how to do a great cv

Introduction

Creating a great CV is a crucial step in the job application process. It serves as your first impression to potential employers and can significantly influence your chances of landing an interview. In this guide, I will share practical steps and examples to help you craft an outstanding CV that captures attention and meets the needs of recruiters.

Understanding the Purpose of Your CV

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what your CV is meant to accomplish:

Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your qualifications, experiences, and achievements.
Attract Attention: Make it visually appealing and easy to read.
Get You Interviews: Ultimately, your CV should lead to interview opportunities.

Key Components of a Great CV

A well-structured CV typically includes the following sections:

1. Contact Information

Your CV should begin with your contact details at the top. Include:

Full name
Phone number
Email address
LinkedIn profile (optional)
Personal website (if applicable)

2. Professional Summary

This section is a brief overview of your professional background, skills, and career goals. Keep it concise and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Example:

"Results-driven marketing professional with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing and brand management. Proven track record of increasing online engagement and driving sales growth. Seeking to leverage expertise in a challenging marketing role at an innovative company."

3. Work Experience

List your relevant work experience in reverse chronological order. For each role, include:

Job title
Company name
Dates of employment
Bullet points outlining your responsibilities and achievements

Example:

Marketing Specialist
ABC Company, New York, NY
June 2020 - Present

Developed and executed digital marketing campaigns that increased website traffic by 30%.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance brand visibility and engagement.

4. Education

Include your educational background, starting with the most recent degree. Provide:

Degree obtained
Institution name
Graduation date

Example:

Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
University of New York, New York, NY
Graduated May 2020

5. Skills

Highlight relevant skills that align with the job description. Be specific and use industry-related keywords to ensure your CV is ATS friendly.

Example:

Digital Marketing
SEO and SEM
Content Creation
Data Analysis
Project Management

6. Certifications and Additional Sections

If applicable, include any certifications, volunteer experiences, or relevant projects. These can set you apart from other candidates.

Example:

Google Analytics Certified
Volunteer Coordinator, Local Food Bank

Tips for Making Your CV Stand Out

Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV for each application to align with the job requirements.
Use Action Words: Start bullet points with strong verbs like "Developed," "Led," "Executed," and "Managed."
Keep It Concise: Aim for a one to two-page CV. Be clear and avoid unnecessary jargon.
Focus on Achievements: Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate your impact.
Utilize the Right Format: A clean, professional layout enhances readability. Ensure consistent font styles and sizes.

Leverage Technology for Your CV

In today’s digital age, leveraging technology can significantly enhance your CV. Platforms like cvuno allow you to create personalized CV websites in about 30 seconds from your resume or a short role description. This ensures that your CV stands out online, is synced with downloadable PDFs, and remains 100% ATS friendly.

See an example CV to understand how impactful a well-crafted CV can be.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a great CV is not just about listing your experiences; it’s about presenting yourself in the best light possible. By following these steps and tips, you can create a compelling CV that captures the attention of recruiters and opens doors to new opportunities.

Ready to make your CV shine? Try cvuno today and take the first step towards landing your dream job!