1. Contact Information: Begin your CV with your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure the contact information is up-to-date and accurate.
2. Educational Qualifications: List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent degree earned. Mention the type of degree, the name of the institution, and the year of graduation.
3. Work Experience: Mention your work experience, starting with your most recent job. Relevant work experience should be highlighted, along with the job title, organization name, and period of employment.
4. Skills and Achievements: Mention skills and achievements that can help you stand out from other candidates. Mention your technical skills, soft skills, language proficiency, and any awards or recognition received.
5. References: It is recommended to include two or three professional references with their name, job title, organization name, and contact number. Make sure to ask for their consent before adding them to your CV.
Are you struggling to figure out what should go on your CV? It can be overwhelming trying to decide what to include and what to leave out. But fear not, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll break down the top five things that every CV should have to make sure you stand out to potential employers. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to revamp your current CV, keep reading for some easy tips and tricks.
Personal Information
When it comes to creating a CV, personal information is one of the most vital aspects you should never overlook. This is because recruiters and hiring managers want to know basic details about a candidate, which will help them to make an informed decision. Hence, when creating a CV, you should ensure to include the following personal information:
Your Name: Your name is the first thing that should appear on your CV. Ensure that your name is prominent and clearly visible. Use a suitable font size and style that will make your name stand out. Don’t forget to include your surname and be consistent with the name you have used throughout your CV.
Contact Information: Providing accurate contact information is essential. This includes your e-mail address, phone number, and physical address. If you have a LinkedIn profile or any professional website, ensure to include the links as well. Recruiters use different channels to contact candidates, hence, you must provide multiple options for them to reach out to you.
Professional Title: Adding a professional title can help recruiters to identify your career goals and expertise. This can be a brief of what you do or what you are currently doing. It can be your job title or a simple phrase that summarizes your professional aspiration. You can also make it more specific by adding the industry or specialization you are into.
Profile Picture: Including a profile picture is optional but can be a great way of showing recruiters who you are. It can add a personal touch to your CV and make you more memorable. However, it’s essential to use a professional-looking photo. Avoid selfies, party photos, and casual snapshots. Opt for a clear, high-resolution headshot that is suitable for a professional environment.
Personal Statement: A personal statement or summary can be an effective way of introducing yourself to potential employers. It should be a concise overview of your skills, experience, and career goals. You can highlight your achievements, strengths, and industry-specific skills in this section. A well-crafted personal statement can help you stand out from the crowd and give recruiters a glimpse of who you are as a person and employee.
Including personal information can help employers get a better sense of who you are as a person and employee. However, it’s important to keep in mind that personal information is just one aspect of creating a successful CV. Your CV should also highlight your skills, experience, and educational background to showcase your suitability for the role. By including all of this information, you’ll give yourself the best chance of being selected for an interview and securing your dream job.
Work Experience
One of the crucial parts of a CV is the work experience section. Considered as one of the main parts where employers look for, this section should be well-presented and informative. Here are 5 things you should put on your CV work experience section:
- Job Title and Company Name
- Key Responsibilities
- Achievements and Accomplishments
- Industry-Relevant Skills
- Projects or Contributions
Begin with including your job title and the name of the company you worked for. This is a way to give employers an idea of the roles you have taken in the past. If you can, add a brief description of your position to help the employer understand your responsibilities and job duties. Additionally, be sure to provide the dates you have worked for every role on your CV.
One of the most crucial elements of the work experience section is listing the responsibilities you have taken on in previous roles. Employers are interested in what you achieved within your previous roles and how it would directly apply to the job you are pursuing. It is important to list your main duties and responsibilities, but be specific and concise. Start with strong verbs such as managed, delivered, created, developed, and so on.
For example, instead of stating “Managed a team of 10 people,” you could say “Managed a team of 10 people to exceed monthly targets and achieve a 20% sales increase.” This will give a better insight into your level of experience and accomplishments.
It’s not enough just to list your responsibilities; add in relevant accomplishments and achievements that you have acquired in your previous roles. This will give the employer a better idea of your capabilities and how you can contribute to the success of their company. For instance, if you have managed to increase sales by 50% over the last year, you could mention it in this section.
Add in skills that are most relevant to the industry you are applying to. If you’re applying for a marketing or sales role, talk about your experience in creating marketing collateral or managing sales teams. If you have any technical skills, such as programming or graphic design, make sure to mention them as well. Employers value candidates who have knowledge, skills, and experience in the tools they use.
It’s good to mention any projects or contributions you have made during your previous employment. This could show that you have the ability to work in a team and have taken on additional tasks to help achieve business goals. Provide clear descriptions of the projects and the results that you have achieved. This will give potential employers a glimpse of your skills in action.
By following these 5 tips, you can make the work experience section of your CV stand out. Remember to keep it concise, relevant, and action-oriented. Highlighting the right information can help you land the job you want.
Education
When it comes to writing a CV, education is one of the most important areas to focus on. This section gives an indication of what qualifications you have that relate to the position you are applying for. Here are 5 things you should include in your education section:
1. Qualifications
Firstly, list all of your qualifications in chronological order, starting with your most recent. This includes your degree and any secondary education certificates you may have obtained. Be sure to include the name of the institution, the degree/diploma obtained, the date of graduation and the grade you achieved.
2. Professional courses and training
Another important aspect to include is any professional courses or training you have undertaken that are relevant to the position you are applying for. This shows that you have invested time and money into developing your skills and knowledge within your chosen industry.
