How To Write A Great CV

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When it comes to job hunting, having a current CV is crucial. The first step of any application process during an online job search is likely to include uploading one to job search sites ready to send. Get it right, and you could have an interview in no time, but get it wrong, and your application will get overlooked in favour of others.

Everybody’s CV will be different and you will want to show why your particular set of skills makes you suitable for the position you’re applying for. However, most CVs follow a similar structure. This guide will show you how to create a great CV, ready for 2021 and beyond.

What is a CV?

CV is short for curriculum vitae. Is a personal marketing document used to sell yourself to prospective employers. It should tell them about you, your educational and professional history, your skills, abilities and achievements. Ultimately, it should highlight why you’re the best person for the job.

A CV is almost always required when applying for a job. You can upload one during your online job search with us. In addition, employers may also require a cover letter/personal statement and a completed application form.

How to write a CV

While the structure of a CV is flexible in order to reflect people’s unique skill sets and experiences, there are particular sections that employers will expect to see on your CV regardless.
Here are the sections you must include in your CV:

As a guide here are our suggestions on how to write a CV and what it should include:

Name, Professional Title And Contact Details:

The first part of your CV, positioned at the top of the page, should present your name, professional title and your contact details. DO NOT title your CV with ‘curriculum vitae’ or ‘CV’ as it’s a waste of vital space. Treat your name as the title instead. Your contact details should include your email address and phone number(s). In the past it was customary to include your full address on your CV. These days you simply need to include your town and city.

Personal Profile:

A personal profile (also known as a personal statement/career objective/professional profile), is a very important aspect of your CV. It should be a short paragraph that sits underneath your name and contact details offering prospective employers an overview of who you are and what you’re about. You should tailor your personal profile to each job you apply for, highlighting specific qualities that suit you to the role. Keep your it short and sweet, no longer than a few sentences. Try to address the Who you are, what can you offer the company and Your career goals?

Experience And Employment History:

This section gives you a chance to outline your previous jobs and work experience. List your experience in reverse chronological order.Your recent role is the most relevant to the employer. When listing each position state your job title, employer, the dates you worked and a line summarising the role. Bullet point your key responsibilities, skills and achievements. Emphasise the duties most relevant to the job you’re applying for, especially if there are many. You do not have to add details of jobs and positions you held 20 years ago as these are unlikely to be relevant.

Education And Qualifications:

Like the experience section, your education section should be listed in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the institutions and the dates you were there, then the qualifications and grades you achieved. If you have recently left education, write your degree, A-levels or GCSEs (or equivalents) as the following:

Institution name – Dates attended (from – to)

Qualification/subject – Grade

If you have a degree, you can include some of the most relevant modules, assignments or projects.

More experienced professionals can lay your qualifications out in this way:

Qualification, grade – Institution – Year

Additional sections

There is a range of additional sections that may strengthen your CV and highlight your skills. Here are just a few ideas of things you can include if you have room:

Key Skills: If you’re writing a functional CV, or have some abilities essential to your prospective role (like languages spoken, IT skills etc), insert a key skills section beneath your personal profile. Detail around four to five abilities at most.

Professional Development: Avoid including courses or training as part of your career history, Separate them out into their own section. This shows your commitment to on-going learning and highlights your additional knowledge that may not be as evident otherwise.

Accreditations: If you’re a member of a Chartered Institute or industry society, this should definitely be included. It shows commitment to your career and proof of your skills and experience. Include the name of the organisation, the year you became a member and the level of your membership.

Hobbies and interests: If you feel that your CV is lacking, maybe you can boost it by inserting a hobbies and interests section at the end. You can use this to show how well you fit into the company or the industry. Be careful to avoid listing hobbies that don’t add value to your CV or are run-of-the-mill, like reading or walking. Draw on interests that make you stand out or are relevant to the job.

Upload your CV on Worlds Connect today ready to send to potential employers.
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