Creating a winning CV (curriculum vitae) can be daunting for some, as it requires you to ‘shout’ about your own achievements and accomplishments to stand out from the crowd. However, with some useful, practical advice you can tailor a CV and really make it shine!
Here we go – 9 top tips for writing a winning CV
1. Tailor Your CV: Your CV should tell your career story and be tailored to demonstrate the skills and experience you have attained in line with the types of opportunities you are applying for. If you can tweak your CV to each opportunity, that’s even better.
2. Use Bullet Points: Bullet points make your CV much easier to read and digest, allowing you to highlight key achievements more clearly.
3. Create an Enticing Personal Statement: This is your opportunity to provide a snapshot summary of your skills, experience and achievements to draw in the attention of the reader and potential employer.
4. Emphasize Achievements Over Responsibilities: Depart from the mundane list of duties. Instead, focus on articulating your accomplishments and achievements and how your contributions have been instrumental in the success of the team and business.
5. Numbers Speak Louder than Words: Numbers and data add greater depth to your achievements. For instance, refrain from stating a mere “reduction in accidents” and instead specify a quantifiable figure, such as “a 20% reduction in accidents.”
6. Keep it Succinct: Using clear and concise language will make your CV much easier to read and help them find the important information your potential employer is looking for. Where possible, avoid jargon or acronyms that the reader may be unfamiliar with.
7. Highlight Qualifications: Make sure to highlight relevant qualifications in your CV as well as any you are currently undertaking. This could include degrees, certifications, or professional memberships.
8. Adopt a Professional Format: Use clear headings for each section as this will make the document easy to navigate and improves readability.
9. Vigilant Proofreading: Proofread your CV and rectify any grammatical errors or typos. It can be helpful to enlist the assistance of a family member or friend to review it for you.
