How to write a CV: 9 tips and tricks

In today's competitive job market, your CV serves as your first impression on potential employers.

It's your opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and qualifications concisely and compellingly.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just beginning your career, crafting a standout CV is essential. Here's a comprehensive guide on creating a CV that grabs the attention of a hiring manager or recruiter and lands you that dream job.

Understand the purpose: Before diving into the writing process.

​Choose the right format

Select the format that best highlights your strengths and experiences. For most professionals, a chronological format, which lists your work history in reverse chronological order, is often the most effective. Use bullet points to highlight your key skills and qualifications, as that makes it easier to read for the hiring manager or recruiter.

Personal information

Begin your CV with essential personal details such as your name, contact information, and professional title. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and professional. Be sure to include the location you are based in too, as this will help hiring managers/ recruiters know which roles you will be able to commute to easily.

Your professional bio

An effective way to start your CV is using a brief professional summary or objective statement that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. This section should be a snapshot of who you are as a professional and what you bring to the table.

Education

List your educational background in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or certification. Include the name of the institution, degree earned, major/minor, and graduation date. You can also mention any academic honours or awards.

Your work experience

Detail your work experience, starting with your most recent position. Include the name of the company, your job title, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate your impact.

Your skill set

Create a dedicated section to highlight your skills, both technical and soft.

Tailor this section to align with the requirements of the job you're applying for. For example, if you are applying for an Office Administrator role, you will want to include that you are organised and have impressive administrative skills.

Include both hard skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership).

Professional development and awards

Highlight any relevant certifications, training programs, or professional development courses you've completed. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and improvement within your field.

Always double-check your CV

Before submitting your CV, thoroughly proofread it for grammatical errors, typos, and formatting inconsistencies. Consider asking a trusted friend or colleague to review it as well. A polished and error-free CV reflects positively on your attention to detail and professionalism.

Keep your CV up to date

Your CV is a dynamic document that should evolve as your career progresses. Regularly update it with new experiences, skills, and achievements to ensure it accurately reflects your current qualifications.

In conclusion, crafting a compelling CV requires careful attention to detail, strategic thinking, and a thorough understanding of your strengths and experiences. By following these guidelines and tailoring your CV to each application, you can increase your chances of standing out to potential employers and securing exciting career opportunities.

Remember, your CV is your marketing tool, so invest the time and effort needed to make it shine.