How to Write a Good CV That Gets You Noticed
Writing a CV can feel like a daunting process, especially when applying for competitive roles. Whether you’re entering the job market for the first time or updating your experience for a new opportunity, knowing how to write a CV properly can make a huge difference.
We have put together some practical CV writing tips to help you create a professional CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements while helping you stand out to employers.
What is a CV?
‘CV’ stands for ‘Curriculum Vitae’, a Latin phrase meaning ‘course of life’. A CV is a professional document that outlines your contact details, work history, education, qualifications, and key skills.
Your CV is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so it’s important to ensure it is clear, professional, and tailored to the role you are applying for.
What Information Should Be Included When Writing a CV?
The format of a CV is flexible, and many different styles can work well. You can also use tools such as Canva to access free CV templates that help your application stand out.
In many cases, it’s a good idea to tailor your CV to the specific role you are applying for. However, there are several key sections employers expect to see on every CV:
- Name
- Professional title
- Contact details
- Personal profile
- Work history and experience
- Education and qualifications
- Key skills
- Hobbies and interests
You do not need to include the words ‘Curriculum Vitae’ as a heading. Instead, your name should appear clearly at the top of the page, alongside your professional title and contact details.
Make sure you include:
- Your email address
- Contact number
- Home address
- A link to your LinkedIn profile if relevant
You don’t need to include details such as your age, nationality, marital status, or date of birth.
You may also choose to include a professional photograph, although this is optional. If you do, ensure the image is professional and suitable for potential employers.
Personal Profile
Your personal profile should be a short introduction summarising your experience, strengths, career goals, and the type of role you’re looking for.
One of the best CV writing tips is to tailor this section to the position you’re applying for. Your personal profile should quickly demonstrate why you’re a strong fit for the role.
The person described in your profile should sound like the ideal candidate for the position.
Work History and Experience
Your work history section is where you can really sell your experience and achievements. Include previous roles, placements, internships, volunteering, and relevant employment history.
Your experience should always be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role first.
For each role, include:
- Employer details
- Your job title
- Employment dates
- A short overview of your responsibilities
- Key achievements and successes
Achievements can be strengthened using the STAR method:
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
This is also a useful technique when preparing for interviews.
When considering how to write a good CV, it’s important to explain any employment gaps clearly and honestly.
Top tip: If you have extensive work history, focus more detail on your most recent and relevant positions. Older roles can still be listed without needing lengthy descriptions
Education
Like your work experience, your education should also appear in reverse chronological order.
Each entry should include:
- School, college, or university name
- Qualification achieved
- Grades or distinctions where relevant
You don’t necessarily need to include dates attended unless they’re specifically relevant.
Key Skills
Your key skills section is an opportunity to highlight abilities that are relevant to the role you’re applying for. This could include computer skills, experience using particular software, courses you’ve attended, or any other relevant skills and experience that may help strengthen your application.
Including relevant keywords and skills can also help your CV perform better when employers use applicant tracking systems.
Hobbies and Interests
This section allows employers to learn more about your personality and interests outside of work.
Where possible, include hobbies or achievements that demonstrate transferable skills or make your CV more memorable. Try to avoid generic examples unless they genuinely add value.
Final CV Writing Tips
> Keep your CV concise and easy to read
> Aim for no more than two to three pages
> Use a clean and consistent layout
> Check spelling and grammar carefully
> Tailor your CV to each application where possible
> Include achievements and measurable results where relevant
If you’re based in Oxfordshire or the surrounding areas and would like further support with your CV, the Parke Lane People team would be happy to help with professional CV advice and recruitment support.
We are here to help
Contact Andy, Andrea, or Sue for a free consultation.