3. Relevant projects or research
In addition to qualifications and courses, it’s a good idea to highlight any relevant projects or research you have been involved in. For example, if you are applying for a research-based role, you could mention any research projects you have contributed to. If you’re applying for a job in design, you could include images or descriptions of your portfolio and design work. Don’t be afraid to be specific and provide details of your involvement in each project. This will give your potential employer a better idea of your skills and abilities.
4. Awards and achievements
If you have received any awards or special recognition during your education, be sure to include these as well. This could be anything from a scholarship to a prize for academic excellence. These types of achievements show that you have a track record of success and are a high achiever.
5. Relevant coursework or modules
If there are any specific modules or coursework you completed during your education which are particularly relevant to the job you are applying for, it’s a good idea to highlight these too. Again, this shows that you have developed skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to the role.
Overall, your education section should provide a comprehensive overview of your qualifications, skills and experience to your potential employer. By taking the time to highlight specific projects, coursework and achievements, you can demonstrate that you are the right candidate for the job and stand out from other applicants.
Skills
Your skills are one of the most important things to include in your CV. They can be a deciding factor in whether you are hired or not.
1. Hard skills
Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities that can be learned through education, training, or experience. These may include proficiency in computer software, data analysis, graphic design, writing, and more.
When listing your hard skills, make sure to mention any relevant certifications or courses you have completed to acquire these skills. For instance, if you are proficient in Adobe Photoshop, mention that you have completed a course in graphic design or digital media that has helped you master this software.
2. Soft skills
Soft skills, on the other hand, cannot be quantified. They are personal attributes that define your work ethic, behavior, and attitude in the workplace. These may include problem-solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, and more.
Employers often value soft skills as much as hard skills, because they are indicative of your ability to work well with others, navigate difficult situations, and contribute to a positive work environment.
Include soft skills in your CV by providing examples of situations in which you demonstrated these skills. For instance, if you led a team project in your previous job, mention how you used your leadership and communication skills to motivate team members and complete the project successfully.
3. Language skills
Language skills may not always be necessary for every job, but they can make a big difference in some industries. Fluency in a foreign language can help you communicate effectively with clients, customers, and colleagues from different parts of the world.
List your language skills in your CV, along with your level of proficiency. For example, if you are fluent in Spanish, you might write something like “Fluent in Spanish (written and spoken)”.
If you have lived or studied abroad, make sure to mention this experience as well. It shows employers that you are adaptable, culturally aware, and have experience working in diverse environments.
4. Transferable skills
Transferable skills are skills that you can use in a variety of jobs and industries. They are often acquired through life experiences, hobbies, volunteer work, or other non-work related activities.
Some examples of transferable skills include event planning, public speaking, time management, and organization. These skills can be incredibly valuable in many different jobs, and can set you apart from other job candidates who only have job-specific skills.
Be sure to include transferable skills in your CV, and provide examples of how you have used these skills in your personal and professional life. For example, if you have experience organizing charity events, mention how you used your event planning and fundraising skills to make the event successful.
5. Technical skills
Technical skills are specific abilities related to technology and computer software. They are often required for jobs in IT, engineering, or other technical fields. Technical skills may include experience with specific programming languages, knowledge of various software packages, or expertise in troubleshooting technical issues.
When listing your technical skills, be specific and provide examples of how you have used these skills in your previous jobs. For example, if you are proficient in Python, mention how you used this programming language to develop a new feature for your company’s website.
Overall, including a range of skills on your CV can help make you a well-rounded candidate for any job. By highlighting your specific abilities and providing examples of how you have used them in the past, you can show potential employers how you can contribute to their organization and help them achieve their goals.
Achievements and Awards
One of the most important parts of any CV is the section on achievements and awards. This section is where you can really shine and showcase your talents and skills. Here are five things that you should consider including in this section:
1. Relevant Awards
If you have received any awards that are relevant to the job you are applying for, be sure to highlight them. For example, if you are applying for a job in sales and you received an award for being the top salesperson in your company, this is definitely something to mention in your CV. This will show your potential employer that you have a proven track record of success in the area that they are looking for.
2. Certifications and Licenses
If you have any industry-related certifications or licenses, be sure to include them in your achievements section. This will demonstrate to your potential employer that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job at a high level. For example, if you are applying for a job in accounting and have a CPA license, this is definitely something that should be included in this section of your CV.
3. Significant Achievements
If you have achieved something significant in your career that you are particularly proud of, be sure to highlight it in your CV. This might include things like successfully launching a new product or service, turning around a struggling department, or exceeding sales targets. This will show your potential employer that you are a capable and motivated individual who is able to achieve big things.
4. Volunteer Work and Community Service
If you have done any volunteer work or community service that is relevant to the job you are applying for, be sure to mention it in your achievements section. This will show your potential employer that you are a well-rounded individual who is committed to making a positive impact in the community. For example, if you are applying for a job in social work and have volunteered at a homeless shelter, this is definitely something that should be included in this section of your CV.
5. Relevant Skills
Finally, if you have any skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for and that you are particularly proud of, be sure to mention them in your achievements section. This might include things like proficiency with a particular software program, fluency in a second language, or excellent public speaking skills. This will show your potential employer that you have the necessary skills to perform the job at a high level.
Overall, the achievements section of your CV is a great opportunity to showcase your talents and skills. Be sure to highlight your relevant awards, certifications and licenses, significant achievements, volunteer work and community service, and relevant skills. By doing so, you will demonstrate to your potential employer that you are a capable and motivated individual who is well-suited for the job.