Hints and tips on writing a CV

Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is your ticket to landing your dream job. It's your first impression to potential employers, so it's important to make it count and use it as a way of selling yourself, highlighting your skills and experience and making it count. 

Here we will offer you some valuable hints and tips to help you write a standout CV that grabs the attention of recruiters and employers and showcases your qualifications effectively.

Start with a Strong Summary

Begin your CV with a strong summary or objective statement. This section should provide a snapshot of who you are professionally and what you're looking for in a job. Use this opportunity to highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and career goals.

Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to CVs. Customise your CV for each job application or write a cover letter to highlight your experience that fits and aligns it with the specific job requirements and company culture. Highlight experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position you're applying for.

Emphasise Achievements Over Duties

Rather than listing your job duties, focus on your accomplishments in each role. Use quantifiable achievements, such as "increased sales revenue by 30% in six months" or "managed a team of 10 employees," to demonstrate your impact. This gives potential employers a clearer understanding of your contributions.

Highlight Key Skills

Create a dedicated section to showcase your key skills. Include both hard skills (e.g., programming languages, data analysis) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork). Tailor this section to match the requirements of the job you're applying for.

Keep it Concise

While it's essential to provide enough information to impress potential employers, avoid overwhelming them with excessive details. Stick to the most relevant and recent experiences, keeping your CV to two pages if possible. 

Include Education and Certifications

List your educational background and any relevant certifications or qualifications. Include the name of the institution, the degree earned, and the date of completion. If you're a recent graduate with limited work experience, you may want to place this section near the top of your CV.

Showcase you’re interested and any activities you do out of work

Mention things such as volunteering, clubs, or projects etc These experiences can demonstrate valuable skills and qualities beyond your work history.

Proofread and Edit

Before submitting your CV, proofread it and make sure there are no grammatical errors or inconsistencies.

Use a well-organised format, make sure your font style is consistent use bullet points for easy readability. Most importantly – make sure your contact information is up-to-date and professional in tone (if you have an old email address that is a little out there…make a new one)

A polished and well put together CV shows attention to detail and professionalism. This is the first impression to any potential new employer and a way to showcase yourself, your experience, and skills. Keep it tailored, concise, and well-organised, and don't forget to highlight your achievements and skills. 

With a standout CV in you are well on your way to landing your dream job. 

Good luck!