How to write a CV: The Ultimate 2022 Guide

Do you want to learn how to write a CV? Are you looking for simple cv writing steps? Did you know that recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds reading each CV? Have you looked up the terms "cv example," "sample CV," and "great CV" and come up empty-handed?

Writing a good CV can be a stressful task, especially if you're just starting out, but we're here to help! A good CV is essential because it is your first opportunity to sell yourself to a potential employer. We're here to show you a few things you can do in 2022 to improve your CV and show potential employers why you are the best candidate for the job.

Key points at a glance:

1. What is a CV?
2. How to Start Your CV
3. What information should I include?
4. Structure: How to format your CV
5. The CV Layout: What is the best font and size
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Key takeaways

What is a CV?

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a written summary of your skills, work experience, accomplishments, and education.

You may need to write a professional CV for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you want to write an academic CV because you have recently graduated or are seeking a promotion and are preparing your CV and cover letter to reflect your qualifications. Or maybe you are just looking for a new job. When it comes to CV writing, you're in the right place because we show you how to write a perfect CV to help you find your dream job.

This article divides the process of writing a good CV into three steps: How to Start, How to Structure, and What Is in the Layout

How to start your CV:

1. Look over the job advertisement for the position you're applying for, making note of the job description, person specification, and company information.
2. Consider how your skills and work experience match what the employer is looking for, and gather the information you'll need, such as your qualifications, previous work and volunteer experience, contact information for previous employers, and proof of any training courses you've completed.
3. Keep in mind that your CV should be tailored to the job description and the company.

What information should I include on my CV?

The format of a generic CV is flexible. While there is no 'one way' to write a CV, there are a couple of elements that most CVs always have, and employers would expect to see. If you want to perfect your CV, make sure it's well-formatted and short enough for recruiters to scan quickly - and, most importantly, tweak and tailor it to the job description and company you're applying for!

Structure: How to Format Your CV

When it comes to CV writing, formatting differs from CV layout. A CV format is a structure or framework on which to build your CV.

In the UK, there are two CV formats: reverse-chronological and skills based CV. The reverse-chronological CV format is appropriate for the vast majority of jobs. The Reverse-Chronological CV Format emphasises your work history and work experience. You begin with your most recent job and work your way back in time, listing your previous jobs in chronological order.

Here is the basic structure of a reverse-chronological CV that you should use to form a CV template:

1. Contact Details
2. Personal statement
3. Work experience
4. Education Background
5. Skills & Achievements
6. Hobbies and interests (optional)

Contact Details

This is your personal profile and should include your name, email address, contact phone number, and address. Instead of "Curriculum Vitae," put your name at the top, larger, centralised, and bolder. Ensure that this information is up to date so that a potential employer can contact you.

Things not to include in your CV: age, date of birth, marital status, and nationality.

Personal statement

A personal statement can help you stand out from the crowd and serve as a cv summary. It describes who you are, what you offer, and what you are looking for. In one short and succinct paragraph, explain why you are qualified. Consider the job you want, and the qualifications required by the employer. Explain to the employer why you're a good fit for their company. Make sure you tailor your CV to each individual job you apply for. Identify skills in the job advert and include examples of these. Make each version of your CV a clear reflection of you as the perfect candidate for the job.

Work experience:

All of your relevant experience should be included in this section: Include any placements, volunteer work, or paid jobs you've had. You should list them in chronological order, beginning with the most recent and including:

1. Your job title
2. Your employer's or company's details
3. The dates you worked there (start to end)
4. Your job role/key responsibilities. (Usually 2 to 3 lines)

Include any key points that may resonate with the prospective employer. Be specific, be precise, and it's nice to finish with some factual information about how you positively impacted the business. Just as with your personal statement, glean keywords from the job description and include them in your work experience section for a tailored curriculum vitae.

Education:

As with your work experience, begin with the most recent (or current) one and work your way back to secondary school. Include the following:

1. The name of the institution you studied at
2. When you studied there
3. The qualification (and grade/s) you achieved

If you have little or no professional experience, rearrange your CV so that your education section comes before your work experience section. Otherwise, leave your education section right after your work/employment history.

What if you're a recent graduate looking for your first full-time job? If this is the case, you should take two steps: First and foremost, prioritise your education section over your work experience. Second, go into greater detail about your academic experience. Include, for example, your dissertation title, favourite academic disciplines, and coursework that is relevant. Your most notable accomplishments, Academic extracurricular activities

Aside from qualifications, make your application stand out by listing any additional skills, an achievement or information that will strengthen it. This could include education, language skills, relevant awards, or membership in professional organisations.

Key Skills and Achievements:

This is your opportunity to demonstrate how your previous work experience has provided you with the transferable skills required to be a suitable candidate. Typically, job descriptions already include the skills that are desired. List all of your relevant skills and accomplishments and explain how you would apply them to the advertised role. Think about your hard and soft skills: Technical skills that can be measured and are directly related to your tasks are known as "hard skills." Soft skills, on the other hand, are learned abilities such as personality traits (e.g., leadership, communication, etc.).

