How to Write a Great CV: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is often the first step towards securing your dream job. A great CV doesn’t just list your qualifications and work experience; it tells your professional story in a way that stands out from the competition. Here’s how to write a CV that grabs the attention of hiring managers:

1. Start with a Strong Personal Statement

A well-crafted personal statement is your chance to make a lasting first impression. This section should briefly summarise who you are, what you bring to the table, and your career goals. Tailor it to the role you’re applying for, focusing on your skills and experience that directly relate to the job.

Tip: Keep it concise (about 4-6 lines) and make it specific to each job you apply for.

2. Showcase Your Key Skills

Highlight the skills that make you an excellent candidate for the job. Include a mix of both technical (e.g., software proficiency, project management) and soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership). Organise them into categories to make them easy to read.

Tip: Use the job description as a guide to pick out the most relevant skills for each application.

3. Detail Your Professional Experience

List your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each position, include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and key responsibilities. Focus on achievements rather than just duties, using quantifiable results where possible.

Tip: Use action verbs like "led," "designed," and "implemented" to demonstrate initiative and impact.

4. Emphasise Education and Certifications

Include your academic qualifications, starting with the most recent degree or qualification. If you’ve completed any relevant certifications or training, list these as well. Be sure to mention any honors, awards, or achievements you earned during your studies.

Tip: If you're early in your career, place your education section near the top of your CV. If you have significant work experience, it can go toward the bottom.

5. Include Volunteer Work and Extracurricular Activities

If you’ve volunteered or participated in extracurricular activities, include them on your CV. This not only shows your commitment to community and personal growth but also highlights transferable skills like teamwork and leadership.

Tip: Be selective and choose activities that are most relevant to the role or demonstrate valuable skills.

6. Customize Your CV for the Job

Tailoring your CV for each application is crucial. Highlight the experience and skills that are most relevant to the specific job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description to make sure your CV aligns with what the employer is looking for.

Tip: Use a template or design that suits the industry you're applying to, ensuring it looks professional and easy to read.

7. Proofread and Edit

Spelling and grammatical errors can leave a bad impression, so make sure to proofread your CV carefully. Read it multiple times, and consider having a friend or mentor review it for clarity and accuracy.

Tip: Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to help spot errors and improve readability.

8. Keep It Concise

Your CV should be clear, concise, and to the point. Ideally, it should be no longer than two pages. Avoid including irrelevant information, such as outdated skills or job experiences that don't add value to your application.

Tip: Prioritise the most recent and relevant experience, and remove anything that doesn’t support your current job search.

9. Use the Right Format

Ensure your CV is easy to read and well-organised. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent format throughout. Choose a clean, professional font like Arial or Calibri, and avoid overly decorative designs that may distract from the content.

Tip: Save your CV as a PDF to preserve formatting and ensure it can be opened easily by potential employers.

A great CV is your ticket to making a positive first impression and landing an interview. By focusing on your key skills, experience, and achievements, and customising your CV for each role, you can effectively showcase what makes you the perfect candidate. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to writing a CV that stands out and gets noticed.