How To Write A Proper CV

As a job seeker, having a well-written CV is crucial to your success in the job market. Your CV is often the first point of contact between you and a potential employer, and it is your chance to make a good impression and showcase your skills and experience to your employer. A strong CV will not only increase your chances of getting called for an interview, but also it can ultimately land you the job you want.

So, how do you write a proper CV? 

Here are some tips to help you get started.

Keep it brief and to the point. 

Your CV should be around 1-2 pages in length, depending on your level of experience. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy to read, and only include information that is relevant to the job or company you are applying to.

Start with your contact information. 

Make it easy for potential employers to get in touch with you by including your name, phone number, and email address at the top of your CV. You may also want to include your LinkedIn profile or personal website if you have one.

Write a professional summary. 

A professional summary should be a short paragraph usually 3-4 sentences long that summarizes your skills, experience, and achievements. Use this space to highlight your most relevant qualifications and explain how you can contribute to the growth of the company.

Detail your work experience. 

List your past jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include the company name, your job title, and the dates you worked there. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, and be sure to use action verbs to make your experiences sound more impressive.

Include your education. 

List your highest level of education first, followed by any additional degrees or certifications. If you are a recent graduate, you may want to include any relevant coursework or projects you have completed.

Highlight your skills. 

In this section, list any skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. These could include technical skills (such as proficiency in a certain software), as well as softer skills (such as communication or teamwork).

Consider including additional sections.

Depending on your background and the job you are applying for, you may want to include additional sections in your CV such as awards or certifications, language skills, or volunteer work. Be selective about what you include, and only add these sections if they are truly relevant to the job.

Now that you have the basic structure of a CV down, 

Here are some tips for making it stand out:

Tailor your CV to the specific job or company you are applying to. 

This means customizing your CV to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. Don’t just send out the same generic CV to every employer; take the time to customize it for each application.

Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Action verbs make your experiences sound more impressive and help you stand out. Some examples include “led,” “developed,” “increased,” and “implemented.”

Include quantifiable results whenever possible. 

Instead of just listing your responsibilities, try to quantify your achievements by including numbers and statistics. For example, instead of saying “managed social media accounts,” say “increased social media followers by 25% through targeted campaigns.”

Use keywords from the job posting. 

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan CVs for specific keywords related to the job. By including these keywords in your CV, you can increase your chances of being found by the ATS and ultimately getting called for an interview.

Proofread for spelling and grammar errors. 

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to double check your CV for any mistakes before sending it out. Typos and grammar errors can be a red flag for employers, as they may suggest that you aren’t paying attention to detail or are careless in your work. Take the time to carefully proofread your CV, or even have a friend or family member look it over for you.

There are also some common mistakes to avoid when writing your CV:

Including irrelevant or too much information. 

Keep your CV focused on the job you are applying for, and only include information that is relevant to the position. Don’t include personal details such as your age, marital status, or hobbies unless they are directly related to the job.

Using unprofessional or inconsistent formatting. 

Make sure your CV is easy to read and looks professional. Use a consistent font and formatting throughout, and avoid using flashy or unusual design elements.

Not tailoring the CV to the specific job or company. 

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to customize your CV for each job you apply to. Don’t just send out the same generic CV to every employer; take the time to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position you are applying for.

In conclusion, a well-written CV is an important tool for any job seeker. By following the tips outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase your chances of getting called for an interview and ultimately landing the job you want. Take the time to carefully craft your CV, as it will be a key factor in the job application process.