Master the Art of CV Writing: Captivate Interviewers in Seconds
You’re searching for your dream job, and a well-crafted CV is the key to unlocking countless opportunities. But where do you start? How can you make potential employers notice you?
Did you know that recruiters tend to spend an average of just 7 seconds skimming through a CV? In those fleeting moments, your CV needs to make an unforgettable impression.
Get ready to embark on a transformative journey as we guide you through the secrets of crafting an impressive CV that captivates interviewers from the get-go.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- The critical sections to include in your CV to instantly grab attention.
- Strategies to concisely yet impactfully showcase your skills, experiences, and potential.
- Tips for tailoring your CV to specific job requirements and industry expectations.
- Expert advice on what not to do: A Case Study
- Techniques to highlight your unique qualities and make a lasting impression.
- Resources to continually refine and optimise your CV for maximum impact.
Are you ready to seize the opportunity to impress interviewers within those precious 7 seconds?
Join us on this exciting journey and unlock the power of a remarkable CV that opens doors to your dream job, title, and career.
a. Important Sections for an Attention-Grabbing CV
When crafting a CV that instantly grabs attention, it’s crucial to include the elements that make a lasting impression on potential employers.
This section will explore the essential components that can transform your good CV into a great one. It is a powerful tool to captivate recruiters from the moment they look at it.
Get ready to discover the secrets of writing a CV that stands out and paves the way for your professional success.
Image credit: Zippia
Compelling Personal Statement:
- Begin your CV with a concise and impactful personal statement. Highlights your key skills, career goals, and what makes you a unique candidate.
- Showcase your passion and motivation for the role you’re applying for.
- Add your personal details, your marital status, and your contact details
Relevant Work Experience:
- Include your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
- Focus on positions directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. Emphasising your accomplishments, responsibilities, and skills gained.
- Use bulleted points to highlight key achievements, demonstrating your value and impact in previous roles.
Education and Qualifications:
- Include your degrees, certifications, and relevant qualifications in the education section.
- Highlight any academic achievements, honors, or special projects demonstrating your dedication and expertise in a particular field.
Key Skills:
- Create a dedicated section to showcase your key skills relevant to the job.
- Include hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving). This demonstrates your well-rounded capabilities.
- Use concise bullet points to make your skills easily scannable and highlight your strengths.
Accomplishments and Awards:
- Dedicate a section to showcase notable accomplishments, awards, or recognition you have received.
- Highlight specific achievements demonstrating your capabilities and making you stand out from other candidates.
Professional Development and Training:
- Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and growth by including professional development courses, workshops, or certifications.
- Emphasise any training and professional qualification directly related to the job or showcasing your desire to expand your skill set.
References:
- Include references or indicate that they are available upon request.
- Choose references to provide positive and relevant insights into your skills and character.
b. 10 Strategies: Show off your skills and experience
You know the old saying, if you’ve got it, flaunt it.
Well, the same goes for your skills. When you write a CV, it’s essential to make your relevant skills shine.
You have to successfully sell yourself even before you sit down for the interview. You have to sell yourself simply to get an interview successfully.
Using these strategies will ensure that even the CV of a fresh graduate makes the cut.
Decode Job Description:
Study the job advertisement for the job you want. Understand what employers are looking for. Customise your CV to match this.
Match their requirements and highlight relevant achievements and qualifications.
This shows that you understand the role, boosting your chances of getting noticed and walking away with that job title.
Action-Packed Language:
Use strong action words to describe your skills and experiences. Start bullet points with verbs like “achieved,” “implemented,” or “led.”
]This shows you have a proactive approach. This gives your CV energy and makes a strong impact.
Numbers Speak Louder:
Include numbers, percentages, or specific results to show your achievements whenever possible.
Quantifying your accomplishments adds credibility and makes your CV more compelling.
Transferable Skills:
Highlight hard skills and soft skills that can be useful in various industries or roles. For example, emphasise your project management abilities or your sales skills.
Show how they can benefit potential employers.
Clear and Concise:
Present information in short, easy-to-read sentences. Avoid long paragraphs that can be overwhelming.
Bullet points help recruiters quickly understand your professional qualifications and experiences. Keep your CV concise.
Relevant Experiences First:
Focus on experiences that directly relate to the job you’re applying for. Start with the most relevant roles and accomplishments to grab attention.
Write a CV showcasing skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate.
Showcase Your Initiatives:
Highlight projects, initiatives, or contributions that show your problem-solving abilities and drive. These examples show your potential and set you apart from other candidates.
Let Others Speak for You:
Include testimonials or recommendations from previous employers, colleagues, or clients. These endorsements confirm your skills and work ethic, adding credibility to your CV. Choose impactful quotes that showcase your strengths and professional reputation.
