With any question these days, there are multiple answers and opinions. When it comes to “How to write a CV” – it’s no different, it can honestly feel like a minefield, but that’s okay. We can honestly say that there is no one size fits all solution. However, there are a few tips you can follow to give you some structure; which we have outlined for you in this article. We will discuss the burning questions like:
- How far back should my work history go?
- How long should my CV be?
- What CV structure should I use?
- Do I need a photo?
Keep on reading to find out the answers to the questions you’ve been yearning for answers to.
Introduction
A well-polished CV is essential when you are job searching. Your CV is your opportunity to grab attention, stand out from the competition, and generate enough interest to get you an interview. To polish your CV, start by ensuring that it is clear and concise. Recruiters are often reviewing dozens or even hundreds of CVs (often for only 6 seconds!), so you want to make sure that yours can be easily scanned and that the most important information stands out. Next, take a close look at your language choices. Use action verbs and positive language to describe your skills and experiences, and avoid using jargon or buzzwords. Finally, make sure that your CV is error-free. Proofread it yourself and then ask a friend or family member to take a look as well. Typos and grammar mistakes can be off-putting to recruiters, so it’s important to catch them before your CV goes out.
With a little polishing, your CV will help you land the interview you’ve been hoping for and our tips will help you achieve this.
Tailoring your CV
Your CV is one of the most important tools at your disposal when searching for a new job. It is your chance to make a good first impression and convince potential employers that you are the right person for the job. However, many job seekers make the mistake of keeping their CV too general. They may feel that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach saves them time, but in reality, it is unlikely to persuade a recruiter that you are committed to a career in that sector or that you are the best fit for the job. It is essential that you craft your CV in a way that highlights your most relevant qualifications and experience for the role you are applying for. Be sure to include industry-specific keywords and tailor your experiences to match the job description. Your CV should give prominence to your relevant qualifications and experience, so the recruiter immediately gets an idea of your suitability for the role. This may take a bit more time and effort, but it will be well worth it in the end.
A well-crafted CV will give you a much better chance of landing the job you want. Avoid making the mistake of keeping your CV too general – it could cost you the job.
What structure should I use for my CV?
The type of role you are applying for is the most important factor to consider when deciding on the best CV format for you. For example, if you are applying for a creative role, such as a designer or artist, then a more visually appealing and unique CV layout, which includes images and icons, may be the best way to demonstrate your qualifications and showcase your creativity. However, if you are applying for a more traditional role, such as an accountant or lawyer, then a more conventionally formatted and chronological CV which is clear and concise will be more appropriate.
With a chronological CV this will summarise your work history and generally runs in reverse chronological order, with your most recent position at the top for relevance. It remains one of the most popular and recognised CV formats, and is a great way to highlight your career progression and experience in your chosen sector. In terms of a layout you should look to:
- Start with your contact details and personal profile
- Followed by a statement at the top of your CV
- Then move to your work history. When listing each role, include the company name, employment dates and a short summary or bio of the business. For example:
“ ABC Company | June 2021 to Present
An I.T. company with 100 employees across the UK. Specialising in I.T. solutions with an £12 million turnover. ”
For your most recent roles include two headings, “Responsibilities and Achievements”, under the company bio. We would recommend aiming for up to 5 bullet points for each one, and choose the ones that are the most relevant and impressive. By including this detail on your CV, it helps the employer understand what you were responsible for, and it shows them what you did well and where you added value.
How long should my CV be?
When it comes to your CV, the length will vary depending on how much experience you have and what you’re including. However, two pages is usually the sweet spot – any longer and it might lose the reader’s attention, but shorter than that and you might not be able to fit everything in. The key is to have a clear structure with headings and sections so that everything is easy to find, and only include information that’s relevant. If you can do that, then two pages should be plenty.
How far back should my work history go?
As a job seeker, you may be wondering how many jobs to list on your CV. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the length of your career and how many previous roles you have held. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to include a maximum of 15 years’ worth of work history on your CV. Additionally, it is important to only include roles that are relevant to your chosen career and the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing role, there is no need to list your previous experience as a cashier. Finally, when listing your work history, be sure to start with your most recent roles at the top of your CV as recruiters typically read these first. Listing your work history in reverse chronological order will ensure that the most relevant information is at the top of your CV.
Do I need to put a photo on my CV?
So, should you include a photo on your CV or not? Well, there isn’t a clear-cut answer to this one. Some career experts think a photo isn’t needed and can even look unprofessional, as unless you’re an actor or model, it shouldn’t matter what you look like. Others say there’s no reason why not –a smart, professional photo can add credibility and personality to your CV or application. If it’s a position where appearance is important (e.g. in retail), then it might be worth including a photo. However, if it’s a role where your looks are less relevant (e.g. in an office job), then perhaps you can leave it off. Ultimately, it’s up to you – just make sure that whatever decision you make is consistent with the rest of your CV or application.
Bonus material:
How to present your CV:
- Keep your CV clean and uncluttered and ensure there’s spacing between sections
- Use the same font throughout; Calibri, Garamond, or Cambria all work well. Steer clear of anything too stylized –less is generally more here
- With regards to font size, use 10-12 point for your body text, and a maximum of 16 for headings
- Avoid using capitals for entire words and embolden headings
- Don’t reduce font size to fit more in–your CV should be clear and readable. If you need another page, use one
Have an up-to-date CV
Even if you’re not actively looking for a job; we really recommend that you keep an up-to-date CV. For the simple reason that it will save you time if and when you do start searching for a job, it can also stop you from forgetting your achievements, projects you’ve worked on and the key details of the roles.