Write Your CV in 6 Simple Steps + 2 Free Templates
Did you know that over 200 people, on average, apply for the same job listing? Imagine the volume of work for the hiring manager, who has to go through each CV. That’s why they have approximately 30 seconds to skim through a CV and make a preliminary impression. Hiring managers usually scan through a CV. If something grabs their attention, they may go through it.?
Most of us have been “Ghosted” several times after applying for a job. It is better to apply for a job knowing you can only lose to the best applicants than to go for one with no shot.?
In this article, I will break down the various parts of a CV to ensure that you nail your next job application.?But before we get to the details, it is essential to reiterate the difference between a CV and a Resume.?
CV Vs. Resume?
The only thing I’ll reiterate here is that CV and Resume are used interchangeably. There’s a difference between the two because Americans prefer to call it a Resume, while Brits prefer a CV.?As such, always pay attention to the job description to know where your potential employer resides: If it’s in Europe, use a CV or a Resume if they are in the US.?
Simple steps to write your CV in 2023
Step 1: Start With Your Contact Information?
Your contact information is indispensable because it is the only way for recruiters to get back to you. Ensure you place this information clearly and concisely, comprising the following; using this format.
Ensure that the information you provide is accurate and ensure your social media profile is professional. Most job applicants lose their chance at an interview at this stage because they provide unprofessional social media profiles.??
Step 2: Add a Personal Profile Statement?
Before jumping into your imposing educational background or work experiences, you should write a captivating personal statement. This statement could help hook your potential employer and get them to read your CV.?You could write a CV objective or a CV summary depending on the job description and how you fit that description.?
A CV objective is ideal if you have work experience relevant to the job you apply for while a CV summary covers your career progress, especially if you are a seasoned professional.?
Objective CV sample?
Professional graphic designer focused on creating eye-catching logos, brochures, and brand style guides. Leveraging teamwork, time cautiousness, and creativity, even in the most highly demanding workplaces, is what I can add to your business.?
Summary CV sample?
Professional graphic designer with over 14 years of experience in digital marketing agencies. I'd like to leverage my experience using Photoshop and Illustrator to help you create pinpoint graphics for your website.?
Step 3: Highlight Your Relevant Work Experience and Key Achievements
For most employers, the work experience section is the most important. They’ll often focus on this section to determine if you can help them or not. Don’t be under any pressure to write long paragraphs trying to impress the hiring manager. Keep it short and precise. Start with the most recent at the top and proceed in descending order.?For each work experience you state, follow it up with key achievements you made in your previous position.?For example;
Pro Tip: Pay attention to the responsibilities stated in the job description and ensure that your work experience and achievements show that you can handle those responsibilities.?
However, if you have no work experience, place your education section before the work experience. Always start with what you can use to impress the hiring manager. If it is in your education section, use it.?
Step 4: Your Education Section?
The best thing about the education section is that you can mention your highest qualifications in a way that may appeal to your employer.?
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Use this format:?
When applying for jobs with no work experience, leverage your education section. All you need to do is elaborate a bit more about your academic experience.?
For example, you could include:?
Step 5: Organize Your Information in a Professional CV Template?
It is unprofessional to send your CV as a Word document, but most job seekers make this mistake. It’s always more presentable to send your CV in PDF format. Free templates are available online to get you started.?You could use free templates on Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Once you have created your CV using these templates, you can convert it to PDF and send your job application. You can also generate a professional Resume on LinkedIn.?
Whatever you do, don’t send your CV without a Cover Letter.?
Step 6: Writing a Compelling Cover Letter to Complement Your CV?
Your cover letter has one sole purpose — to market yourself to the potential employer. Your CV alone, in most cases, will not be enough.?To write a compelling cover letter, you must read the job description. Discover what you must know about your prospective employer before applying for the job in this article.?
Once you have all the essential information about the job, you can write a cover letter. The first paragraph should make the employer feel like you have read the description and know what they want. In the next paragraph, you can tell the employer what you can do for their business while highlighting your achievements on similar projects (if you have any).?
Make sure you keep the cover letter short. A three-paragraph cover letter is ideal. In the last paragraph, you should include a call to action. A call to action is what you want from your potential employer. It could be a call or a text message. Be very specific.?
Example of a cover letter?
Conclusion?
Everyone wants a job, but not everyone is willing to do the work required. As a job applicant, you compete with hundreds of other applicants. You have just six seconds to grab the attention of your potential employer. Try to use it wisely.?The objective of the templates shared is to help you when writing your CV or Resume. It is by no means a one-size-fits-all template. Be creative and make your attention-grabbing CV.
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