Visual Appeal:
Consider adding graphs, charts, or infographics to present data or highlight key achievements. Visual elements make your CV more engaging and memorables
Tailor for Success:
Customise your CV for each application. Match the specific requirements and company culture. Tailoring shows your genuine interest and dedication, increasing your chances of standing out.
c. Tailoring Your CV to match your Job Title
To stand out among the crowd, you need to tailor your CV. One size does not fit all. You need to match specific job requirements and industry expectations. You can showcase your qualifications, skills, experiences, and personal qualities.
Making sure that they directly align with the desired position. Here are some valuable tips to help you tailor your CV and increase your chances of success:
- Understand the Job Requirements:
- Carefully read and analyse the job description.
- Identify the key skills, qualifications, and experience the employer is seeking.
- Pay attention to specific keywords and phrases in the job posting that highlight the essential criteria.
- Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:
- Identify the skills and experiences from your work history that closely match the job requirements.
- Emphasis on these relevant skills by placing them prominently in your CV. Show how you have applied them in past jobs or situations.
- Provide specific examples and results to demonstrate your capabilities.
- Customise Your CV’s Structure and Content:
- Tailor your CV’s structure to highlight the most relevant sections and information.
- Place the most important and relevant information at the beginning of each section.
- Use concise bullet points to present your achievements, skills, and responsibilities.
- Keep your CV concise and focused, ensuring it is easy to read and navigate.
- Use Industry-Specific Terminology:
- Incorporate industry-specific keywords and terminology relevant to the job you are applying for.
- This demonstrates your familiarity with the industry. It makes it easier for recruiters to identify your qualifications.
- Showcase Your Accomplishments:
- Highlight your additional qualifications and achievements directly related to the job requirements.
- Use quantifiable metrics or numbers whenever possible to demonstrate the impact you made during your employment history.
- Tailor Your CV for Each Application:
- Customise your CV for each job advert to align with the company’s values, culture, and requirements.
- Research the company and its industry to understand its unique expectations and tailor your CV accordingly.
- Proofread and Edit:
- Thoroughly review your CV to ensure it is free from grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies. Ensure you choose the correct writing style.
- Seek feedback from trusted individuals to gain valuable insights and make necessary improvements.
Tailoring your CV shows your dedication and attention to detail, making you a strong candidate for the job. Take your CV from a standard to a great one, perhaps perfect. Use real-world examples of achievements to prove you are the right fit for this job.
d. What Not to Do: A Case Study
Our case study report shows the common mistakes people make in their CVs. Between April and May 2023, the CVJury Expert CV Review team reviewed 86 CVs as random samples.
We have reviewed and rewritten over 300 CVs since then. The nature of the errors we found was chilling. Even top candidates with first-class degrees missed them, too! And 17 candidates among this number had first-class degrees.
We show the details in the following sections.
In the following subsections, we tabulate the key areas in which candidates make mistakes in their CVs. We give short notes summarising the nature of those mistakes and advise what to do instead.
Do you make these mistakes in your CV?
Common CV Mistakes We Found (After Reviewing 86 Samples Randomly in May 2023):
- Absence of name and contact details
- Achievements aren’t adequately woven into the bullet points
- Body texts are bolded, which is unconventional.
- Clichés
- Content is ambiguous, unclear whether it is intended for an academic or industry role
- Excessive bullet points in CV sections (8 and 7 points instead of 4-5)
- Inconsistencies in formatting, including insufficient spacing before and after headings
- Grammar errors
- Improper use of uppercase letters
- Inclusion of unnecessary information like nationality and date/place of birth
- Inconsistency in tenses
- Inconsistent spelling
- Incorrect heading names (e.g., ‘ACADEMICS’ instead of ‘EDUCATION’).
