50 Unique CV Templates (MS Word format)
Varied layouts, suitable for all industry types and ready with example content.
Step-by-step guides, Keywords & Power-Phrases
A complete guide to writing an effective CV, from start to finish.
Free eBook: ‘Creating CVs That Work For You’
Everything you need to know about writing a persuasive CV.
like this page for instant download…
[like-to-dl theme=”green” url=”https://www.cvrite.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/HowToCV.zip” like_url=”CURRENT” message=”Click Like to Start Your Download!” ]
What is a CV?
A ‘CV’, or ‘Curriculum Vitae’, is normally the first piece of information an employer sees about a potential employee – they will use it to decide whether or not to invite the applicant for an interview.
Typically, a CV will span two pages, detailing key skills, career history and education. Sections of the CV should be tailored towards a given job, with the use of keywords and phrases to help illustrate how an applicant’s experience and skills make them suitable for the targeted role.
Try to think of your CV as a marketing tool; a document that will not only tell people what you have done with your life, but also illustrates how this experience will add value to the company you hope to work for.
Writing your CV…
Before you begin the writing process, you need to know exactly what content you are going to put into your CV. One of the biggest pitfalls in CV writing is to include far too much unnecessary information (information that won’t win interviews… Remember, this is the purpose of the CV, not to give the recruiter your life story!). Things like your current state of health, your marital status, weight and height, your birthplace, in most cases are IRRELEVANT. When writing each section of your CV continually ask yourself ‘Does this information have any bearing on my ability to do the job in question?’ If the answer is ‘no’, then leave it out.
The best place to get started is with a brief Profile Statement, a short descriptive paragraph that will grab the reader’s attention and entice them to read more. Keep it factual but brief and remember that you may be asked to expand upon this information in your interview (so make sure that you can speak extensively about anything you say).
Next, Career History – begin with just dates, role and names. Do not waste time with detailed job descriptions or irrelevant industry jargon (particular if you are seeking employment within a different industry… You may as well be speaking a different language!). List your previous responsibilities and highlight how each of them relates to the skills you might require in your targeted role (not only will this increase your perceived value to the employer, it will also demonstrate that you have some understanding of the job).
A brief summary of your Education is important too. If you are young, most of your experience will come from your education, so make a big deal of it and be sure to put it before any unrelated part-time work. Ask yourself, ‘what did I do at school that is worth telling people about?’ ‘What achievements or extra-curricular activities did I undertake that might make me suitable for my targeted role?’ Qualifications are of course essential, regardless of topic; exams demonstrate your ability to work towards a goal, so ensure that they are clearly listed.
The above three sections will make up the meat of your CV. Name and Contact Details should be displayed neatly at the top of the CV, References at the bottom.
You can browse this website to learn more about the CV writing process or try our online CV builder for free!
50 Unique CV Templates (MS Word format)
Varied layouts, suitable for all industry types and ready with example content.
Step-by-step guides, Keywords & Power-Phrases
A complete guide to writing an effective CV, from start to finish.
Free eBook: ‘Creating CVs That Work For You’
Everything you need to know about writing a persuasive CV.
like this page for instant download…
[like-to-dl theme=”green” url=”https://www.cvrite.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/HowToCV.zip” like_url=”CURRENT” message=”Click Like to Start Your Download!” ]
What is a CV?
A ‘CV’, or ‘Curriculum Vitae’, is normally the first piece of information an employer sees about a potential employee – they will use it to decide whether or not to invite the applicant for an interview.
Typically, a CV will span two pages, detailing key skills, career history and education. Sections of the CV should be tailored towards a given job, with the use of keywords and phrases to help illustrate how an applicant’s experience and skills make them suitable for the targeted role.
Try to think of your CV as a marketing tool; a document that will not only tell people what you have done with your life, but also illustrates how this experience will add value to the company you hope to work for.
Writing your CV…
Before you begin the writing process, you need to know exactly what content you are going to put into your CV. One of the biggest pitfalls in CV writing is to include far too much unnecessary information (information that won’t win interviews… Remember, this is the purpose of the CV, not to give the recruiter your life story!). Things like your current state of health, your marital status, weight and height, your birthplace, in most cases are IRRELEVANT. When writing each section of your CV continually ask yourself ‘Does this information have any bearing on my ability to do the job in question?’ If the answer is ‘no’, then leave it out.
The best place to get started is with a brief Profile Statement, a short descriptive paragraph that will grab the reader’s attention and entice them to read more. Keep it factual but brief and remember that you may be asked to expand upon this information in your interview (so make sure that you can speak extensively about anything you say).
Next, Career History – begin with just dates, role and names. Do not waste time with detailed job descriptions or irrelevant industry jargon (particular if you are seeking employment within a different industry… You may as well be speaking a different language!). List your previous responsibilities and highlight how each of them relates to the skills you might require in your targeted role (not only will this increase your perceived value to the employer, it will also demonstrate that you have some understanding of the job).
A brief summary of your Education is important too. If you are young, most of your experience will come from your education, so make a big deal of it and be sure to put it before any unrelated part-time work. Ask yourself, ‘what did I do at school that is worth telling people about?’ ‘What achievements or extra-curricular activities did I undertake that might make me suitable for my targeted role?’ Qualifications are of course essential, regardless of topic; exams demonstrate your ability to work towards a goal, so ensure that they are clearly listed.
The above three sections will make up the meat of your CV. Name and Contact Details should be displayed neatly at the top of the CV, References at the bottom.
You can browse this website to learn more about the CV writing process or try our online CV builder for free!