Close

Get 10% OFF your first order. Discount code GetDiscountNew10 Order Now

Menu Menu

How to Write an Awesome CV: Instructions, Recommendations, Guidance

Your potential employees will ask you to provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV) for sure. If you have no idea how to create a good one – don’t worry, we have written this article to guide you through this highly sensitive task.

A Curriculum Vitae means “course of (my) life” in Latin and this is exactly what a CV is. CVs are written to present skills, professional level, experience and other important facts about your job-related activity. Your aim is to prove that you have skills and knowledge to actually do the job you are applying for. It is also important for you to describe your talent and experience in a way that matches company’s requirements.

Follow these simple steps to compose a successful CV and get the workplace of your dream.

What is a purpose of a CV?

Your CV should include a summary of your job history, qualifications, and education. Some applicants also include additional information such as photos, salary expectation, and date of birth. This document helps a hiring manager find out more about you and deduce whether you are a suitable candidate or not.

Oftentimes, CVs are composed from scratch every time you apply for a new job. This is necessary because when you are applying to a certain position, you have to change the information accordingly and remove the irrelevant facts. Your CV should only present the facts that describe you as a good candidate for this concrete position, so don’t waste the hiring manager’s time.

Pre-writing tips

  • View CV samples to learn what they usually contain

Actually, when you will start searching for examples on the web, you will see that there is no universal format for a CV. In some way, there are no restrictions here, but you have to make sure that your document looks clear and professional (we will dwell on this question later). As we have already mentioned, CVs include your previous experience, skills, achievements, and interests. Samples will help you grasp the general idea of what to include and how to format the document.

  • Do some research

Find as much information about the company as you can. You should be aware of the main line of company’s work, its principles, missions, and goals. What exactly they are looking for in a job candidate? What skills are required for a place you aim at? Also, check the company’s website and double-check the application page. Answer these questions to yourself and keep them in mind while composing your CV.

  • Make a job list

Recall all jobs you have ever had, including your current one and those you have held before. Don’t forget about the dates that you started and ended each job.

  • Your interests and hobbies

If you have any unique hobbies and interests, include them in a CV, because this will make you stand out from the crowd. However, think about the conclusions that can be made from your hobbies. Tell about those interests that show that you are a motivated and active person rather than a passive and solitary one. Companies give priority to people who are ready to work in a team.

It is better to describe your experience as a volunteer in a charity organization or mention that you are a rock-climbing fan than to write that you are fond of puzzles and books. It’s okay if you do like some aloof entertainments, so you can put some of these things in a CV, however, make sure to explain why do you like them.

  • Think about your relevant skills in detail

Make a list of your skills that are relevant to a job you are applying for. The most common things here are languages you speak and computing skills, but you should also think about specific skills the company is looking for.

A CV writing guide

  • Come up with a format of your CV

There are different options of CV formatting such as breaking the information into sections, making a list or separating each section with a line. Try various types of formatting to see which one looks more professional and makes your document easy to read.

  • Include your contact information

Write down your name, phone number, email, and address at the top. A hiring manager should have no difficulties in finding your contacts in a document. There are various formatting options here, too. The most common one is putting your name at the center of the page, adding your address in a block format below and then including your phone number and email.

  • Start with a personal profile

Write an original and clear opening paragraph, stating your basic personal information. For instance, write that you are a motivated student, looking for an editorial job that will utilize your creative writing and communication skills you have developed at your previous workplaces and college.

  • Write about your education

This section should include your education in a reverse chronological order: university, college, high school. Include the years you were attending these places and your majors.

  • Write about your work experience

Here you have to list all of your work experience that is somehow relevant to the position you are applying. Write down the company’s name and location, years you worked, and your responsibilities. Use a reverse chronological order here, too. Start with the latest job you’ve had and move backward. If you have a vast job experience, include only those positions that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

  • Write about your skills

This section is for accomplishments you have from your previous job experience and skills you have gained there.

  • Write about your interests

As we have already mentioned, you have to include your relevant interests and show your personality in a positive key. Come back to the list of interests you have made while brainstorming and include the most appropriate ones to your document.

  • Additional information

This section is not necessary, but you are welcome to include it if there is a gap in your CV or any information you would like to include.

  • Revise

After you are done, make sure to double-check your paper and correct mistakes. Nothing mars the impression more than floppy errors in a CV. Also, make sure that your CV is free from repetitive facts – it’s better to include fewer traits than to put the same ones again and again.

These tips will help you keep on track, so take them into account and your CV writing will be more effective and simple for sure!

Order now