A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is one of the most important tools in your job application arsenal. It serves as a snapshot of your skills, achievements, and experience, showcasing why you’re the ideal candidate for a particular role. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or looking to transition into a new career, understanding how to write a CV effectively is crucial.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what to add in a CV, offer tips for crafting a professional and compelling document, and provide a template and example to get you started.
What Does CV Mean?
What does CV mean, you ask? CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for “course of life.” It’s essentially a detailed document outlining your educational background, work experience, skills, and achievements.
Unlike a resume (commonly used in the United States), a CV is often more comprehensive, particularly in academic or research fields. However, in the UK, what is a CV and a resume are often used interchangeably to refer to the same document.
What to Add in a CV
The content of your CV will depend on your industry, role, and level of experience, but here are the key sections you should include:
1. Contact Information
Your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) should appear at the top of your CV. Make sure this information is up to date and professional.
2. Personal Statement
This is a brief summary of your skills, experience, and career goals. Many job seekers wonder what to write in the summary of your resume, and the answer is to focus on what you bring to the table. For instance:
“A motivated marketing graduate with experience in social media management, seeking to leverage creative skills in a digital marketing role.”
3. Work Experience
List your previous roles in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include the following details for each role:
- Job title
- Company name
- Dates of employment
- Key responsibilities and achievements
4. Education
Include your academic qualifications, starting with the most recent. For each entry, include:
- Degree title
- Institution name
- Dates attended
- Any notable achievements
5. Skills
Highlight the technical and soft skills relevant to the role you’re applying for. Examples include:
- Technical skills: Proficiency in software, programming languages, or tools.
- Soft skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
6. Additional Sections (Optional)
Depending on your background and the job requirements, you might also include:
- Certifications
- Volunteer experience
- Languages
- Publications or projects
Tips for Writing a CV
1. Tailor Your CV to the Job
Customise your CV for each job application by focusing on the skills and experiences that align with the job description.
2. Use Action Words
Start bullet points with action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” “led,” or “analysed.” These words demonstrate initiative and achievement.
3. Keep It Concise
For most roles, your CV should be no longer than two pages. Highlight the most relevant details and avoid unnecessary information.
4. Focus on Achievements
Rather than listing duties, highlight your accomplishments. For example:
- Instead of: “Managed social media accounts.”
- Write: “Increased social media engagement by 30% through targeted campaigns.”
5. Check Grammar and Formatting
Ensure your CV is free of spelling and grammatical errors. Use a clean, professional format with consistent font styles and sizes.
What Does a CV Look Like?
If you’re wondering, what does a CV look like, here’s a simple yet professional template you can modify as you please:
[Your Full Name]
Contact Information: [Email Address] | [Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Personal Statement
[Write a short summary of your professional experience and career objectives, tailored to the role.]
Work Experience
[Job Title] – [Company Name], [Location]
[Month/Year] – [Month/Year]
- [Achievement or responsibility 1]
- [Achievement or responsibility 2]
- [Achievement or responsibility 3]
[Job Title] – [Company Name], [Location]
[Month/Year] – [Month/Year]
- [Achievement or responsibility 1]
- [Achievement or responsibility 2]
Education
[Degree or Qualification] – [Institution Name]
[Month/Year] – [Month/Year]
- [Notable achievement or coursework]
Skills
- [Skill 1]
- [Skill 2]
- [Skill 3]
Additional Information (if applicable)
- [Certifications]
- [Languages]
- [Volunteer work or projects]
Example CV
Here is a short example of a CV:
Sarah Johnson
Contact Information: [email protected] | 01234 567890 | LinkedIn.com/in/sarahjohnson
Personal Statement/Personal Profile
A detail-oriented accounting professional with five years of experience managing financial records and budgets. Proficient in financial software and dedicated to driving organisational growth through accurate reporting and analysis.
Work Experience
Senior Accountant – ABC Finance Ltd, London
June 2019 – Present
- Managed budgets exceeding £1 million annually, ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
- Improved reporting efficiency by 25% through streamlined processes.
- Mentored junior accountants, fostering a collaborative team environment.
Accountant – XYZ Accounting Solutions, Birmingham
January 2016 – May 2019
- Prepared tax filings for clients, achieving 100% accuracy rates.
- Implemented cost-saving measures that reduced operational expenses by 15%.
Education
BSc in Accounting and Finance – University of Manchester
September 2012 – June 2015
- Graduated with First-Class Honours
Skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
1. Including Irrelevant Information
Focus on what’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. Avoid listing unrelated hobbies or outdated roles.
2. Using Unprofessional Language
Keep your tone formal and professional throughout your CV.
3. Failing to Quantify Achievements
Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact. For instance, instead of saying “Improved sales,” write “Boosted sales by 20% over six months.”
4. Inconsistent Formatting
Ensure your CV looks polished by using consistent formatting, such as uniform bullet points, font sizes, and headings.
Also Read: How to Choose the Best CV Writing Service
Writing a CV for Your Career Goals
Whether you’re applying for an entry-level position, transitioning to a new career, or aiming for a senior role, understanding how to write a CV is an essential skill. By tailoring your CV to the role, highlighting your achievements, and using a professional format, you’ll stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Need Help Perfecting Your CV?
A well-crafted CV is your ticket to a great first impression. If you’re unsure about what to add in a CV or need help polishing your document, our CV proofreading service is here to help. Let us refine your CV to ensure it’s error-free, professional, and impactful. Contact us today to take the next step in your career with confidence!
