When searching for your next role having a well-crafted CV is essential. It serves as a paper representation of you and often the first impression a potential employer has of you. It can take a fair amount of work to create a strong CV but consider it an investment in yourself. Below are some key principles and advice to help you create a CV that showcases your potential as a good fit for that role you are after.
So, what is a CV?
Think of your CV as part of your personal advertising campaign, or a self-marketing resource. Use it to articulate your suitability for the role you are applying for by providing a comprehensive overview of your professional background, including your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. Its primary purpose is to demonstrate your abilities and potential to employers making it clear you are the right candidate for the job.
Tailor Your CV to the Job
If you are serious about an application do not be tempted to send a generic CV. The hiring manager is looking for someone with a specific fit, so tailor your CV to match the requirements of the job you are applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position as set out in the job description.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Applying for roles is quite competitive with potentially hundreds of CVs being received so it’s important to keep yours concise and focused. Ideas about the correct length of CVs vary, but in general aim for two pages unless it is for a senior level (in which case there can be room for more). Ensure everything included adds value and is relevant – avoid unnecessary details and focus on what makes you a strong candidate.
Use a Neat and Well Structured Layout
Word processing makes it easier to create a CV but you need to think about the layout, i.e. structure something that is easy to read. Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting to enhance readability. Choose a professional font and make the space work effectively, i.e. not too cramped but also don’t have excessive margin space that will reduce your available word count.
Include Key Sections
A comprehensive CV usually includes the following key sections:
Contact Information
Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Ensure that your contact details are up-to-date. Residential address is generally unnecessary but use your town if you feel the need.
Personal Statement
This is optional, but if you use on write a brief (5-7 lines) personal statement or summary that provides an overview of who you are and what you can bring to the organisation/role. Ensure the words are adding value to your CV and showcase your potential.
Achievements
This section is optional but can be helpful to include any notable achievements. Present them at the start of your CV and keep each one concise (2 lines). Ensure they are relevant and avoid repeating anything that is in the body of your CV.
Work Experience
List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each role, include the job title, company name, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your key responsibilities and, particularly, achievements. Think about outcomes and outputs you delivered from your responsibilities.
Education
Provide details of your educational background, including the name of the institution, qualifications obtained, and dates of study. If you have any relevant certifications or training, include them in this section as well.
References
While it’s not always necessary to include references on your CV, you can mention that they are available upon request. Ensure that you have a list of professional references ready if the employer asks for them.
Use Action Words and Quantifiable Results
You can make your CV more impactful with ‘action words’ (e.g. delivered, led, developed, implemented) to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Whenever possible, quantify your results with numbers or statistics to provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments. Think about percentages and financial (£’s).
Proofread and Edit
Creating a high quality CV can be a time consuming task and you might be tempted to send it straight away because spending any more time on it is bound to drive you crazy. Try not to do this. Take a break (even overnight) and review it. Typos and errors can occur even with the best intention. These can negatively affect your application so ensure you send your best, error-free work. Also consider the ‘peer review’ approach, asking a friend or mentor to review it. The MemberWise Jobs team are also happy to take a look.
Conclusion
As mentioned a couple of times, creating a good CV is going to take time but it is an important asset that you need to harness to its best effect so that you can secure an interview. Keep refining and ensure it matched the job you are applying for. If you need further guidance or advice let the MemberWise Jobs team know (jobs@memberwise.org.uk).