- Ineffective bullet points
- Insufficient evidence of soft and technical skills
- Lack of action verbs
- Lengthy and irrelevant info
- Limited quantitative info
- Listing all jobs and responsibilities, including those that are not directly relevant or from more than 12 years ago
- Missing keywords
- Mixed tenses
- No ‘Profile Summary’
- No use of achievement language in the bulleted points
- Organisation issues
- Poor use of bold, font style, and sizes, leading to inconsistency in formatting
- Poorly constructed profile summary
- Redundant headings
- Candidates added secondary & primary education despite having a solid degree
- The CV format is unattractive for a senior role
- The CV lacks critical keywords relating to the job description
- The Profile Summary doesn’t offer sufficient value to the prospective employer
- The CV is over two pages with mostly irrelevant information
- The CV length is 1.5 pages, leaving unused white space
- There’s insufficient spacing before and after headings
- Too much irrelevant info
- Too small font size (8-point Arial)
- Unnecessary (inclusion of) references
- Use of an outdated, traditional, or unattractive CV format
- Use of different font sizes in one line
- CVs had personal pronouns [‘I,’ ‘I am, ‘am,’ I have,’ I’ve’]
- Use of the dated term ‘Hobbies’ instead of ‘Other Activities’
- Weak summary
Table 1: Showing 7 Key Areas Where Candidates Did Things Wrongly in Their CVs
Short Notes to Explain the Case of the 4 Candidates in Table 1 Above
The key issues we identified in the CVs of Sandeep, Krishna, Liat, and Joe are:
- CV Format: Sandeep, Liat, and Joe used a traditional and unattractive CV format. Why don’t you try a more modern and appealing CV template? Krishna, on the other hand, used an excellent modern format.
- Font Size and Page Length: Sandeep and Joe used an 8-point font size, which we found too small. It means they were trying to cram too many details into the CVs. Krishna’s CV was one and a half pages long, which was also found inappropriate. It was suggested to either fill the page or limit it to one or two pages. Joe’s CV exceeded three pages —too long, indicating that employers typically only read the first two pages.
- Job Listing: All candidates listed all jobs with all duties. And most were irrelevant to the current application. And the roles were more than 12 years old. Instead, they should have listed earlier roles under a separate sub-heading. And call it ‘Earlier Experience’ adding no responsibilities.
- Profile Summary: We didn’t find a relevant profile summary that demonstrates achievements rather than merely stating responsibilities. We emphasise offering value to the employers and not all about the candidates.
- Bulleted Points: For Krishna and Joe, we saw that their bullet points merely listed responsibilities. Always include achievements by asking yourself, “So what?” after each point to ensure you rewrite it to convey what you accomplished.
- Errors: All the candidates had numerous grammar, spelling, and formatting errors in their CVs. Note that even one mistake could lead to the CV being binned.
- Other Issues: We advised Liat against using blue text and to use underlining for hyperlinks. We also advised her to write “over 30” instead of “>30,” which can cause problems for ATS. We advised Joe against using personal pronouns like ‘I,’ ‘I am,’ ‘My,’ and ‘My own.’ We advised Liat and Joe to avoid using capital letters in sentences or lists when the term is not a proper noun.
General tips:
Your CV should be a marketing tool that:
- is easy to read
- focuses on quality over quantity
- avoids lengthy job details
- zeroes in on the value
- aligns offerings with needs
- Provide relevant facts related to the targeted role
Table 2: Showing 9 Key Areas Where Candidates Did Things Wrongly in Their CVs
Remember, the ultimate goal for all candidates is to have a clear CV focused on quality and avoid lengthy job details.
Also, it should zero in on value, align offerings with needs, and provide relevant facts about the targeted role.
Short Notes to Explain the Case of the 4 Candidates in Table 2 Above
The key issues we identified in the CVs of Ala, Sathish, Divya, and Kumar are:
- Use an outdated, traditional, or unattractive CV format: We recommend using modern and appealing CV formats.
- Using personal pronouns: Using “I” or “I am” in a CV is unconventional.
- Inconsistency in tenses: It’s crucial to use present simple tense for current tasks or responsibilities and past tense for past responsibilities.
- Poorly constructed profile summary: We suggest adding a relevant, value-adding profile summary targeted towards the desired job.
- Frequent errors: It’s crucial to proofread the CV for errors since even one mistake can lead to a CV being discarded.
- Ineffective bullet points: Bullet points should clearly and succinctly communicate achievements and skills, but they were poorly constructed and lacked value.
In creating bulleted points, a better structure is: “Accomplished X by DOING Y that resulted in Z.“
For example:
- Lowered hospital mortality rate by 5% by educating nurses in new protocols, translating to 200 lives saved per year
- Poor use of uppercase letters: We saw unconventional and indiscriminate use of capital letters.
- Redundant headings: Creating separate headings for skills, expertise, and competencies, which essentially mean the same thing, was unnecessary.
- Excessive bullet points: Too many bullet points under past job responsibilities can overwhelm the reader; we suggest a maximum of five key points.
Table 3: Summary of Problems We Identified (In 7 Candidates’ CVs)
Short Notes to Explain the Cases of the 7 Candidates in Table 3 Above
The main problems found in the reviewed CVs include:
- Lack of Action Verbs: they did not use enough action verbs to describe achievements and responsibilities in past roles.
- Limited Quantitative Information: There’s no numerical evidence and metrics to demonstrate success in past roles.
