how to do a great cv

Introduction

Creating a great CV is essential in today's competitive job market. A well-crafted CV not only showcases your skills and experiences but also grabs the attention of recruiters. In this guide, I will outline practical steps to help you build an impressive CV that stands out.

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of Your CV

Before diving into the structure of your CV, it’s vital to understand its purpose:

Showcase Your Skills: Highlight what you can bring to the table.
Demonstrate Experience: Provide evidence of your previous roles and achievements.
Attract Attention: Make your CV appealing visually and contextually to catch the eye of hiring managers.

Step 2: Choose the Right Format

While there are various formats to choose from, it’s important to select one that presents your experience effectively. Here are three common formats:

Chronological CV

Best For: Those with a solid work history in the same field.
Structure: List your work experience in reverse chronological order.

Functional CV

Best For: Individuals with gaps in employment or changing careers.
Structure: Focus on skills and experiences rather than chronological work history.

Combination CV

Best For: Those looking to highlight both skills and employment history.
Structure: Combine elements from both chronological and functional CVs.

Step 3: Include Essential Sections

To create an effective CV, ensure you include the following sections:

Contact Information

Full Name
Phone Number
Email Address
LinkedIn Profile (optional)

Professional Summary

A brief overview of your qualifications and career goals. Keep it concise (2-3 sentences) and tailored to the job you are applying for.

Work Experience

Job Title: Make it clear and relevant.
Company Name and Location: Include the company’s name and where it’s located.
Dates Employed: Use months and years.
Achievements: List key achievements in bullet points, using action verbs.

Education

Degree(s) obtained
Institution(s) attended
Graduation date(s)

Skills

This section should reflect the specific skills relevant to the job. Aim for a mix of hard and soft skills.

Additional Sections

Depending on your experience, consider adding sections for:

Certifications
Volunteer Work
Languages
Hobbies and Interests

Step 4: Tailor Your CV for Each Application

To make your CV stand out, customize it for each job application. Research the company and incorporate keywords from the job description. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also increases the chances of getting past ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).

Step 5: Focus on Readability

Your CV should be easy to read. Here are some tips:

Use Bullet Points: They break up text and make information digestible.
Consistent Formatting: Use the same font and size throughout.
White Space: Ensure there’s enough spacing to avoid clutter.

Step 6: Utilize cvuno for a Professional Touch

Creating a personal CV website can elevate your job application. With cvuno, you can generate a unique CV website in about 30 seconds from your resume or a short role description. Each user receives a unique URL, and the layouts are designed for readability and recruiter flow. Plus, you’ll get a synced downloadable PDF that is ATS friendly!

See an example CV to get inspired by what you can create.

Step 7: Proofread and Get Feedback

Before sending out your CV, make sure to:

Proofread: Check for spelling and grammatical errors.
Seek Feedback: Ask friends or mentors to review it and provide insights.

Conclusion

Crafting a great CV doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these steps, you can create a compelling document that captures the attention of recruiters and showcases your unique qualifications. Remember, your CV is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, so make it count!

Ready to take the next step in your job search? Try cvuno today and create your personal CV website in no time!