Curriculum Vitae Tips 

Tailor Your CV to the Job

One of the most important steps in creating an effective CV is customising it for each job you apply for. Ensure your CV highlights the skills, experience, and qualifications that match the specific role and industry you're targeting.

 

Tip: Review the job description carefully and incorporate key skills or keywords that are mentioned in the listing.

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Use a Clear and Professional Format

A well-organized CV not only makes it easier for recruiters to read but also reflects your professionalism. Use a clean, simple format with headings that are easy to navigate.

• Font & Size: Choose a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and use a size between 10-12 for body text.

• Sections: Include key sections such as:

  • Contact Information

  • Personal Statement

  • Skills

  • Work Experience

  • Education

  • Certifications (if applicable)

  • References (optional)

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 Write a Compelling Personal Statement​

The personal statement or career summary at the top of your CV gives recruiters a snapshot of who you are. This is your opportunity to show them your motivation, key strengths, and career goals.

 

Tip: Keep it concise (2-4 lines). Focus on your most relevant skills, experience, and what you're seeking in your next role.

 

Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

When describing your work experience, don't just list your job duties—highlight your achievements and the impact you've had in previous roles. Use specific numbers, percentages, or results to demonstrate how you contributed to the success of your team or company.

Example:

• Instead of: "Responsible for managing a team."

• Try: "Led a team of 5 to successfully complete projects on time, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction."

 

Keep It Concise​

Employers often review dozens, if not hundreds, of CVs, so it's crucial that yours is concise and to the point. Ideally, your CV should be no longer than 2 pages.

Tip: If you have extensive experience, focus on the most recent 10-15 years, unless older roles are directly relevant to the job you're applying for.

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Highlight Relevant Skills

Make sure your CV clearly outlines the skills that are most relevant to the role you're applying for. This includes both hard skills (like technical abilities or software knowledge) and soft skills (like communication, teamwork, or leadership).

 

Tip: For technical roles, list any software or tools you're proficient in. For customer-facing roles, highlight your interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.

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Include Relevant Education and Certifications​

Ensure your education and any relevant certifications are clearly listed. If you have additional qualifications or professional development courses, be sure to include them as well.

 

Tip: For degrees or certifications, include the name of the institution, dates, and the degree/certificate earned.

 

Proofread for Errors

Spelling mistakes, grammar issues, or formatting inconsistencies can create a negative impression. Always proofread your CV, and if possible, ask someone else to review it for you.

 

Tip: Use online tools like Grammarly or Hemmingway to check for spelling and grammar errors.

 

Keep Personal Information to a Minimum

In today’s digital world, personal information such as your age, marital status, or date of birth is no longer necessary on your CV. Stick to professional details such as your name, contact information, and LinkedIn profile (if relevant).

 

Update Your CV Regularly

Even if you're not actively job hunting, it's important to keep your CV up-to-date. As you gain new skills, experience, or certifications, make sure to add them to your CV.