Writing your CV / Curriculum Vitae

Creating your first CV can be a daunting task – after all, it’s the document that captures your education and work experience in its entirety. However, if you approach CV writing with a clear strategy and structure, you’ll find yourself with a comprehensive CV in no time. 

1. What is a CV and why do you need one

2. The different types of CV formats 

3. How to write a CV that stands out 

4. Tips for making your CV look professional 

5. What to include in your CV and what to leave out 

6. How to proofread and edit your CV 

1. What is a CV and why do you need one 

A CV, also known as a curriculum vitae, is a document that lists your education, work experience, and other accomplishments. It is typically used when applying for a new job or an apprenticeship programme.

You may be wondering why you need a CV when you can just list your work history and experience on LinkedIn. A CV is generally more detailed than a LinkedIn profile and it allows you to showcase your skills and experiences more comprehensively. 

Your CV should be tailored to the specific job or apprenticeship program you are applying to. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires leadership experience, make sure to highlight any leadership roles you have held in the past or if you are applying for a job that requires advanced Microsoft Excel skills, make sure you list your level of experience using this software package.

2. The different types of CV formats 

There are three main types of CV formats: chronological, functional, and combination. 

Chronological CV Format 

The chronological CV format is the most common type of CV. It lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job first. This type of CV is best for people who have a steady work history and want to showcase their career progression.  

Functional CV Format 

The functional CV format is designed to highlight your skills and experiences rather than your work history. This type of CV is best for people who are changing careers or have a less-than-ideal work history. Functional CVs often focus on specific skills and achievements rather than job titles and dates worked.  

Combination CV Format 

The combination CV format is a mix between the chronological and functional CV formats. It includes both a list of your work experience as well as a section highlighting your skills and achievements. This type of CV is best for people who want to show off their varied skillset or those who have an inconsistent work history.

3. How to write a CV that stands out 

When applying for a job or an apprenticeship programme, it’s important to have a CV that stands out from the rest. In order to create a CV that catches the recruiter’s attention, you need to make sure it is well-written and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. 

One way to make your CV stand out is by using keywords that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, include keywords like “marketing”, “strategy”, and “promotion” throughout your CV. This will help the recruiter quickly see that you have the skills and experience they are looking for. 

Another way to make your CV stand out is by using a creative CV format as mentioned above. 

Finally, always tailor your CV to the specific job you are applying for. Make sure to highlight any relevant skills or experience that match the requirements of the job listing. By tailoring your CV specifically for each job application, you increase your chances of being shortlisted for the role.

4. Tips for making your CV look professional 

When it comes to your CV, you want to make sure that it looks as professional as possible. After all, this is your opportunity to impress potential employers and stand out from the competition. 

So how can you make your CV look professional? Here are a few tips: 

• Use a simple, easy-to-read font like Arial or Verdana.
• Stick to a standard font size of 11 or 12 points.
• Use black ink on white paper/background.
• Make sure your CV is neatly formatted and well organised.
• Avoid using graphics, borders, or coloured text.
• Proofread your CV for spelling mistakes and grammar errors.

5. What to include in your CV and what to leave out 

A CV is in essence a type of document that is selling your skills, experience and qualifications to potential employers. 

Writing your CV is an important process that can help you stand out to employers and secure the job of your dreams. When writing your CV, it is important to ensure that you include all the relevant information and showcase yourself in the best light possible. Your CV should demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate for the role. 

So what should you include in your CV? Here are a few tips:

• Include your key skills and experience that are relevant to the role. Ideally, you should list these higher up the CV, so it is obvious to the recruiter that you have the required skills for the role.
• Include your academic qualifications, training certifications and training courses attended.
• Include any transferrable skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

So what should you leave out of your CV? Here are a few tips:

• Don’t include personal information like your age, sex, or marital status.
• Don’t list irrelevant information like hobbies or interests.
• Don’t lie about your qualifications or experience.
• Don’t copy and paste sections from other CVs found on the internet.

6. How to proofread and edit your CV 

Proofreading and editing your CV is a crucial step in ensuring that it looks professional and catches the recruiter’s attention. By proofreading your CV for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, you make sure that it looks polished and error-free. 

Editing your CV involves tailoring it to the specific job you are applying for. Make sure to highlight any relevant skills or experience that match the requirements of the job listing. By tailoring your CV specifically for each job application, you increase your chances of being shortlisted for the role. 

Here are a few tips for proofreading and editing your CV: 

• Proofread your CV for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. One of the easiest ways to do this is by writing your CV in Microsoft Word or Google Docs (which is free to use). You can then use the spelling and grammar feature to check your text.
• Tailor your CV to the specific job you are applying for by highlighting relevant skills and experience.
• Make sure your CV is well-formatted, neat, and easy to read.

Conclusion on writing your first CV

CV writing can be a daunting task, but it's important to make sure that you include all the relevant information and showcase yourself in the best light possible. By tailoring your CV specifically for each job application, you increase your chances of being shortlisted for the role. Our tips should help you write a CV that is professional, well formatted and catches the recruiter's attention. Proofreading and editing your CV is also a crucial step in ensuring that it looks polished and error-free.

On behalf of DIjobs we wish you the best of luck in your job search.

Check out our other CV and Cover Letter Writing, Job Searching and Interview Tips below:

CV Writing, Personal Statement and Cover Letter Tips and Advice

• How to Write a Great Personal Profile / Statement for your CV

• How to Write a Great Job Application Cover Letter – 5 Essential Tips

Job Search Tips and Advice

• 6 Tips on How to Decide which Job to Apply for

• 9 Tips on How to Find a New Job

• 5 Tips on How to Interact with Recruiters and Hiring Managers

• 9 Tips on How to Interview for a New Job

• 4 Tips on How to Decide what to Wear for a Job Interview

Free CV and Cover Letter Templates with Guidance Notes

	Free CV Template Download
	Free CV Template Guidance Notes Download
	Free Cover Letter Template Download
	Free Cover Letter Template Notes Download