In today’s competitive job market, your CV is often the first impression you’ll make on a potential employer. A strong, well-structured CV can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview, while a poorly presented one may end up in the “no” pile. But don’t worry — we’ve got some essential CV tips to help you create a document that catches the eye of hiring managers and gives you the best shot at your next job.
1. Tailor Your CV to Each Job
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is using the same CV for every application. Employers want to see how your experience, skills, and qualifications align with their specific needs. Take the time to adjust your CV for each job posting by highlighting relevant experience and tailoring your personal statement to show why you’re the perfect fit for that particular role. Having a ‘Master CV’ that will be a generic one with all your skills and experience included and save copies to edit specific to the job you are applying for is a good place to start.
2. Keep it Clear and Concise
A CV should ideally be two pages long, but don’t try to pad it out unnecessarily. Be concise and focus on your most recent and relevant experience. Avoid including outdated roles or skills that no longer apply to your desired career. Hiring managers often spend just seconds reviewing each CV, so make sure your key achievements and skills are easily identifiable.
3. Use a Professional Format
First impressions count, and a disorganised CV can immediately leave a negative impression. Stick to a clean, professional layout with clear headings for each section (e.g., personal statement, work experience, education, skills). Use bullet points for easy reading, keep the font simple and legible, such as Arial or Calibri in size 10-12 and avoid using hidden tables to present information.
4. Craft a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement should serve as a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. This is your chance to briefly highlight your key strengths and career goals. Keep it under 150 words and focus on what you can offer the employer as well as your career aspirations.
5. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties
Employers want to see what you’ve accomplished, not just the tasks you were responsible for. Rather than simply listing your job duties, showcase how you contributed to the success of the team or organisation.
6. Showcase Relevant Skills
Make sure you include a section where you can highlight key skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. These could include technical skills, language proficiencies, or industry-specific tools and software. Remember to focus on both hard skills (like data analysis or coding) and soft skills (like teamwork or problem-solving).
7. Include Relevant Qualifications and Certifications
Don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications, certifications, or courses you’ve completed that will give you an edge in the job market. Such as, academic qualifications and professional certifications (e.g., CIPD, PRINCE2, C&G).
8. Proofread Carefully
One of the simplest yet most important tips is to proofread your CV before sending it. Spelling or grammatical errors can make you appear unprofessional and careless. Read through your CV multiple times, and if possible, ask a friend or family member to review it as well. If you’re using a template, check that you have removed things such as, examples of skills, “[insert here]” and instructions etc.
Final Thoughts
Creating an effective CV doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips and regularly updating your CV, you can ensure that it remains relevant and impactful throughout your job search. Whether you’re applying for your first job or looking for a career change, a standout CV will help you make the best impression and secure your next opportunity.
Need help with your CV? Take a look at the following for guidance.
- Reed, free CV builder - https://www.reed.co.uk/cvbuilder
- Microsoft Word, CV templates