How to Write A Good CV (Inspiration Is Really the Proven Key)

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of crafting a good CV? A CV that captures the attention of employers and opens doors to exciting job opportunities? This comprehensive guide delves into the art of good CV writing.

Have you ever wondered what makes a CV exceptional? How can you showcase your skills and experiences in a way that captivates recruiters? Throughout this article, we answer these questions and provide valuable insights into the essential components that make a CV shine. We drew inspiration from 86 CV examples we analysed. We decoded the elements contributing to making poor CVs and outstanding ones. You'll uncover fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to enhance your CV. Let's guide you through how to tailor your CV to fit the job requirements and how to optimise job titles and showcase your skills.

A good CV will get you more job interviews with employers. It beats the ATS tools recruiters use to sift CVs. So, always scan your resume before you send it off. To ensure your CV meets the mark, use our ATS resume scanner to test the quality of your CV.

Meanwhile, here are the critical elements of an interview-winning CV:

You're searching for your dream job, and a well-crafted CV is the key to unlocking countless opportunities. But where do you start? How can you make potential employers notice you?

Did you know that recruiters tend to spend an average of just 7 seconds skimming through a CV? In those fleeting moments, your CV needs to make an unforgettable impression.

Get ready to embark on a transformative journey as we guide you through the secrets of crafting an impressive CV that captivates interviewers from the get-go.

In this guide, you'll discover:

Are you ready to seize the opportunity to impress interviewers within those precious 7 seconds? Join us on this exciting journey and unlock the power of a remarkable CV that opens doors to your dream job, title, and career.

When crafting a CV instantly grabs attention, it's crucial to include the elements that make a lasting impression on potential employers.

This section will explore the essential components that can transform a good CV into a great one. A CV is a powerful tool that can captivate recruiters from the moment they look at it.

Image credit: Zippia

You know the old saying, if you've got it, flaunt it.

The same goes for your skills. When you write a CV, it's essential to make your relevant skills shine.

You have to sell yourself successfully even before you sit down for the interview. You have to sell yourself simply to get an interview.

Using these strategies will ensure that even the CV of a fresh graduate cuts.

To stand out among the crowd, you need to tailor your CV. One size does not fit all. You need to match specific job requirements and industry expectations, showcasing your qualifications, skills, experiences, and personal qualities.

Making sure that they directly align with the desired position. Here are some valuable tips to help you tailor your CV and increase your chances of success:

Tailoring your CV shows your dedication and attention to detail, making you a strong candidate. Take your CV from a standard to a great one, perhaps perfect. Use real-world examples of achievements to prove you are the right fit for this job.

Our case study report shows the common mistakes people make in their CVs. Between April and May 2023, the CVJury Expert CV Review team reviewed 86 CVs as random samples.

Since then, we have reviewed and rewritten over 300 CVs. The nature of the errors we found was chilling. Even top candidates with first-class degrees missed them, too! And 17 candidates among this number had first-class degrees.

We show the details in the following sections. In the following subsections, we tabulate the key areas in which candidates make mistakes in their CVs. We give short notes summarising the nature of those mistakes and advise what to do instead.

Do you make these mistakes in your CV?

Table 1: Showing 7 Key Areas Where Candidates Did Things Wrongly in Their CVs

Short Notes to Explain the Case of the 4 Candidates in Table 1 Above

The key issues we identified in the CVs of Sandeep, Krishna, Liat, and Joe are:

General tips: your CV should be a marketing tool that:

Table 2: Showing 9 Key Areas Where Candidates Did Things Wrongly in Their CVs

Remember, the ultimate goal for all candidates is to have a clear CV that is focused on quality and avoids lengthy job details.

It should also zero in on value, align offerings with needs, and provide relevant facts about the targeted role.

Short Notes to Explain the Case of the 4 Candidates in Table 2 Above

The key issues we identified in the CVs of Ala, Sathish, Divya, and Kumar are:

A better structure for bulleted points is "Accomplished X by DOING Y that resulted in Z." For example:

Table 3: Summary of Problems We Identified (In 7 Candidates' CVs)

Short Notes to Explain the Cases of the 7 Candidates in Table 3 Above

The main problems found in the reviewed CVs include:

Our CV review team is always here to support you. We can help you elevate your CV to the best quality, avoiding these mistakes.

Your cover letter should already include the goals you aim for related to the role, but not in the summary.

There should be no gaps in your education or employment history. Unexplained gaps leave HR management personnel wondering what happened.

A short gap in employment may be acceptable when relocating for a new job. But anything longer than a month should be explained positively.

Likewise, explain if you took a gap year before starting your graduate studies. Try to relate your experience during that time to the job in question.

Former career consultant Kirsty Bonner often said that top CVs steadily progress. However, there is nothing wrong with a gap of one or two months if you are still navigating the journey to find a job. This time is usually the approximate duration some people use to transition between jobs.

Nevertheless, Kirsty advised that you explain why the gaps existed for over three months. For example, explain the gaps right where they occur in your CV, or do it in a separate section at the bottom of your CV.

