7 Tips on Writing a Successful CV

With the right guidance and tips, you can create an impressive CV that will help you stand out from the rest of the crowd. Whether you are starting from scratch or revamping your existing CV, our 7 top tips for writing a successful CV could give you just what you need to land that dream job.

Here are 7 CV tips on writing a successful CV:

1 - Start with a clear and concise personal statement that highlights your key skills and experiences

A clear and concise personal statement can go a long way in showcasing your skills and experiences on a CV.

Not only does it help you to stand out to potential employers, but it also gives you the opportunity to highlight the most relevant aspects of your career history.

By starting your CV with a personal statement, you are providing a brief snapshot of who you are, what you have to offer and what you hope to achieve in your career. A well-written personal statement can help you to make a lasting first impression and open doors to new opportunities.

2- Use bullet points to break up your CV and make it easy to read

One trick to help you improve your cv is to use bullet points to break up the information in your CV. Bullet points help to make your CV more readable, allowing potential employers to quickly scan through your skills and accomplishments.

This not only saves them time, but it also shows that you respect their time too. By making your CV easy to read, you are demonstrating your attention to detail and organisation - traits that any employer would want in a candidate.

3- Always tailor your CV to the specific job you're applying for

Tailoring your CV to the specific job you're applying for is key to a successful job search. It's not enough to have a generic CV that you can send out to every potential employer. This demonstrates that you've made an effort to research the company and the specific job, which goes a long way in showing your enthusiasm and interest in the opportunity.

Using the right keywords and highlighting your relevant experiences will increase your chances of getting an interview.

It's important to remember that every job is different, and tailoring your CV will help you stand out from other applicants and make a strong impression on the recruiter.

4- Use keywords from the job description to show that you have the relevant skills and experience

As we touched on in the previous point, using keywords from the job description to show that you have the relevant skills and experience is a crucial aspect of CV writing that can help you stand out and increase your chances of getting hired.

When you carefully review the job description, you can identify keywords and phrases that the employer is looking for in their ideal candidate. Incorporating these keywords into your CV and covering letter shows the recruiter that you have a genuine understanding of what they're looking for and that you have the necessary skills to get the job done. This is an excellent way to show that you're a good fit for the role and to make it past the initial screening process.

5- Highlight your achievements, not just your responsibilities

When writing your CV, it's easy to focus solely on your job responsibilities and day-to-day tasks. However, including information about your key achievements is just as important, and can help make your CV stand out from the rest. 

Employers are often more interested in seeing how you have made an impact in previous roles than just reading a list of responsibilities. 

Your key achievements can include any number of things, such as surpassing sales targets, launching successful marketing campaigns, or successfully leading a project from start to finish.

6 - Use a clear and readable font

Choosing a clear and readable font can make a big difference in how your CV is received by a hiring manager. The font you use can affect the readability of your CV, and if the recruiter can’t read it easily, they may not bother to look any further.

By using a font that is simple and easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman, you can ensure that your CV is legible and professional-looking. Use a size between 10 and 12 to make your CV easy to read. Additionally, using a consistent font throughout your CV can help create a sense of continuity and make it easier for the recruiter to navigate.

7 - Proofread your CV carefully for grammar and spelling errors

Proofreading your CV carefully for grammar and spelling errors is an essential step in ensuring that you make a good impression when applying for jobs.

A single error can stand out to a recruiter and may cast a negative light on your application.

Careless mistakes can reflect badly on your attention to detail and your ability to communicate effectively, so it's crucial to take the time to proofread your CV.

We suggest reading your CV out loud to catch any errors and fixing any grammar or spelling mistakes.

You can also have a friend or family member read through your CV to provide another perspective and catch any errors you may have missed.

The bottom line 

Crafting a perfect CV is a vital step in finding the job that you’re passionate about. Your CV is the first impression you make to potential employers, so it’s important to ensure that it accurately reflects your skills, experiences and achievements. 

Employers receive a large number of applications, and therefore, it’s important to make your CV stand out by using relevant keywords, highlighting your achievements and tailoring it to the job for which you’re applying. 

Don’t hesitate to seek advice from our CV writing experts, and always remember to proofread your CV not once, not twice, but three times! Good luck in your job search.