Tip: You must clearly show the employer that you actually possess that skill and know-how to use it in the workplace.

Hobbies and Interests

You don't have to include hobbies and interests in your CV all of the time, but mentioning relevant ones can help you stand out from the crowd and give you something to talk about during the job interview. Don't include it if it isn't going to add value.

References

A reference is a way for potential employers to verify your work and/or educational history based on what you've written on your CV. A referee is someone who writes your recommendation. Simply write "References available upon request" and then provide their contact information later.

However, if references are required, and you are wondering who you can use as a reference on your resume, The first should be your current or former employer, and the second should be someone you know well from a professional or academic setting. Are you a recent university graduate? In that case, two academic references are acceptable.

The CV Layout: What is the best font and size?

The CV layout reflects the characteristics of the document and includes font size and type, colours, paragraph length, line spacing, and so on. A good layout is more than just visually appealing. It may be the deciding factor in whether or not you are hired.

1. Length: less is more. No longer than two sides of (white) A4 paper, typed (not including your cover letter).
2. The Font: The Best CV Fonts are Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, Cambria, and Helvetica. Keep it black, between sizes 10-12.
3. Paragraphs: simple and clear, using headings, formatting (bolding, italics, underlining), and spacing to structure the information and make it easily scannable.
4. Margins: Set your margins to one inch on all sides.
5. Spacing: Set your CV spacing to 1.15. Double-space after headings for emphasis.
6. Alignment: For the body of your CV, our advice is to always left align.
7. File Format: Unless the job application says otherwise, go with PDF. It's the best way to preserve your carefully arranged layout.
8. File Name: Just use your full name.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Write a CV

If you apply everything, we've learned so far, you should have a very well-rounded and detailed CV. But, before you leave, here are some common CV writing questions.

Do I need a cover letter?

When applying for a job, you should always include a cover letter with your CV. A cover letter is a one-page document submitted with your job application. In about 250-400 words, it introduces you and briefly summarises your professional background. It's an open letter to the hiring manager. It allows you to explain why you are qualified for the position. However, keep in mind that a cover letter is an addition to your resume, not a replacement. Make certain that your cover letter does not repeat information from your CV.

CV Writing: How to write a good CV?

The key to writing an effective CV is to demonstrate to recruiters and hiring managers that you are an ideal candidate for the positions you are applying for.

You must also present the information in such a way that it can be quickly digested by busy people who are reviewing hundreds of CVs.

By following the layout, format, and content within this guide, you should be able to achieve this.

To stay on track, always remember the audience of your CV and its purpose when you are writing it.

What questions does your CV need to answer?

If your CV answers all of these questions, you'll have a better chance of being chosen for an interview.

1. Have I included my personal details?
2. Where have I produced results?
3. Are there any unexplained gaps in my employment?
4. Have I covered my key work experience?
5. Have I received education and training relevant to the job?
6. Does my CV match the job specification?

What words should I include in my CV?

Here are some CV example words of how you would describe yourself:

1. Responsible
2. Pro-active
3. Accurate
4. Hard-working
5. Innovative
6. Reliable
7. Responsible

What skills should I include?

1. Creativity
2. Resilience
3. Adaptable
4. Teamwork and interpersonal skills
5. Self-management
6. Problem-solving
7. Planning and research skill
8. Ability to learn

What Should I Not Include?

1. Details such as height, weight, birth date, age, sex, religion, political affiliation, or place of birth should be avoided
2. A photo is also not required unless you are applying for a modelling or acting job.
3. Reasons for leaving your previous job
4. Overused clichés and certain words and phrases should be avoided.

Will it get through the applicant tracking system?

Did you know that many employers are now using Applicant Tracking Systems to help with applicant shortlisting?

Recruitment software now scans your CV for key words and skills used in the job advertisement. This means that you should change your CV for each job application using keywords from the job advertisement

How Should You Proofread Your CV?

Mistakes are common, and we are only human. so, make certain that you:

Check your grammar and spelling again. The most common reason for rejection is incorrect spelling. If your CV is sloppy or riddled with errors, potential employers will be unimpressed.

Examine your CV as if you were the company to which you are applying. What are your thoughts on the layout and information provided? Do you have a professional appearance?

Have someone else look over your CV. What should they consider adding or removing? Would they hire you if they ran their own company?

CV Vs. Resume? What Is the Difference?

If you're wondering what the difference between a CV and a resume is, don't worry - they're really just two different ways of saying the same thing. CV is the most commonly used term in the UK and Europe.

Key takeaways on How to write a CV

To recap...

1. The essential structure/template of your CV needs to include: contact details, personal statement, work experience, educational background, skills and achievements, and hobbies and interests.
2. Lastly, make sure your CV is tailored to the specific job
3. Add a cover letter that is relevant and doesn't repeat your CV.

After all of your hard work, you should be able to throw that example cv out the window because you should now be confident in your ability to write a winning CV. This shouldn't be too difficult because you now have a solid foundation to work with.

Get it right and Good luck job hunting!

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