Personally, as a recruiter, I’ve seen many applicants explaining why gaps exist in their CVs. I always treated these CVs more positively than if they had failed to explain those gaps. I’ve read a few. They are reasonable as well if you leave jobs too soon (i.e., job-hopping).

Examples

For short-term jobs, always write 'A Contract Role' in your CV beside the job role when it was a contract job. Everyone will know that contract jobs are short by nature.

By using a professional-looking font in the correct size, you can enhance the visual appeal of the text in your CV. Avoid cursive scripts and ensure that text is not bunched up or difficult to read.

Recruiters or HR personnel will want to scan your CV. Remember, you only have 7 seconds to impress. Please don't make them peer at small or difficult-to-read fonts.

Many recruiters and hiring managers use these general guidelines:

Here's a comprehensive list of our recommended CV fonts. Consider using the same font style and size in your cover letter.

If you want to make a big impression on hiring managers, include a core area of accomplishment in your CV. Also, consider including your goals for the next 5-10 years.

This section provides a quick snapshot of your skills and achievements. It also makes a personal statement and gives recruiters an idea of who you are.

You need to understand your core competencies. These might include leadership, teamwork, or management skills. You may also want to focus on your interpersonal skills. Then, you can write a good summary of them that shows the reader how you have used these skills in the workplace.

Job seekers often underestimate the power of summarising their careers on one page. Try to include impressive achievements, but not too many. Avoid information overload.

Image credit: FinancesOnline

The information in a good CV is always factually correct. Many job seekers tend to embellish specific achievements or competencies.

Avoid doing this. Do not claim anything you cannot substantiate in your work history. Your accomplishments must be believable.

Create your personal brand with care. Do not paint yourself as some larger-than-life character. Potential employers may look at your online portfolio or social media profile.

Don't embellish for the sake of a perfect curriculum vitae. You might be in trouble if you can't live up to it.

Be honest about your previous work experience. When you write a CV, remember it's straightforward to verify.

For example, instead of claiming to be "creative," show your creativity.

Say, "As a developer, I created the solution deployed to solve…"

Research industry keywords related to the job application in question. Use them in your cover letter, CV, or resume.

Create an effective CV using our free online resume builder.

For example, if you are a developer, include keywords or phrases related to your area of expertise. Make sure to elaborate on the tools and software you are familiar with. Choose a Developer CV Template that highlights your core competencies in the field.

Your CV is a genuinely personal statement that should reflect who you are and what you bring to the table as an employee. Choose a CV format that will impress and suit the role you are after.

We recommend using a premium free CV builder to create a professional CV or resume. It will guide you through the CV/resume writing process.

We have hacks for you: how to write a CV like a guru. Doing so will ensure you leave no essential skills out in your application.

Another benefit of using a CV template is that it allows you to create many CV pages or resumes, then tailor each page to different job applications. Choose a position-specific CV template to make sure your application meets the expectations of recruiters.

Now that we've finished with the nitty-gritty of what you should and shouldn't do when you write a CV, we will look at some CV examples.

These CV examples will give you a good idea of what professional CVs look like and what you should strive for when you write a CV.

The choice between a finance CV, an academic CV, a sales CV, and even a CV for a school leaver is essential. Remember, this is not just your personal statement but also your one chance to make an impression and get the interview. The choice of CV layout is critical.

Below, we have some excellent examples of CVs. You can choose one of these CV templates and make it your own. Add your personal profile to them and craft the perfect CV. See more CV examples.

A curated sample of the full template gallery — see all the CV templates on CVJury.

Create a concise CV using our online CV builder. Feel confident in your job search with our online CV builder. Don't forget to check out our cover letter examples. Write your cover letter using our cover letter builder app with insider tips and techniques for the best cover letters.

Learn how to get job referrals and connect on LinkedIn by first adding value. You can choose from the most suitable CV templates.

With these powerful words in mind, we finalise this guide on how to write a good CV.

Throughout this journey, we have examined the various elements and strategies that can transform your CV, building a profile that genuinely impresses, turning it into a remarkable representation of your skills and potential.

Remember, success lies not only in inspiration but also in the unwavering belief in your abilities. In today's competitive job market, standing out is essential.

Whether you're a school leaver or a graduate, a skills-based CV can make all the difference. And even experienced workers can gain insight by following these tips.

Tailor your curriculum vitae to showcase your unique abilities, and remember to highlight the important tasks you've accomplished. Choose a CV layout that is concise and captivating, presenting your professional profile in a way that captures attention.

Joining professional memberships adds credibility to your CV and shows your commitment to growth. From primary school to now, you've developed valuable skills that can be applied in any role.

Remember, employers appreciate candidates who deliver results on time. So, craft a winning CV that highlights your skills and demonstrates your ability to execute effectively.

Your journey has prepared you for this moment, and with a skills-based approach, you'll unlock new opportunities and pave the way to success. Good luck!

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