FAQ: How Do I Write A CV?

A CV is one of the most important tools when applying for a job, so it is important to get yours right. You may be perfect for a job but if your CV does not reflect your skills, it’s unlikely you’ll get a call inviting you to an interview. In this blog, we will share our tips for putting together the basis of a great CV.

Q: What is a CV?

A: CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which loosely translates as ‘the course of my life’. You should view your CV as a clear and focused overview of the key parts of your life; your education, experience, and skills. It should be used as a tool to attract potential employers.

Q: How Should I Format A CV?

A: Two approaches are commonly used for CVs –
A Conventional CV – a detailed list of your education and work history, describing your skills and experience throughout the document. This is the most common style and suits most situations.
A Skills-based CV – this type of CV has a more detailed skills section, which draws on your experience and shows your suitability for a specific role. This type of CV is most useful if you’re looking for a major change of career and want to demonstrate you can transfer your skills.

Q: What Do I Need To Include On My CV?

A:                                                        

Your Name

Your name should be centre at the top of the page. Make it bold, use a clear font, and make it a larger size than the rest of the document. 

Personal Details

This can be directly below your name in the centre. Include your home address, telephone number, and sensible, professional email address. For example, yourfullname@gmail.com

Profile or Personal Statement

A concise summary, no more than 5 lines, to ‘sell’ your suitability for the role and outline your short-term career objectives. This is the part of your CV that should be tailored for each job you apply for.

Skills and Attributes

You also need to make this section relevant to the job you are applying for. Outline valid skills and attributes that are suitable for the role. It’s a good idea to use bullet points for this section to make the points eye-catching and punchy.

Work History

Make sure you begin with your most recent role first and continue in that order. This section does not only have to include paid work, but can feature any voluntary work or work experience you have done. Format each entry the following way:

[Start Date] – [End Date]

[Your Job Title]

[The Name of The Employer]

[The Location of the Job]

[Brief Description of Your Duties, Responsibilities, Achievements, and Skills Developed.]

Keep your descriptions concise but make sure the value of your experience can be clearly understood by a potential employer.

Education And Training

Again, begin with the most recent and format each entry in the following way:

[Start Date] – [End Date]

[Name of School/College/University/Training Provider]

[Full Qualification/Course Title]

[End Grades(s)]

When listing courses, you may want to add some modules you have completed if they are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Interests and Hobbies

Focus on what you do and give some details of responsibilities and level of success. Use 2-3 lines to show a bit of your personality.

References

Include a statement such as ‘references are available upon request’ or include referee contact details; their name, their job title, address, telephone number, and email address.

Ensure your referees know they may be contacted and are aware of the job role you have applied for.

The correct format is the foundation for a great CV. In our next blog, we will focus on the details that will make you truly stand out. If you would like to ask us any questions, message us on Facebook.