A Step By Step CV Guide for Job Seekers

Your Curriculum Vitae, or CV, is your personal marketing document. Its job is to get you noticed and secure you an interview. In a competitive job market, a CV needs to quickly show an employer why you are a great fit for the role. This guide will walk you through creating an effective CV, step by step.

Getting Started – Choosing Your Format

Before you start writing, think about how you want to present your information. There are a few standard CV formats used in the UK. The most common lists your work history starting with your most recent job first. It’s straightforward and preferred by most employers as it clearly shows your career progression. Another option is the functional or skills-based CV. This focuses more on your skills rather than where and when you worked. It can be useful if you have gaps in your employment history or are changing careers. There’s also a combination format, mixing elements of both. For most job seekers, the reverse-chronological format is the best choice. You might find using a CV template helpful to structure your information initially, but always remember to adapt it thoroughly to your own experience and the specific job you’re applying for. Don’t just fill in the blanks; make it your own. Aim to keep your CV concise, ideally no longer than two sides of A4 paper. 

Essential Contact Information

This section should be right at the top of your CV. It needs to be clear and accurate so employers can easily contact you. Include your full name, a professional-sounding email address (avoid old, informal addresses), your phone number, and your general location (like your town or city and postcode – you don’t usually need your full street address). You might also want to include a link to your LinkedIn profile if it’s up-to-date and professional. Make sure this information is easy to spot.

Crafting Your Personal Statement/Profile

Think of this as your CV’s introduction. It’s a short paragraph, usually 3-4 sentences long, right below your contact details. Its purpose is to summarise who you are professionally, highlight your key skills and experience, and state your career objective, specifically related to the job you want. Tailor this section for every application. Read the job description carefully and reflect its language and requirements. Make it engaging and show your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

Detailing Your Work Experience

This is often the most important section of your CV. List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each position, include your job title, the name of the company, its location, and the dates you worked there (month and year). Underneath each role, use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and, more importantly, your achievements. Don’t just list tasks; show what you accomplished. Use action verbs like ‘managed’, ‘developed’, ‘increased’, ‘achieved’, or ‘led’. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers or data. For example, instead of saying “Improved sales,” try “Increased team sales by 15% in six months.”

Showcasing Your Education and Qualifications

Similar to your work experience, list your educational background in reverse chronological order. Start with your most recent qualifications, like your university degree or college courses. Include the name of the institution, the qualification gained (e.g., BA Hons English Literature), and the dates you attended. You can briefly mention relevant modules, projects, or your dissertation topic if they relate directly to the job, especially if you’re a recent graduate with limited work experience. Also include A-Levels, GCSEs (mentioning Maths and English is often useful), and any relevant professional qualifications or certifications.

Highlighting Key Skills

Dedicate a section to showcase the specific skills you possess that are relevant to the job. Read the job advert and person specification closely to identify the required skills. You can group them into categories like ‘Technical Skills’ (e.g., software proficiency like Microsoft Excel, specific programming languages), ‘Soft Skills’ (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving), or ‘Languages’. Be specific. Instead of just writing “Good communication skills,” you could mention “Excellent written and verbal communication skills developed through presenting reports to senior management.”

Optional Sections (Hobbies, References)

You might consider adding a brief section on hobbies and interests, but only if they add value. Interests that demonstrate relevant skills (like teamwork in sports or organisational skills in managing a club) can be beneficial. Avoid generic hobbies or anything potentially controversial. Regarding references, the standard practice is to simply state “References available upon request” at the end of your CV. You don’t need to list your referees’ contact details on the CV itself; employers will ask for these later if they are interested.

Final Checks – Proofreading and Tailoring

Before you send your CV anywhere, proofread it meticulously. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors create a poor impression. Read it through several times, and consider asking a friend or family member to check it too. Use a spell checker, but don’t rely on it entirely. Crucially, tailor your CV for every single job application. Generic CVs rarely impress. Finally, save your CV as a PDF file unless the employer requests a different format. This ensures the formatting stays consistent when they open it.

Creating a strong CV takes time and effort, but it’s a vital investment in your job search. Treat it as your personal sales pitch, highlighting your strengths and suitability for the role. Good luck!