How to write a good CV

1. Writing a CV – The Basics :

When it comes to writing a CV, there are a few basic things that you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, you need to make sure that your CV is clear and concise. There is no need to try and cram too much information into your CV – just include the essentials. Secondly, you need to make sure that your CV is well-organized and easy to read. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for the reader to find the information they are looking for. Finally, don’t forget to proofread your CV carefully before you send it off. Typos and grammatical errors will make you look unprofessional and could cost you the job. 

2. Tailor Your CV to the Job :

It’s important to tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for. This means ensuring that your CV includes the key skills and experience that the employer is looking for.

If you’re applying for a job in customer service, for example, you should make sure that your CV includes examples of excellent customer service skills. If you’re applying for a job in sales, on the other hand, you should focus on your sales experience and skills.

It’s also important to use the right keywords. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan CVs and identify the most relevant candidates. If your CV doesn’t include the right keywords, it may not be picked up by the ATS.

To make sure your CV is tailored to the job and includes the right keywords, take a look at the job ad and make a list of the key skills and experience that are required. Then, make sure that these are included in your CV. 

3. Highlight Your Skills and Experience :

When highlighting your skills and experience, it is important to be clear and concise. Use bullet points and short sentences to make your points easy to understand. Be sure to include both your hard and soft skills, as well as any relevant experience you have in the field. If you have any unusual or unique skills or experience, be sure to mention those as well. 

4. Use a Professional CV Format :

Most job seekers have no idea how to write a professional CV format and they end up making common mistakes that can easily be avoided.

The most important thing to remember when writing your CV is to keep it simple and to the point. Use clear and concise language and avoid using any fancy fonts or colours. Stick to a professional looking font such as Arial or Times New Roman.

Your CV should be divided into sections such as personal details, education, work experience, skills and interests. Start by listing your personal details at the top of the CV including your name, address, email and phone number.

Then list your education in reverse chronological order starting with your most recent qualifications. Include the name of the institution, the dates you attended and the qualifications you obtained.

Next, list your work experience in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the company, your job title, the dates you worked there and a brief overview of your responsibilities.

Finally, list any skills and interests you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

By following these simple tips you can ensure that your CV is professional and easy to read.
 

5. Check Your CV for Errors :

When you have finished writing your CV, it is important to check for any errors. This includes grammar, punctuation and spelling errors. It is also important to make sure that your CV is easy to read and is structured correctly.

If you are not sure how to check for errors, you can ask a friend or family member to read through your CV. Alternatively, you can use a CV checking service. This is a service that will check your CV for errors and give you feedback on how to improve it. 

6. Get Feedback on Your CV :

It’s essential to get feedback on your CV so that you can improve it and make it more effective. There are a few ways to get feedback:

1. Ask a friend or family member to read through your CV and give their honest opinion.

2. Take your CV to a careers advisor or careers coach and ask for their feedback.

3. Send your CV to a professional CV writing service and ask for their feedback.

4. Post your CV on a job board or CV forum and ask for feedback from other users.

5. Use a CV feedback tool like CVChecker to get detailed feedback on your CV.

6. Use a free CV review service like TopCV to get an expert opinion on your CV.

Whichever method you choose, make sure you get feedback from multiple people so that you can get a range of opinions. And don’t forget to listen to the feedback you’re given – it can be difficult to hear criticism of your CV, but it’s important to take it on board so that you can make improvements.