CV Writing Tips: Stand Out and Get Noticed!

Your CV is the first impression you make on potential employers. Whether you’re starting fresh or updating an old CV, following these tips can help you create a professional and polished document that will get noticed by recruiters.

1. Keep it Clear and Concise

Recruiters often skim through CVs quickly. Make sure your key information is easy to find:

• Length: Aim for 1-2 pages. Only include relevant information.

• Layout: Use clear headings (e.g., Education, Work Experience, Skills) and bullet points to organize your content.

• Font: Choose a professional, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri, and keep the size between 10-12 pt.

2. Tailor Your CV to the Job

Customize your CV for each role you apply for:

• Use Keywords: Review the job description and use similar phrases in your CV. Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for keywords.

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job. You don’t need to include every job you’ve had—just the ones that demonstrate your qualifications.

3. Start with a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement (or CV summary) is a brief introduction at the top of your CV that highlights your key skills and career goals:

• Keep it Short: No more than 3-4 sentences.

• Be Specific: Mention your most relevant experience and what you can bring to the role.
  
  

4. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

When listing your work experience, emphasize your accomplishments rather than simply listing tasks:

• Use Action Words: Start bullet points with action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” or “improved.”

• Be Quantitative: Include numbers to showcase your impact (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%” or “Managed a team of 10”).
  
  

5. Include Relevant Skills

Make sure to include a section for key skills that are relevant to the job:

• Hard Skills: These are technical abilities specific to the job (e.g., project management, coding languages, software expertise).

• Soft Skills: Employers also value transferable skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
  
  

6. Highlight Education and Certifications

List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order (most recent first):

• Include Dates: Mention the dates of your studies and the name of the institution.

• Focus on Achievements: If applicable, mention key modules, awards, or extracurricular achievements that are relevant to the job.

• Certifications: Don’t forget to include any relevant certifications or professional courses.
  
  

7. Proofread for Perfection

A CV with spelling or grammar mistakes can hurt your chances of landing an interview. Proofread thoroughly or ask a friend to review it for you:

• Grammar and Spelling: Ensure there are no typos, and that your tenses are consistent.

• Consistency: Make sure the formatting, fonts, and bullet points are consistent throughout the CV.
  
  

8. Keep Your CV Updated

As your career progresses, make sure to update your CV regularly:

• Add New Roles or Skills: Make note of any promotions, new responsibilities, or skills you’ve acquired.

• Remove Outdated Information: Keep your CV relevant by removing old jobs or skills that no longer align with your career goals.
  
  

9. Use a Professional Tone and Format

Your CV should project professionalism:

• Avoid Jargon: Don’t use slang or overly technical language unless it’s industry-specific.

• Save as PDF: Sending your CV as a PDF ensures the formatting remains intact when viewed on different devices.
  
  

10. Include References (or Simply State ‘Available on Request’)

You don’t need to list your references upfront, but make sure they’re ready when asked:

• Professional References: Typically, these are former managers or colleagues who can vouch for your work ethic and achievements.