how to make a great cv

Introduction

Creating a great CV is essential for job seekers looking to make a strong impression on potential employers. A well-crafted CV not only highlights your skills and experiences but also showcases your unique personality. In this guide, I'll walk you through practical steps to develop an outstanding CV that captures attention and gets you noticed.

Understanding the Purpose of a CV

Before diving into the creation process, it's important to understand the primary purpose of a CV:

• Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your capabilities and experiences relevant to the job.
• Professional Representation: Present yourself in a way that reflects your professional persona.
• Attract Attention: Stand out among other candidates to catch the eye of recruiters.

Key Components of a Great CV

A great CV should contain the following essential components:

1. Contact Information

Make it easy for potential employers to reach you:

• Full Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• LinkedIn Profile (optional)
• Personal Website or Portfolio (if applicable)

2. Professional Summary

Write a brief summary (2-3 sentences) that encapsulates your professional background and career goals. This is your elevator pitch on paper.

3. Work Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order. Include:

• Job Title
• Company Name
• Location
• Dates of Employment
• Key Responsibilities and Achievements

Example:

**Marketing Specialist**  
XYZ Corp, New York, NY  
June 2022 - Present  
- Developed and implemented marketing campaigns that increased website traffic by 30%.
- Collaborated with sales teams to enhance product visibility and drive sales.

4. Education

Include your educational background with relevant details:

• Degree Obtained
• Institution Name
• Graduation Date

Example:

**Bachelor of Arts in Marketing**  
University of New York  
Graduated: May 2021

5. Skills

List relevant skills that align with the job description. Divide them into hard and soft skills.

Example:

• Hard Skills: SEO, Google Analytics, Content Creation
• Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Problem Solving

6. Additional Sections

Consider adding other sections to strengthen your CV, such as:

• Certifications
• Volunteer Experience
• Professional Affiliations
• Awards and Achievements

Formatting Your CV for Maximum Impact

A well-formatted CV enhances readability and keeps the attention of recruiters:

• Use Clear Headings: Ensure each section is easily identifiable.
• Bullet Points: Use bullet points for lists to improve clarity.
• Font and Size: Choose a professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri) and keep the size between 10-12 points.
• Consistent Styling: Ensure consistent use of bolding and italics.

Making Your CV ATS Friendly

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by many companies to filter candidates. Here are some tips to ensure your CV passes through ATS:

• Use standard section headings (Work Experience, Education, etc.).
• Avoid complex layouts or graphics.
• Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description.

Creating Your CV with cvuno

Using cvuno, you can create a personal CV website in about 30 seconds from your resume or role description without the hassle of templates. The platform generates a unique URL and produces synced downloadable PDFs, ensuring that your CV is both visually appealing and ATS-friendly.

To see how it works, See an example CV.

Reviewing and Editing

Once your CV is drafted, review it carefully:

• Proofread: Check for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Seek Feedback: Share your CV with trusted friends or mentors for input.
• Tailor for Each Application: Customize your CV to align with each job you’re applying for.

Conclusion

Creating a great CV requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of your professional narrative. By following these steps, you can craft a compelling CV that stands out to employers.

Ready to take your CV to the next level? Try cvuno today and create your unique CV website in no time!