How to Write a CV

Writing a strong CV (Curriculum Vitae) is essential for job applications, as it serves as your professional marketing document. Here are some tips on how to write an effective CV:

1. Choose the Right Format:

  • Use a clean, professional format with consistent fonts and formatting.
  • Consider using bullet points to make it easy to reading

2. Contact Information:

  • Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
  • Avoid including unnecessary personal information like your date of birth or marital status.

3. Write a Strong Objective or Summary:

  • Include a brief objective or summary statement at the beginning of your CV to highlight your career goals and skills.
  • Tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for.

4. Highlight Your Achievements:

  • Emphasize your accomplishments, skills, and experiences relevant to the job.
  • Use action verbs and quantify your achievements (e.g., “increased sales by 20%”).

5. Professional Experience:

  • List your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first).
  • Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
  • Describe your responsibilities and achievements using bullet points.

6. Education:

  • Mention your educational background, including degrees, institutions, graduation dates, and any honours or awards.
  • If you have limited work experience, put your education section before your work experience.

7. Skills:

  • Create a separate section for your key skills and competencies.
  • Include both technical and soft skills relevant to the job.

8. Certifications and Training:

  • List any relevant certifications, courses, or workshops you’ve completed.
  • Include the name of the certification, the issuing institution, and the date of completion.

9. Tailor Your CV:

  • Customize your CV for each job application by emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.
  • Use keywords from the job posting to demonstrate your fit for the position.

10. Avoid Typos and Errors:

  • Carefully proofread your CV to eliminate spelling and grammar errors.
  • Consider having someone else review it for you.

11. Be Concise:

  • Keep your CV concise and limit it to two pages, especially for entry-level or mid-level positions.

12. Be Honest:

  • Be truthful about your qualifications and experiences. Avoid exaggeration or false information.
  • Depending on your field and experience, you may include sections like publications, projects, volunteer work, or languages spoken.

13. Use a Professional Email Address:

  • Ensure that the email address you provide is professional and appropriate for job applications

Tip: Keep your CV up to date, especially as you gain new skills and experiences. Tailor your CV to each job you apply for to come across more interested.

 

Writing a friendly CV can help you come across as approachable and personable. While maintaining professionalism, here are some tips for creating a friendly CV:

  1. Warm Introduction: Start with a friendly opening statement. Instead of a rigid objective, you might use a friendly summary that briefly introduces yourself and your career aspirations.
  2. Contact Information: Include your contact details but add a friendly touch. Use a personal email address (not something overly formal) and consider mentioning your city or region.
  3. Achievements with Personality: When describing your achievements, inject some personality. Share not only what you accomplished but how it made you feel or what you learned from it. This gives a glimpse of your character.
  4. Casual Language: While maintaining professionalism, use conversational language. Avoid overly technical jargon or complex sentences that may make your CV seem distant.
  5. Show Enthusiasm: In your summary or cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the job or the industry. Show that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity.
  6. Highlight Soft Skills: In the skills section, emphasize your soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. These skills often reflect your friendly and cooperative nature.
  7. Use Bullet Points: To keep your CV friendly and easy to read, use bullet points to list your achievements and responsibilities. It breaks up text and makes it more approachable.
  8. Personal Interests: If appropriate, include a section about your hobbies and interests. Sharing a bit about your personal life can make you seem more relatable.
  9. Include Volunteering: Mention any volunteering or community involvement. It showcases your commitment to making a positive impact, which can be seen as friendly.
  10. Smile in Your Photo: If you include a photo in your CV (not compulsory), choose one where you’re smiling. A friendly expression can make a positive impression.
  11. Polite Language: Always use polite language in your CV. Thank the reader for considering your application in your cover letter or summary.
  12. Be Yourself: Ultimately, the best way to come across as friendly is to be authentic. Write in a way that feels natural to you while still maintaining professionalism. Let your personality shine!

Remember that while friendliness is important, it’s just one aspect of your CV. Your CV is the first impression on a potential employer, so make sure it effectively communicates your qualifications and demonstrates why you are the right fit for the job. If the role you are applying for in competitive, you could benefit from writing a CV cover letter. Read the benefits of a CV cover letter and an example here.

Tags: