how to make a great cv from scratch

Introduction

Creating a standout CV from scratch can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. A well-crafted CV not only showcases your skills and experience but also presents you as a strong candidate to potential employers. In this article, we will explore practical steps to build an effective CV that captures attention and meets modern hiring standards.

Understanding the Basics of a CV

Before diving into the creation process, it's important to understand what a CV is and its primary components:

• Contact Information: Your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile.
• Professional Summary: A brief overview of your qualifications and career goals.
• Work Experience: A detailed list of your past positions, responsibilities, and achievements.
• Education: Your academic background, including degrees and certifications.
• Skills: Relevant skills that align with the job you are applying for.
• Additional Sections: This could include volunteer work, publications, or languages spoken.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before you start writing, gather all necessary information. Consider the following:

• Previous Job Titles: List all relevant positions you've held.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments in each role.
• Education: Include degrees, institutions, and graduation dates.
• Skills: Identify both hard and soft skills relevant to your desired position.

Step 2: Choose a Format

Choosing the right format is crucial for readability and ATS compatibility. Here are a few popular formats:

• Chronological: Lists work experience in reverse order. Best for those with a solid work history.
• Functional: Focuses on skills rather than job titles. Good for those with gaps in employment.
• Combination: Merges both chronological and functional styles. Suitable for most job seekers.

Example Format

**Name**
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email] | [LinkedIn Profile]
 
**Professional Summary**
[2-3 sentences summarizing your experience and goals]
 
**Work Experience**
**Job Title** - Company Name (Month Year - Month Year)
- Achievements and responsibilities
 
**Education**
**Degree** - Institution Name (Month Year)
 
**Skills**
- Skill 1
- Skill 2

Step 3: Craft Your Content

Professional Summary

Your professional summary is the first thing recruiters will read, so make it count. Aim for 2-3 sentences that highlight your strengths and what you bring to the table.

Work Experience

For each job:

1. Job Title: Clearly state your position.
2. Company Name: Include the name of the organization.
3. Dates of Employment: Use month and year.
4. Bullet Points: Use concise bullet points to outline responsibilities and achievements. Start with action verbs to convey impact.

Example

**Marketing Manager** - ABC Corp (June 2020 - Present)
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies that increased brand awareness by 30%.
- Led a team of 5 in executing campaigns across multiple channels.

Education

List your degrees in reverse chronological order, providing the degree, institution, and graduation date.

Example

**Bachelor of Arts in Marketing** - University of XYZ (May 2018)

Skills

Include a mix of hard and soft skills. Tailor this section to the job description whenever possible.

Example Skills Section

- Digital Marketing
- Data Analysis
- Team Leadership
- Communication

Step 4: Optimize for ATS

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. To ensure your CV passes through:

• Use standard headings (e.g., "Work Experience", "Education").
• Avoid graphics and images that could confuse the ATS.
• Incorporate keywords from the job description into your CV naturally.

Step 5: Review and Edit

Once you have drafted your CV, take the time to review and edit. Here are some tips:

• Proofread: Check for grammatical errors and typos.
• Get Feedback: Ask a friend or mentor for their input.
• Tailor for Each Application: Customize your CV for different job applications to reflect relevant experiences and skills.

Creating Your CV with cvuno

To streamline the process of creating your CV, consider using cvuno, which generates personal CV websites in about 30 seconds from your resume or role description. This innovative platform produces synced downloadable PDFs, ensuring your CV is ATS friendly and visually appealing without the use of templates.

See an example CV

Conclusion

Building a great CV from scratch is an achievable goal with the right steps and a clear understanding of what to include. Remember, your CV is your personal marketing tool. Make it reflect your best self.

Ready to create your standout CV? Try cvuno today and see how easy it is to present your professional story online!