- Poor Visual Appeal: Many CVs had unappealing formats that could negatively affect their ability to stand out.
- Grammar and Organisation Issues: Errors, mixed tenses, inappropriate capitalisation, and poor organisation (particularly regarding skills and experience) were common.
- Overuse of Clichés: Many CVs (over)used clichéd phrases and terms like “team player,” “proven ability,” “manage,” “develop,” etc.
- Insufficient Evidence of Skills: Soft and technical skills were often listed without examples or context to demonstrate competence.
- Lengthy and Unnecessary Information: Several CVs were too long and included irrelevant information, particularly for non-executive roles.
- Lack of Keywords: Some CVs missed critical keywords compared to the job description, making them less likely to be picked up by automated applicant tracking systems (ATS)
Our CV review team is always here to support you. We can help you elevate your CV to the best quality (avoiding these mistakes).
e. 6 Top Tips to Take Your CV from Good to Great
1. Easy to Read
- Use a suitable CV template to organise your information effectively.
- Highlight your skills and knowledge through concrete examples.
- Back up your statements with evidence from your work history and include them in your summary.
- Stand out by demonstrating your achievements and success.
PRO TIP
The goals you are aiming for related to the role should already be in your cover letter but not in the summary.2. No gaps in education or work experience
There should be no gaps in your education or employment history. Unexplained gaps leave HR management personnel wondering what happened.
A short gap in employment may be acceptable when relocating for a new job. But anything longer than a month should be explained positively.
Likewise, explain if you took a gap year before starting your graduate studies. Try to relate your experience during that time to the job in question.
Expert Advice
Former career consultant Kirsty Bonner often said that top CVs steadily progress.
There is, however, nothing wrong with a gap of one or two months if you are still navigating the journey to find a job.
This time is usually the approximate duration some people use to transition between jobs.
Nevertheless, Kirsty advised that you explain why the gaps existed for over three months.
For example, explain the gaps right where it occurs in your CV.
Or do it in a separate section at the bottom of your CV.
Personally, as a recruiter, I’ve seen many applicants explaining why gaps exist in their CVs.
I always treated these CVs more positively than if they had failed to explain those gaps.
I’ve read a few. They are reasonable as well if you leave jobs too soon (i.e., job-hopping)
Examples
(June 2018 ─ December 2018): Relocated to the USA and obtained citizenship. Now, do not require any sponsorship to work in America.
Left the former job by choice (eligible for rehire) to care for a sick family member until she passed 13 months later. (Implications: you won’t need to keep asking for off periods going back to care for the sick any longer).
Took a 5-year break from paid work to raise a family.
For short-term jobs, always write ‘A Contract Role’ in your CV beside the job role when it was a contract job. Everyone will know that contract jobs are short by nature.
Position eliminated due to layoffs of 30% of workers
Employment ended when funding ran out
Left the role and relocated to Lagos for wife to take up her new job.
CV EXAMPLE
Explaining Gaps (As an Annexure)
3. Use a Recommended Font And Size
By using a professional-looking font in the correct size, you can enhance the visual appeal of the text in your CV. Avoid cursive scripts and ensure that text is not bunched up or difficult to read.
Recruiters or HR personnel will want to scan your CV quickly. Remember, you only have 7 seconds to impress. Please don’t make them have to peer at small or difficult-to-read fonts.
Many recruiters and hiring managers use these general guidelines:
- Your Name: 20-24 points
- Headings and Subheadings: 11-14 points
- Body Text and Your Contact Info: 10-12 points
Here’s a comprehensive list of our recommended CV fonts.
Consider using the same font style and sizes in your cover letter.
4. Highlight Significant Accomplishments
If you want to make a big impression on hiring managers, include a core area of accomplishment in your CV. Also, could you include your goals for the next 5-10 years?
This section creates a very quick snapshot of your skills and achievements. It makes a personal statement and gives recruiters an idea of who you are.
You need to understand your core competencies. These might include leadership, teamwork, or management skills. Or you may want to focus on your interpersonal skills.
Then, you can write a good summary of them that shows the reader how you have used these skills in the workplace.
Job seekers often underestimate the power of summarising their careers on one page. Try to include impressive achievements, but not too many. Avoid information overload.
According to research:
Image credit: FinancesOnline
5. Factual
The information in a good CV is always factually correct.
Many job seekers tend to embellish specific achievements or competencies.
Avoid doing this. Do not claim anything you cannot substantiate in your work history.
Your accomplishments must be believable.
Create your personal brand with care. Do not paint yourself as some larger-than-life character. Remember, potential employers may look at your online portfolio or social media profile.
