How to Write a CV

Knowing how to write a CV — also commonly referred to as a resume — is crucial to securing an interview for your dream job. Your CV should clearly communicate why you're the right fit for the job. These tips can help you write a CV that maximizes your chance of getting hired.

1. Tailor Your CV to the Job

If you're sending out the same CV with every job application, then this could be why you're not getting many replies. Every time you apply for a job, you must write a CV that demonstrates why you're the perfect person for that particular role. When you write a CV, focus on explaining how you could use your skills and experiences in the new job. For example, if you're applying for a sales job, it's important to feature your sales experience prominently on the CV. If you later apply for a management job, you need to change your CV so it focuses on your experience managing people and workflow.

2. Choose a Layout

There are several ways of structuring a CV, but they all start by showing your name and contact details prominently at the top of the document. Next, include a short personal statement that summarizes your key skills, experiences and career goals in a few brief sentences, and then either list your qualifications or your work experiences, depending on which is most important to the recruiter. If you've just finished your degree and you're applying for a graduate job related to your degree, it makes sense to list your education first. If you have a long career history, put your key work experiences at the top of the page and move your education down or even onto the second page.

3. Keep It Brief

If you're a recent graduate, aim to keep your CV to a single page. If you've held several positions, spread the information over two pages, but don't let your CV run onto a third page. Recruiters have very little time to spend reading each applicant's CV, so you need to get the key information across quickly.

4. Check Your CV Carefully

Your CV must have no spelling or grammatical errors. Read it through yourself and then ask a friend to check it again. In particular, make sure there are no errors in your contact details so recruiters can easily get in touch with you if your CV impresses them.

When you write your CV, spend some time beforehand organizing all the relevant information you need to include. Every CV you write must be carefully tailored to the job posting. After you write your CV, check it carefully to ensure it's structured correctly and free from errors in order to make a professional impression.

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