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CV Writing Basics: How to make your CV stand out
Let’s be real—writing a CV can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re just starting out. But don’t stress! With a solid structure, a bit of creativity, and some clever tweaks, your CV can be the ticket to landing interviews. Here’s how to nail it:
12/22/20242 min read
Step-by-Step CV Structure for Entry-Level Roles
Think of your CV as a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. Here’s a simple structure that works every time:
Contact Information: Start with your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile link. No need to include your full address—city and postcode will do.
Personal Statement: In 3–4 sentences, sum up who you are, your key skills, and what you’re aiming for. For example:
“A recent graduate in Business Management with strong communication and organisational skills. Looking for an entry-level role in marketing to develop my creativity and problem-solving abilities.”Education: Highlight your most recent qualifications first. Include your university, course, grades, and key achievements (e.g., “Completed a research project on digital marketing trends”). A-Levels or GCSEs can follow.
Work Experience: List part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering roles. Focus on transferable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, or customer service. Quantify your impact where possible, e.g., “Handled 50+ customer queries daily, ensuring 95% satisfaction rates.”
Skills: Use a bullet-point list to showcase relevant abilities like Microsoft Office, social media management, or foreign languages. Tailor this section to the job you’re applying for.
Hobbies and Interests (Optional): Mention hobbies if they show creativity, leadership, or dedication—think sports, blogging, or volunteering. Skip generic ones like “watching TV.”
References: Either include referees or simply write, “Available on request.”
CV Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
Keep It Simple: Use a clean, professional layout with a clear font like Arial or Calibri.
Stick to Two Pages Max: Employers don’t have time for your life story.
Tailor It: Use keywords from the job description—this shows you’ve done your homework.
Highlight Achievements: Show what you accomplished, not just what you did.
Don’t:
Include Irrelevant Info: Skip your primary school and outdated skills like “using a fax machine.”
Use Fancy Graphics: Unless you’re applying for a creative role, flashy designs can be distracting.
Lie: Embellishments might backfire if you’re asked to prove something in an interview.
Tailoring Your CV to the Job
One CV doesn’t fit all jobs. Employers want to see that you understand their company and role. Here’s how to make your CV pop:
Research the Job Description: Highlight the skills and qualities they’re after, then make sure your CV reflects those.
Adjust Your Personal Statement: Match it to the role. For a marketing job, emphasise creativity and digital skills; for admin, focus on organisation and accuracy.
Reorder Skills and Experience: Put the most relevant ones first. For example, if the job involves customer service, lead with examples from retail or volunteering roles.
Use Action Verbs: Words like “managed,” “led,” and “achieved” sound more impressive than “did” or “helped.”
Final Thoughts
Your CV is your chance to shine, so make it count! Keep it concise, relevant, and tailored to every role you apply for. And don’t forget to proofread—typos can cost you the job. Now go on, get that CV polished and start applying!