How to write an effective Curriculum Vitae (CV)

How to write an effective Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Writing an effective Curriculum Vitae (CV) is crucial to making a strong impression on potential employers.

• Clear formatting: Use a clean and professional format. Choose a legible font, maintain consistent spacing, and organise sections logically.
• Contact information: Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
• Summary/objective: Write a concise, targeted summary or objective statement that highlights your skills, experience, and career goals.
• Relevant sections: Include sections such as “Education,” “Work Experience,” “Skills,” “Projects,” and “Achievements.” Tailor the sections to highlight your strengths and the requirements of the job you’re applying for.
• Accomplishments: Focus on quantifiable achievements in your work experience section. Use numbers to demonstrate your impact, such as “increased sales by 20%” or “led a team of 10 employees.”
• Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to optimise your CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many employers.
• Tailored content: Customise your CV for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the specific job requirements.
• Use action verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs to showcase your accomplishments and responsibilities.
• Education and certifications: List your educational background and any relevant certifications. Include the name of the institution, degree earned, and graduation date.
• Relevance: Prioritize recent and relevant experiences. If you have a long work history, focus on the last 10-15 years.
• No irrelevant information: Leave out irrelevant personal information, hobbies, and outdated skills that don’t contribute to your candidacy.