So you want to learn how to write a killer CV? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll be discussing everything you need to know in order to take your CV from dull and dry, to sleek and enviable. Keep reading to find out more!

1. Start with a bang.

Your CV should start with a strong opening statement that grabs the reader’s attention, and gives them an overview of what you can do and what you can bring to the role. This is your chance to really sell yourself, so don’t be afraid to brag a little bit! However, make sure that everything you include is relevant to the job role, and can be backed up if needed.

2. Keep it concise.

There’s no need to ramble on for pages after page – your CV should be clear, concise, and easy to read. Stick to the essentials and leave out anything that isn’t strictly necessary. This means no filler content or fluff!

3. Use action language.

In order to really make an impact, it’s important to use powerful and persuasive language throughout your CV. This is to say that you want to write in the active voice, avoiding using passive sentences or jargon, instead opt for strong verbs that pack a punch. For example, instead of listing your duties at previous jobs, try using phrases like ‘coordinated’, ‘ supervised’, or ‘implemented’, we call these “action” words.

4. Highlight your successes.

Be sure to include any major accomplishments or awards that you’ve achieved in your career thus far. This could include things like increasing sales by X% at your last job, or being recognised as Employee of the Month on multiple occasions. If you are early in your career and feel you don’t have any, then think again as you can often surprise yourself, but also don’t be afraid to highlight your positive character traits instead. Any quantifiable evidence of your success is sure to impress potential employers!

5. Make it visually appealing . . . . but don’t go crazy!

Your CV should look professional and elegant, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Use strategic formatting like bold and italics to draw focus, font choices and bullet points to make key information stand out. Don’t overload your cv with formatting, balance is key, after all you want potential employers to focus on your skills and experience, not on how aesthetically pleasing (or not) your CV happens to be!

6. Review and edit!

I cannot stress enough the importance of this step, it is one that all too many people fail to do, or to do effectively. A good practice here is to leave it for a while, ten minutes, an hour, whatever you need to clear your mind of it, and enable some objectivity when you come back to it. Read through every line carefully, check for those pesky typos, ensure that each sentence makes sense, and edit out any filler. What you may also find helpful, is to have open side by side; your cv and the job advert or job description (google is your friend here). This way when reading through your cv, you can check that the content fits with the job.

Conclusion:

By following the tips laid out above, you’re well on your way to writing a killer CV that will help you land the job of your dreams. So what are you waiting for? Go, get writing!

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