23 May Resource Hub

How to Write Your First CV

Creating your first job CV can be an exciting but challenging task. It can be common to have little to none work experience, especially if you have recently finished studying or raising a family. If you have little experience to write about, focus on your personal strengths by demonstrating what you can bring to the business. Tip: if you have been out of work and education for some time, you could benefit from completing an online course in the field you wish to work in, this shows willingness and continued professional development (CPD).

Here’s some guidance to help you get started:

1. Objective:

  • State a clear and concise career objective that highlights your goals and what you hope to achieve in your first job. Write about your strengths and how you can contribute to the business.

2. Education:

  • List your educational background, starting with the most recent degree or certification.

Example:

  • [Degree Earned], [Major], [University Name], [Graduation Date]
  • Relevant coursework: [List any relevant courses or projects]
  • [Honours or Awards, if applicable]

3. Skills:

  • Highlight your skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Include both hard (technical) and soft (communication, teamwork) skills.

Example:

  • Technical Skills: [List programming languages, software, tools]
  • Soft Skills: [List skills like communication, problem-solving, time management]

4. Experience: this can include volunteering

  • If you have any previous work experience, internships, volunteer work, or relevant projects, include them here. Start with the most recent and work backward. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements.
  • Describe your key responsibilities and achievements using bullet points.
  • Describe your key responsibilities and achievements using bullet points.
  • Describe your key responsibilities and achievements using bullet points.

5. Certifications:

  • [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Date Obtained]

6. Awards and Honours:

  • [Award Name], [Issuing Organization], [Date Received]

7. Languages:

  • [Language], [Proficiency Level]

8. Tech Knowledge: [List any experience you have using software], [Level of competence]

  • Excel, Word, PowerPoint
  • Microsoft
  • Teams
  • QuickBooks, Xero, Sage
  • Adobe
  • HR software
  • Stock taking software

Tip: if you are unfamiliar with Word and Excel, we strongly advise taking an online course to learn the basics. This type of software is commonly used daily throughout many sectors and businesses.

9. References:

You can mention that references are available upon request to ensure you are with who is approaching your prior employer(s). Do not include personal information of your prior employer on your CV, only include work related information associated with that person. It is usually polite to ask prior employers/individuals if you can use information on your CV (i.e. email address), but not essential. When including a reference you need to include:

  • Title of referee (manager, supervisor, friend)
  • Name of referee
  • Work Email address
  • Work Telephone number (not essential)
  • Work Address (not essential)

Formatting Tips:

  • Use a clean and professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri) in 11-12 point size.
  • Maintain consistency in formatting (e.g., bullet points, headings).
  • Keep your CV concise and ideally within one page, especially for entry-level positions. Get straight to the point when writing and ensure most words are purposeful.
  • Include words employers like to read: approachable, team player, problem solving, adaptable, willingness to learn.

Proofread your CV carefully for errors in grammar, spelling, duplicated words and formatting. Tailor your CV for each job application by emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific job you’re applying for.

Good luck with your job search!

Create a candidate job profile here and start applying for jobs you enjoy.

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SOCIAL