Don’t embellish for the sake of a perfect curriculum vitae. You might be in trouble if you can’t live up to it.
Be honest about your previous work experience. When you write a CV, remember it’s straightforward to verify.
6. Do Not Tell – Show
For example, instead of claiming to be “creative,” show your creativity.
Say, “As a developer, I created the solution deployed to solve….”
Research industry keywords related to the job application in question.
Use them in your cover letter, CV, or resume.
Create an effective CV using our free online resume builder.
For example, if you are a developer, include keywords or phrases related to your area of expertise.
Make sure to elaborate on the tools and software you are familiar with.
Choose a Developer CV Template that highlights your core competencies in the field.
Take Note!
Your CV is a genuinely personal statement that should reflect who you are and what you bring to the table as an employee. Choose a CV format that will impress and suit the role you are after.
PRO TIP
We recommend using a premium free CV builder to create a professional CV or resume.
It will guide you through the CV/resume writing process.
We have hacks for you: how to write a CV like a guru.
Doing so will ensure you leave no essential skills out in your application.
Another benefit of using a CV template is that it allows you to create many CV pages or resumes.
Then, you can tailor each page to different job applications.
Choose a position-specific CV template.
Doing so will make sure your application meets the expectations of recruiters.
f. Learn from the Pros: CV Examples (With Free MS Word download)
Now that we’ve finished with the nitty-gritty of what you should and shouldn’t do when you write a CV, we will look at some CV examples.
These CV examples will give you a good idea of what professional CVs look like and what you should strive for when you write a CV.
The choice between a finance CV, an academic CV, a sales CV, and even a CV for a school leaver is essential. Remember, this is not just your personal statement but also your one chance to make an impression and get the interview. The choice of CV layout is critical.
Below, we have some excellent examples of CVs. These CV samples will set you up to create a great CV. You can choose one of these CV templates and make it your own. Add your personal profile to them and craft the perfect CV.
See more CV examples.
Teacher CV Example [Word Download]
Front-end Developer CV Example
Java Programmer CV Example
Chief Operating Office CV Example (C-level)
Project Manager CV Example 1
Project Manager CV Example 2
Business Analyst CV Example
Finance CV Example
Career Development Specialist CV Example
(Functional CV Format)
Healthcare Assistant CV Example (Chronological CV)
IT Director and Data Analyst CV Example
Math Teacher CV Example (Page 1 of 2)
Math Teacher CV Example (Page 2 of 2)
Trainee Software Developer CV Example
Practice Nurse CV Example
Research Scientist CV Example
Senior Lecturer in Business Administration CV Example
Akira Yamamoto – Project Manager CV Example
Family Law Paralegal CV Example
Legal Assistant CV Example
Paralegal CV Example (A CV With ‘No Experience’)
Sales CV Example
School Leaver CV Example (Fresh High School Diploma Graduate)
Create a concise CV using our online CV builder. Feel confident in your job search with our online CV builder.
Don’t forget to check out our cover letter examples.
Write your cover letter using our cover letter builder app with insider tips and techniques for the best cover letters.
Learn how to get job referrals and connect on LinkedIn by first adding value.
You can choose from the most suitable CV templates.
Unleash Your Destiny: Crafting a CV of Limitless Potential
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.
With these powerful words in mind, we finalise this guide on how to write a good CV.
Throughout this journey, we have examined the various elements and strategies that can transform your CV. Building a CV profile that genuinely impresses.
Turning it into a remarkable representation of your skills and potential.
Remember, success lies not only in inspiration but also in the unwavering belief in your abilities.
In today’s competitive job market, standing out is essential.
Whether you’re a school leaver or a graduate, a skills-based CV can make all the difference. And even experienced workers can gain insight by following these tips.
Tailor your curriculum vitae to showcase your unique abilities, and don’t forget to highlight those important tasks you’ve accomplished.
Choose a CV layout that is concise and captivating, presenting your professional profile in a way that captures attention.
Joining professional memberships adds credibility to your CV and shows your commitment to growth.
From primary school to now, you’ve developed valuable skills that can be applied in any role.
Remember, employers appreciate candidates who deliver results on time. So, craft a winning CV highlighting your skills and demonstrating your ability to execute marketing campaigns excellently.
Your journey has prepared you for this moment, and with a skills-based approach, you’ll unlock new opportunities and pave the way to success.
Good luck!
Further Reading: How to Write a Good CV ─
- A Good CV tells your story skilfully (graduate CV)
- Use our free CV scanner
- 51 best LinkedIn summary templates
- LinkedIn profile builder
- Free online resume builder with any CV template
- Resume builder article to read
- Putting the work experience section in your CV rightly
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