How to write a good CV

So you’ve found a job that you want to apply for and you know you’re a great fit, now it’s time to prove this to your potential employer!

When it comes to CV writing, first impressions count. This is your time to showcase your skills, stand out from the crowd and secure your place at interview.

So how is this done? Using our recruitment expertise, we’ve highlighted the below essentials needed for a great CV:

Personal details

First things first, your contact details are a given. This should be included at the top of the page and must include your name, email address and location. Having a link to an up-to-date professional profile such as LinkedIn would also be beneficial.  

Personal summary and key skills

A brief personal summary section at the beginning of your CV is a valuable addition, providing it’s not generic. This is your way to summarize yourself as the ideal candidate, including key characteristics to summarize who you are, your previous experience and what you hope to achieve professionally.

The description in the personal summary should make you sound like an excellent fit for the role - be sure to include characteristics and aspirations you have that would complement the role perfectly.

A key skills section to list a few of your top key skills is also a great addition to your CV. Here, it is important to highlight key skills that have proven ability and will bode well in the role you’re applying for.

Although useful, make sure your key skills/personal summary sections aren’t too bland or generic! Avoid overused and basic attributes such as ‘good communicator’.  

Education

This section will include all institutions attended and the qualifications obtained. This should be listed in chronological order, with the latest qualification first.

If you have a degree, it may be also useful to highlight relevant modules or assignments that are related to the job role.  

Work history

When listing your job history, you should include the job title, the company you worked for, dates employed and a description of the job role. All jobs should be listed, even if they’re not particularly relevant, so there are no large gaps within your employment history.

In the description, include key responsibilities that showcase relevant or transferable skills. Ensure to include professional achievements such as awards or key figures. Any quantifiable number should absolutely be included i.e. year on year growth, target percentage achieved, or growth percentage of audience engagement. The more compelling you can make it, the higher the chance of making it to interview!

Additional skills and interests

Are you a mental health first aider? Any language proficiencies or IT skills? Including additional achievements will help you stand out from the crowd, so include them!

Interesting hobbies and extracurricular achievements will also make you stand out i.e. if you’re a purple belt in Brazilian jiujitsu, or that you play for a cricket team.

General tips to take away

• 1)Make sure you proof read! Imagine you’ve mentioned your excellent attention to detail, but you’ve made a spelling mistake. That’s not ideal.
• Maximum length should be 2-3 pages long. You don’t want to present your potential employers with an essay, anything longer that 2-3 pages would be overkill.  
• You must ensure that you are easily contactable, so make sure your contact information is accurate and up to date!
• We always recommend that you send a cover letter along with your CV to demonstrate that extra bit of effort, see our cover letter tips here. 

Need help or guidance with writing your CV? Give our Recruitment manager Graham a shout at graham.fish@networkscientific.co.uk