CV Writing Tips

We’ve put together these CV Writing Tips to help you create or improve your CV and stand out.

What is a CV?

Your CV, short for curriculum vitae, is a personal marketing document to sell yourself to prospective employers. It should tell them about your professional history, skills, abilities and achievements. Ultimately, it should highlight why you’re the best person for the job. A CV is required when applying for a job. In addition to your CV, employers may also need a cover letter and a completed application form.

What should you include in your CV?

While the structure of a CV is flexible, bending to your unique skill set and experiences, there are particular sections that employers expect to see on your CV regardless. Here are the areas you must include in your CV:

• Name, professional title and contact details
• Personal Profile
• Experience and employment history
• Education and qualifications

Additional sections

A range of additional sections may strengthen your CV and highlight your skills. Here are just a few you can include if you have the room:

• Key Skills
• Hobbies and interests
• References

Formatting and spacing guidelines

If you’re unsure how to format your CV, you can find various examples free to download online. Formatting and spacing your CV are equally important as the information you include about yourself. Here are some formatting and spacing tips to bear in mind:

• Length
• Headings
• Font type
• Font size and page margins
• Proofreading and consistency
• Tailoring, keywords and ATSs
• Saving the file

What shouldn’t you include in your CV?

There are a variety of details that you shouldn’t include on your CV. Here are a few of the common ones:

• A headshot
• Age and date of birth
• Marital status

With these CV Writing Tips, you’re well on your way to creating a solid and effective CV that will help you secure the job of your dreams. Now that you’ve got your CV in top shape, it’s time to prepare for the next step: the interview. Head to our Interview Hints and Tips page for expert advice on acing your interview and making a confident and impressive impression.