CV Writing Tips
How to Write A CV? Our Free CV Writing Tips
The best way to start to know how to write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is to break the CV writing process down into three simple steps...
Many applicants undersell themselves by not "targeting" their CV towards the industry in which they are seeking employment. How to write a CV well is to do your homework; read about the jobs you are targeting, talk to friends in similar jobs.
Ask yourself, “how can I add value to this company?”, “how is my previous experience relevant to the job I am applying for?” For example, an ex bar manager seeking a job in marketing will demonstrate competence by listing supervision and cashier roles, but detailing ways in which he increased beer sales by arranging a quiz night, darts team or a ‘happy hour’, will show an understanding of how promotions can boost sales (an essential skill in marketing!).
With your research complete. You should make quick lists under each of the following headings: "Profile", "Career History", "Education", "Skills & Qualifications", "Hobbies & Interests", and "References". The lists will ensure that you don't miss anything out when you come to put your CV together. Also a good CV should be:
- Targeted (demonstrating the relevance of experience, skills and qualifications to the job you are seeking).
- Concise (graduate/school leaver CVs should span no more than 2 pages).
- Correctly organised (sections labelled and ordered).
- Free from spelling or grammatical errors.
Profile
List personality traits, attributes, ambitions (ask yourself, “how are these suited to the job I am targeting?”)
Career History
Write a short paragraph outlining your previous job title (50 words max), then list the roles and achievements related to this employment (use your research to expand on these roles, how are they relevant to the job you are targeting today?)
Education
For each institution, list all course programmes, subjects studied and grades achieved (if the grades were poor, or not relevant because it was such a long time ago, then leave them out). If applicable, you should also list other achievements (e.g. school prefect, captain of the hockey team - anything that demonstrates skills that might help you add value in your new job role - refer to your research!).
Skills & Qualifications
These might include languages, a driving license, health & safety accreditations.
Hobbies & Interests
You're there to work, the employer doesn't care what you do in your spare time, right? Wrong. Sporting interests, socialising, and family values are all relevant and will play a role on how well you fit into the team. Be as honest as you can.
References
Use no more than three. Previous employers are preferable. If you are new to the job market, or have a poor relationship with your previous company, you could use a teacher, or an acquaintance with a senior/respectable job within a well-known company.
Now, you have to stick all the information together – you can’t just send the employer a bunch of bullet points (believe me, I wish we could).
Keep this section short and sweet. It’s the first thing the employer will see after your name and it’s the thing that determines whether they keep reading or look at the next CV. Try to include some key words from the company’s values and sell yourself!
Work Experience
This section should be done in chronological order with the most recent experience at the top. Give a brief description of your key achievements and duties to give a rough idea of why it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you have a long list of work experience, try to dodge irrelevant ones.
Education
This section, similar to work experience, should also be in chronological order starting with the most recent at the top. Include the courses you studied and the grades you achieved.
Skills/Qualifications
This can include certifications, awards or anything showing that you are qualified for the job you’re applying for. If you speak more than one language or if you completed a course relevant to the course, Add. It. Here!
Hobbies/Interests
The employer wants to know how you spend your free time. Whether you read books or play basketball, add it here
References
These can be anyone you worked with or taught you. Add their name and email/phone number. If you’ve left on bad terms with your previous employer – do yourself a favour and don’t add them as a reference
The last tip for writing your CV is to proof-read it. Have a friend/family read it and point out any spelling mistakes and areas of improvement. The last thing you want is to send your CV and find out you’ve misspelled your previous job roles.
Once done, upload it here for our professional opinion.
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