Skip to content

• Home
• Find a New Job
• How To Write A Cv

How to Write a Good CV

You've seen the job, you're sure you can do it, but you need to persuade the employer. Do you know how to write a killer CV?

There is a lot of information available on how to write a curriculum vitae, or CV, but generally, experts agree that it needs to start with your contact details and a general profile outlining your skills, background and ambitions.

Follow this with a history of your education and employment - most recent ones first - and include some details about your interests and at least one referee.

Remember that employers will glance only briefly at a CV to decide whether it is worth any more attention. Keep it simple.

CV presentation tips

The government service Careers Advice gives further information on how to write a CV. Simple presentation tips such as using high-quality, white A4 paper and the same font throughout (Not too small. Arial 11pt is a good choice). You may wish to use larger or emboldened letters for headings - will all help. You could also using a bold font to emphasize certain words or phrases to assist someone skim reading your CV to pick out your specific skills and experience.

Professional CV Writing Services

You could choose to pay a company that specializes in CV writing to give yours a professional makeover but at a cost. Some recruitment agencies will help you with this for free as it is in their interest to get you to the interview stage. You can also find help on the internet by searching Google for CV examples and CV templates.

CV Tailoring

IMPORTANT - Tailor your CV for every single job application. Your CV should demonstrate you have the skills and experience relevant to the specific requirements of the job advertisement. Try numbering each requirement in the ad and then writing the corresponding number against your responsibilities, skills and experience on your CV. Emphasise your achievements with active verbs such as "managed" and "achieved".

How long should my CV be?

You may have trouble keeping it short enough, especially as you get older and develop a longer working history. In this case, Careers Advice suggests being brief about older positions (and positions less relevant to your job application). The University of Kent recommends giving your employment history precedence over your interests. You do not even need to write "CV" at the top of the document or give your marital status. Try to keep your CV no more than two pages long.

CV hobbies and interests

Even if brief, the section dealing with your hobbies and interests can be used to your advantage. The university advises against listing solitary pursuits such as stamp collecting, while Careers Advice says that activities like reading are too general to stand out in any way.

More tips

Furthermore, the BBC warns against trying to be funny on a CV and reminds applicants to check that they send as many copies as the employer requests.

Finally, in learning how to write a CV, know the difference between selling yourself and being dishonest.

Your CV is intended to capture attention quickly and pique interest. Keep this in mind.

• How to Interview Well
• How to write a CV

• Earn Extra Money
• Increase Your Pay
• Investments
• Calculators

• Money Making Tips

PrudentMinds.com is all about saving money and includes advice on borrowing money in the loans section.