Writing your CV involves organizing your personal, educational, and professional information into a clear and compelling format. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a CV that highlights your strengths and makes a strong impression:
1. Choose the Right Format
Chronological: Lists work experience in reverse chronological order. Best for those with a solid work history in one field.
Functional: Focuses on skills and accomplishments rather than work history. Ideal for career changers or those with gaps in employment.
Combination: Blends chronological and functional formats. Highlights skills and accomplishments while also listing work history. Good for those with diverse skills and experience.
2. Include Essential Sections
Header:
- Full Name
- Address (optional)
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile or Professional Website (optional)
Professional Summary or Objective:
A brief statement (2-3 sentences) summarizing your career goals, key skills, and what you can offer to potential employers.
Work Experience:
- Job Title
- Company Name
- Location (City, State)
- Dates of Employment (Month Year – Month Year)
- Bullet points outlining your key responsibilities and achievements. Focus on what you accomplished in each role, using action verbs and quantifiable results.
Education:
- Degree
- Major (if applicable)
- University or Institution
- Location (City, State)
- Graduation Date (Month Year)
- Relevant coursework or honors (if applicable)
Skills:
- List relevant skills that align with the job you’re applying for. Include both technical skills (e.g., software, tools) and soft skills (e.g., leadership, communication).
Certifications and Professional Development:
- Certification Name
- Issuing Organization
- Date Obtained
- Any relevant courses or training programs
Additional Sections (if applicable):
- Languages: List languages spoken and proficiency levels.
- Professional Affiliations: Memberships in industry-related organizations.
- Projects: Notable projects relevant to the job.
- Awards and Honors: Any awards or recognitions received.
References:
Include a statement such as “Available upon request” unless specifically asked to provide them in your application.
3. Write and Format Your CV
Professional Summary:
Craft a concise summary that highlights your key qualifications and what you can bring to the role. Tailor it to the job you’re applying for.
Work Experience:
Use bullet points for easy readability. Start each point with an action verb (e.g., managed, developed, improved). Quantify achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 15%”).
Education:
List your most recent degree first. Include your major and any relevant coursework if applicable.
Skills:
Prioritize skills that are relevant to the job description. Use a mix of technical and soft skills.
Certifications:
Include only certifications relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Formatting Tips:
- Font and Size: Use a professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri) in size 10-12 pt.
- Margins: Use standard margins (1 inch).
- Headings: Make section headings bold and slightly larger.
- Spacing: Use adequate spacing between sections to enhance readability.
- Length: Aim for 1-2 pages.
4. Proofread and Review
- Check for Errors: Review your CV for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.
- Consistency: Ensure consistent use of tense, punctuation, and formatting.
- Get Feedback: Have someone else review your CV for clarity and effectiveness.
Example CV Layout
Jane Doe
123 Main Street, City, State, 12345
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Professional Summary
Results-oriented Digital Marketing Specialist with over 6 years of experience in SEO, content marketing, and social media strategy. Proven track record of increasing web traffic by 40% and boosting lead generation by 30%. Seeking to leverage my expertise to drive impactful marketing initiatives at XYZ Company.
Work Experience
Digital Marketing Specialist
ABC Corp, City, State
June 2019 – Present
- Developed and executed SEO strategies that increased organic traffic by 40% within 12 months.
- Managed social media campaigns, resulting in a 25% increase in engagement and follower growth.
- Coordinated with design teams to create compelling marketing content and graphics.
Marketing Coordinator
XYZ Inc., City, State
January 2016 – May 2019
- Assisted in the creation of digital marketing campaigns, contributing to a 20% growth in online sales.
- Analyzed campaign performance and provided insights to improve future strategies.
- Organized promotional events, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of Example, City, State
Graduated May 2015
Skills
- SEO and SEM
- Content Marketing
- Social Media Management
- Google Analytics
- Project Management
Certifications
- Google Analytics Certified, 2022
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification, 2021
Professional Affiliations
- Member, American Marketing Association (AMA)
Languages
- English (Native)
- French (Conversational)
References
Available upon request.
By following this guide and tailoring your CV to the job you’re applying for, you’ll be well on your way to creating a strong, effective CV that highlights your qualifications and experience.