How to write a good CV

Applying for jobs is never an easy task, the best way to shoot for success is by manually altering your CV for every opportunity you apply for.

This way you can highlight your skills which best fit the job description, so you can stand out when the hiring manager is cross-examining.

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If you want to level-up your CV, here’s 4 tips to push you in the right direction.

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CV Appearance

You should have a short profile, 3 lines max which outline who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for.

Then you can focus on the structure.

You need your CV to read methodically so the reader can interpret your most-recent skills. Start with your short profile, and finish on your hobbies, the important information is in the middle.

There are many CV templates online which may help and where possible, try to keep your CV to 2 pages in portrait orientation.

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Technical skills

Bullet points will allow a hiring manager to clearly see where your talents align, we’d recommend using bullet points when mentioning your jobs and technical skills.

Remember to play to your strengths and skills which are most relevant to the job you’re applying for – at the end of the day, you’re going to be initially judged on your CV.

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Be sure to mention the skills you may have self-taught as these are still valid. If you find you’re lacking technical skills, mention some of the transferrable skills you have, which you think will help you in your next role.

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Previous Workplaces

This isn’t a section to brush over, specifics should be included – not just company and job title – delve into your responsibilities and softwares used too. It’s best to include your dates of employment too, so your potential new employer can see how long you’ve worked within each job title. It may be a good idea to focus on your results and achievements within these experiences to show you’ve developed throughout your roles.

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Qualifications

Add your highest qualifications, i.e degrees and any certificates and awards relating to the job you’re applying for. For degrees, make sure to note the course, university and studying dates, otherwise it can seem illegit. If there was a particular module studied which fits with the job you’re applying for, make sure to mention it.

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And don’t forget….

·????? Tailor your CV for each role you apply to, to make your skills stand out and give you the best shot at finding new opportunities.

·????? Don’t clutter the CV in making it look fancy in appearance, it’s the content that matters. It may be reformatted upon submission so if too much ‘aesthetic design’ has gone into it, it can move about, so it’s best to keep it plain and simple.

·????? Write in a straight-forward manner to be clearly understood – be mindful of what technical jargon you use and what you think will be easily understood by the interviewer.

·????? Make sure to re-read your CV to check for spelling and grammar mistakes as first impressions count!

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