10 steps to writing the perfect CV

So, you are looking for a new job and want to get your application underway.

Here are our top tips for crafting the perfect CV to secure your new job this year.

Firstly, creating a standard CV is a great place to start. This should include all the information required to apply for a job, such as your experience, work history, qualifications, skills and hobbies along with some information about yourself as a candidate.

There are numerous CV templates available on Word, Google Sheets, Canva and more. Simply find one you like and start inputting your information.

Ideally, a CV should cover no more than two or three pages. For those working in creative fields, you may opt to create a dedicated webpage or portfolio that can showcase images of your work for the hiring manager to review separately.

When you have your baseline CV ready to go, it’s time to consider these 10 points.

1. Tailor your CV to the job

Highlighting particular skills in line with the job description is a great way to get noticed by the hiring manager. For example, if you have experience with a particular software mentioned in the job spec, highlight this on your CV and include a brief description of your experience working with this. Or if they are looking for particular qualifications, ensure these are listed.

2. Include keywords that align with the job description

Many hiring and recruitment managers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), this is where you upload your CV to a portal which will then digest the information and display the key points to the hiring manager. By including keywords that they have included in the CV, for example, if they are looking for a candidate with analytical skills and experience with MS Office, make sure these words appear on your CV.

These ATS can also remove gender coded language, along with names and information, as so to avoid unconscious bias on the part of the hiring manager / committee.

3. Showcase your achievements

It is great to include that you have experience of ‘growing sales’ in a previous role. However, it is always best to include quantifiable information. For example you could say ‘grew sales by 20% through lead generation strategies on LinkedIn.’ This will help you standout as a candidate and demonstrate the impact you have in a business.

4. Proofread your CV or get someone else to read it

Typos, unclear statements, grammatical errors can all crop up in our copywriting, even for the best of us. Using a secondary proofreader, or asking a friend to look over your CV, can help spot these mistakes so you can correct these before submission.

5. Include your contact details

You might be surprised to hear many of the CVs we receive do not include contact details. While many job applications now happen online, where you need to include these in a separate section, it is always a good idea to consolidate all of the information about yourself in a single place, making it easier for the hiring manager to get in touch, visit your website or connect on LinkedIn and progress your application.

6. Follow a logical structure

What do you think matters more, the GCSEs you studied ten years ago or what you achieved in your last job? Exactly. Frontload your CV with the most relevant information. You may want to consider a “relevant experience” section. Pull out specific, relevant highlights from your career or extracurricular experience. Then provide a one or two sentence summary for each.

That might give you a structure like this:

• Name and contact details
• Relevant experience (optional)
• Personal statement (optional)
• Career history
• Education
• Achievements (optional)
• Hobbies and interests

7. Don’t forget soft skills

Remember that’s it’s not always about your technical talents. No matter what job you’re applying for, you’re going to be interacting with people. It’s why soft skills never go out of fashion- just look at the emphasis put on “emotional intelligence” these days.

Sharp communication, problem-solving and leadership abilities are always in demand. So, don’t forget to shout about yours.

8. Plug the gaps in your employment history

Gaps in employment history are more common than you think. And while they make some recruiters jittery, you are unlikely to be at a disadvantage if you explain your employment gaps and turn them into a positive. If you went travelling, talk about any voluntary work you were involved with.

If you were off work for medical reasons, explain how the experience made you hungry to return to work and make an impact. You get the idea. Freelance activity and extracurricular achievements are also great things to mention in the quest to plug those pesky gaps in your employment history.

9. Save as a PDF not DOCX

It’s the digital age. Chances are you’ll be sending your CV by email or uploading it to a web portal. Regardless of the word processing software you use, it’s best to save your document as a PDF. That way it will preserve your formatting and make sure everything is neat and tidy - rather than spread all over the place - when your recruiter opens the document. If you write your CV in Microsoft Word, just hit Save As > PDF.

10. Save yourself time in future and keep it up to date

Most importantly of all, ensure your CV remains continually up to date. We are all guilty of leaving our CV to gather dust when we are happy in our roles, but when you are looking to move onto a new position, updating this vital database of information about yourself can be challenging. Make notes on the skills you have learned, technologies or software you have used or types of roles you are looking for in the future.

Lots of people become frozen with fear when it comes to writing a CV. The task feels too big and scary: as if your next job - maybe even an entire career - is riding on it. Relax. The goal of your CV is to secure an interview. No more, no less. Take one step at a time and you’re less likely to become overwhelmed by the recruitment process.

If we can support you with your job search, ensure you are registered with our team and signed up to job alerts so you can be notified when something becomes available.