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10 Tips to write a great CV

A well-crafted CV is essential for making a strong first impression with recruiters and employers. Since hiring managers spend just seconds scanning CVs, it’s crucial to present your skills, experience, and qualifications in a clear and compelling way. Here’s how to create a professional CV that gets noticed.

1. Choose the Right CV Format

There are two main types of CVs:

Skills-focused CV: Ideal for career changers, school leavers, or those with employment gaps.
Work-focused CV: Best for showcasing work experience and career progression.

2. Make Your CV Easy to Read

Recruiters quickly scan CVs, so clarity is key.

Use a simple, professional font like Aptos in a consistent size.
Keep sentences short and break up text into bullet points.
Use strong headings and adequate white space.
Limit your CV to two pages maximum.

3. Save and Label Your CV Properly

Save your CV as both a Word document and a PDF.
Label it with your name, job title, and application date.

4. Essential CV Sections

Your CV should include:

Name and Contact Details: Full name, phone number, and professional email address.
Technical and Personal Skills: Match these with the job description.
Work Experience: List roles in reverse chronological order, with key responsibilities and achievements.
Education and Qualifications: Include degrees, certificates, and relevant courses.
Referees: Either list them or note "Available upon request."

5. Optional CV Sections

Consider adding:

Personal Statement: A short summary of your background, career goals, and motivation for applying.
Achievements: Awards, completed projects, or contributions to company goals.
Interests: Only include hobbies that demonstrate job-relevant skills (e.g., leadership, teamwork).

6. What to Avoid

Avoid including:

Unnecessary personal details (e.g., age, marital status, religion).
Fancy fonts, colors, or over-the-top designs.
Irrelevant work experience or interests.
Spelling and grammar errors.
Unprofessional email addresses.

7. Tailor Your CV for Each Job

Each application should have a CV that matches the job’s specific requirements.

Use keywords from the job ad.
Highlight relevant experience and transferable skills.
Show how you can add value to the company.

8. Work History and Achievements

Employers value clear descriptions of past roles and successes.

Use action verbs like "managed," "developed," "led," and "achieved."
If you have employment gaps, highlight relevant skills learned during breaks or include volunteer work.
Keep descriptions concise but impactful.

9. List Qualifications and Training Properly

Present qualifications in reverse chronological order.
Include:
- Course name
- Institution name
- Dates attended/completed
Mention professional development courses or certifications if relevant.

10. Choose Strong Referees

Employers may contact referees to verify your experience.

At least one referee should be a manager or supervisor.
Other options: former employers, teachers, or respected community figures.
Provide full names, job titles, company names, and contact details.

A great CV is clear, concise, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. By following these tips, you’ll improve your chances of standing out to employers and landing interviews. Keep your CV updated and always proofread before submitting. Good luck!