Hints and tips for writing a standout CV

Creating a CV for a job can be challenging, but you can make a strong impression with the right approach. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Format

• Reverse Chronological: List your most recent experiences first. This is the most common format.
• Functional: Focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological order. This is useful if you have limited work experience.
• Combination: A chronological and functional mix highlighting skills and work history.

Contact Information

• Full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• LinkedIn profile (if applicable)

Objective or Summary Statement

• A brief statement (1-2 sentences) about your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the job. Tailor it to the job you’re applying for.

Education

• Include your highest level of education first.
• List the school name, degree, and graduation date.
• Include relevant coursework, or projects if applicable.

Work Experience

• List any part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work.
• Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements.
• Focus on transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Skills

• Highlight both hard and soft skills. Examples: Microsoft Office, customer service, time management, etc.
• Tailor this section to include skills mentioned in the job description.

Certifications and Awards

•  Include any relevant certifications, awards, or recognitions.

Extracurricular Activities

• Include clubs, sports, or other activities demonstrating skills and qualities relevant to the job.

Projects

• Mention any significant projects you’ve worked on that are relevant to the job.
• Describe your role and the outcome or impact of the project.

Languages

• List any languages you speak and your proficiency level.

Formatting and Proofreading

• Keep the layout clean and easy to read with consistent formatting.
• Use a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Proofread multiple times to ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
• Consider asking someone else to review it for you.