CV writing guide

Creating the perfect CV.

• Choose a Modern Template: Start with a clean, modern template that reflects your personal style and the industry you're applying to.
• Personal Details: Begin your CV with your name, contact information (phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile), and optionally, a professional headshot. Keep this section concise and easy to locate.
• Professional Summary: Write a compelling professional summary that captures your key skills, experiences, and career objectives in a concise paragraph. Tailor your summary to the specific job you're applying for, highlighting how your background aligns with the employer's needs.
• Skills Section: List your core skills relevant to the job you're seeking. Include both hard skills (technical expertise) and soft skills (communication, leadership, etc.). Use bullet points for clarity and make sure to provide examples or quantify your skills whenever possible.
• Work Experience: Detail your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each role, include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Use action verbs and concise bullet points to describe your responsibilities, accomplishments, and contributions to each role. Quantify your achievements with metrics and numbers to demonstrate your impact.
• Education: List your education background, including degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework. Include the name of the institution, degree earned, graduation date, and any academic honours or achievements.
• Additional Sections (Optional): LConsider adding additional sections to showcase relevant information such as: Professional certifications, Awards and honours, Volunteer experience, Projects or publications, Languages spoken or Professional affiliations.
• Formatting and Design: Keep the formatting consistent throughout your CV, using a professional font and maintaining adequate space for readability. Use bold or italicized text to emphasise important information, but avoid overusing formatting styles. Incorporate colour sparingly to highly key sections or draw attention to specific details.
• Proofread and Edit: Before finalising your CV, carefully proofread it for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Consider asking a trusted friend or mentor to review your CV for feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Customise for Each Application: Tailor your CV for each job application by emphasising the skills, experiences, and achievements most relevant to the position. Research the company and job description to ensure your CV addresses the employer's specific needs and requirements.

By following these guidelines, you can create a CV that effectively showcases your qualifications and makes a memorable impression on potential employers. Remember to keep your CV up-to-date and continuously refine it as you gain new experiences and skills throughout your career journey.