Your CV should be an honest but positive reflection of your skills and experience. In short, it should make the reader want to find out more as opposed to consigning your details to the bin.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, this guide will help you create a modern, compelling CV that highlights your skills, experience, and value to employers.
PRESENTATION AND LAYOUT
The look and feel of your CV should be as simple and clear as possible, with a minimalist and clean design to enhance readability. Below are some simple design points to keep in mind when writing your CV:
- Use a clear, readable font; such as Arial, Calibri or Helvetica, and avoid fancy or script fonts.
- Stick to a simple layout with clear section headings and bullet points to improve readability and avoid long paragraphs.
- Maintain consistent formatting by using uniform spacing, font sizes and alignment throughout. We recommend keeping job titles in bold and dates in italics for easy scanning.
While there is no hard and fast rule for the length of your CV, the general rule of thumb is:
- One page is best for early careers and recent graduates, ideal if you have less than 5 years of experience. Focus on key skills, education and relevant work experience.
- Two pages is suitable for mid-to-senior level professionals with 5+ years of experience. Prioritise recent roles and achievements.
WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY CV?
There is no single, standard way of structuring a CV, but the main components are as follows:
- Personal details; include essential information such as name, contact details, and LinkedIn profile.
- Professional summary; a brief summary highlighting key skills and experiences tailored to the desired role.
- Employment history; present work experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements and responsibilities in concise bullet points.
- Skills and Certifications; highlight relevant skills, incorporating keywords from the job description you are applying for, and any specific certifications, such as online courses and professional development.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Your professional summary is the first thing recruiters see on your CV, making it a crucial opportunity to grab their attention. It should be a short, compelling introduction that highlights:
- Who you are (i.e. your profession and experience level)
- Your key skills and expertise
- Your biggest career achievements if applicable
- What you’re looking for (for example “Looking for a full-time role in [industry] to develop my skills and gain experience.”)
Some best practices to keep in mind while writing your professional summary are to keep it concise, use keywords from the job description and tailor it to each job you are applying for, and avoid generic clichés.
Your CV isn’t a one-time creation and should evolve with your career. Regularly update it with new skills, achievements, and experiences to ensure it stays relevant and impactful. When you have completed your CV, make sure that you reread it and ideally ask a friend, family or recruiter to review it.
A great CV opens doors to interviews and new career opportunities. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to landing your next role.
Get in touch with us today for more advice on writing your CV or support with your job search.
