how to do a great cv
How to Create a Great CV
Crafting a compelling CV is essential for job seekers aiming to stand out in today's competitive market. A well-structured CV not only highlights your skills and experiences but also ensures that it is easily readable by recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Here are some practical steps and examples to help you create a great CV that showcases your qualifications effectively.
Understanding the Basics of a Great CV
Before diving into the specifics, let's outline what makes a CV great:
- Clarity: Your CV should be easy to read, with a clean layout and organized sections.
- Relevance: Tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for by emphasizing relevant experience and skills.
- ATS-Friendly: Ensure your CV is compatible with ATS software to avoid being filtered out before it reaches human eyes.
Key Sections of a CV
-
Contact Information
- Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.
- Example:
Bruno Smith Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: bruno.smith@email.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brunosmith
-
Professional Summary
- Write a brief summary (2-3 sentences) highlighting your career goals and what you bring to the table.
- Example:
Results-driven marketing professional with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing strategies. Passionate about leveraging data analytics to enhance customer engagement and drive sales growth.
-
Work Experience
- List your job history in reverse chronological order. Include your job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
- Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities and achievements.
- Example:
Marketing Specialist ABC Company, New York, NY June 2020 - Present - Developed and implemented digital marketing campaigns that increased website traffic by 40%. - Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize product launches and enhance brand visibility.
-
Education
- Include your degree(s), major(s), institution names, and graduation dates.
- Example:
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing University of California, Los Angeles Graduated: June 2018
-
Skills
- Highlight key skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description.
- Example:
- Digital Marketing - Data Analysis - SEO Optimization - Social Media Management
-
Additional Sections (Optional)
- Certifications, volunteer experience, languages spoken, or relevant projects can enhance your CV.
- Example:
Certification: Google Analytics Certified
Formatting Your CV
- Length: Ideally, keep your CV to one page, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience.
- Font and Size: Use a professional font like Arial or Calibri in size 10-12.
- Margins: Maintain standard margins (1 inch) for a polished look.
Making Your CV Stand Out
- Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to showcase your impact in previous roles. For example, "Increased sales by 25% in six months."
- Action Verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs such as "developed," "managed," "led," or "optimized."
- Customization: Tailor your CV for each application to align with the job description.
Using cvuno for a Great CV
Creating a personal CV website has never been easier, and with cvuno, you can build one in about 30 seconds! By entering your resume or a short role description, you can generate a unique URL and synced downloadable PDFs that are ATS-friendly and recruiter-tested.
To see how a great CV looks in action, See an example CV and get inspired by what cvuno can help you achieve.
Final Tips
- Proofread: Always check for spelling and grammatical errors.
- Seek Feedback: Ask a friend or mentor to review your CV before sending it out.
- Stay Updated: Regularly update your CV as you gain new experiences and skills.
Call to Action
Don't let a mediocre CV hold you back from your dream job. Try cvuno today to create your own personal CV website and take the next step in your career journey!
