are in with the local community, or extracurriculars.
By following the order above, you are creating a clear outline for employers to view your capabilities as a potential candidate.
IT’S ALSO USEFUL TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN WRITING YOUR CV TO:
- Use a professional font – The most common typography in CVs are Calibri, Arial, and New Times Roman.
- Grammar check – Make sure your CV has no spelling and grammar issues.
- Use section headings and paragraphs to break your CV down – Don’t write a cluster of lines together as it makes it difficult to read and understand.
- Adjust your CV based on each application. If you see a job application requiring a specific skill set that isn’t on your CV but one you have experience in, make sure you include it.
- Use a professional email address for contact.
- Try to boost your CV by creating a cover letter to match the document.
Now that you’re equipped with the best way to write your CV, why don’t you try applying for one of our jobs with your brand-new CV? Click here to access our job search or register your CV with us today!