- What is a CV and what makes a good CV?<\/a><\/li>
- 15 topnotch tips for a good CV<\/a>
- 1. Work on the basics before anything else<\/a><\/li>
- 2. It\u2019s all in the presentation<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Mastering tone and voice<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Optimal CV length\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Writing CV according to the job description\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Making yourself fit for the role<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Using headings to your advantage<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Displaying your achievements to attract and retain attention<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Not overloading your CV with too much info<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Using expert language and telling the truth<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Include references<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Make consistent updates<\/a><\/li>
- 13. Add a personal statement<\/a><\/li>
- 14. Appealing to the eye<\/a><\/li>
- 15. Add keywords<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Best CV Tips To Try Now<\/a><\/li>
- FAQs<\/a>
- Sources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
What is a CV and what makes a good CV?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We all know what a CV is, right? It\u2019s got your full name, employment history, achievements, education, interests, etc. and all that jazz, for the HR manager to consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Writing a great CV can easily be one of the most challenging aspects of looking for a job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you know that the vast majority of employers scan through your CV only for a few seconds, followed by either a quick shortlisting or throwing it straight in the bin? Some are even using AI-powered software now to speed up scanning CVs, especially when they have hundreds to even thousands of CVs to sift through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listen \u2013 writing a great CV is not like writing down a groundbreaking formula for splitting the atom. Anyone can do it as all you need is the right approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
15 topnotch tips for a good CV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As a hopeful candidate, you have likely scanned almost every corner of the internet while researching \u201cwhat is a good CV\u201d. While there are plenty of top CV tips available online, these \u201815 CV top tips\u2019 that we have for you is almost guaranteed to seal the deal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Work on the basics before anything else<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"work](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/1-work-on-the-basics.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are many brilliant ways to write the perfect CV. However, there\u2019s no fixed structure and this has been intentionally kept flexible so that you can add, delete, or move around sections to make specific aspects of your career stand out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that said, some sections will have to remain where they are always placed \u2013 e.g. your name, contact information, qualifications, employment track record, personal statement, and so on. Failing to include any of these, not including them in the right spot, or leaving inaccuracies and\/or errors within them can be a costly mistake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While we\u2019re on the subject of basics, understand that HR managers want to see your work history and academic achievements in reverse chronological order as well. If you think about, it\u2019s actually wise to lay out your experience in this fashion as it showcases your most recent achievements first, letting the HR manager or recruiter know what the height of your career has been so far. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. It\u2019s all in the presentation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"lasting](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2-presentation-and-lasting-impression.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA great CV will be clearly and carefully presented, printed on a crisp and clean piece of A4 size paper. This is one of the best CV tips we can give anyone yet it is often overlooked!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The layout should look clean, professional, and well-structured. So, your CV should never be presented in a folded or crumpled piece of paper. Place your crisp piece of paper in a neat and presentable A4 envelope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In terms of presentation, it\u2019s also worth talking about the \u2018CV hotspot\u2019 \u2013 i.e. the upper middle section on the first page as that\u2019s where the recruiter\u2019s eye will typically fall. Boom<\/em> \u2013 include your most important information here, like your full name and email address, how to reach you via phone and all that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Mastering tone and voice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"speaking](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/3-speaking-with-impact.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe active voice is the best way to show prospective employers what kind of impact and success you achieved in past roles, and also prove how you can do the same in your new role. Now, this pretty much comes down to how you play with certain sentences within your CV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance: \u201cAll digital marketing campaigns were overseen by me\u201d sounds a bit off, doesn\u2019t it? It\u2019s always better to say: \u201cI oversaw all digital marketing campaigns\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The active voice sounds snappy, direct, and generally more concise compared to the passive voice. So, go through your CV, and take out all the passive sentences, replacing them with active ones to ensure your points hit home in a more impactful way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, a great CV will incorporate a selection of powerful words to highlight your achievements, capabilities, and potential, such as generated<\/em>, maximised<\/em>, spearheaded<\/em>, fostered<\/em>, etc. You get the idea!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being familiar with different communication methods<\/a> can also help to tailor your CV\u2019s tone and voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Optimal CV length <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"cv](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/4-keeping-it-concise.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe optimal length for a CV is two pages. But let\u2019s say you have a rather illustrious career history you want to showcase, it can be challenging and even tricky to find the right sweet spot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExperienced job seekers\u201d tend to cram every detail they can onto the two pages. The end result? Tight margins, tiny hard-on-the-eyes font, and big chunks of annoying text. We need to lose all that so that the words on your CV have enough room to breathe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A font size of between 10 and 12 is fine for the main body text, while 12-14 is okay for headings. Keep your page margins between 1.27cm and 2.5cm. Adjust line spacing to 1.15 or preferably 1.5 to give everything a professional and balanced appearance. So, in short:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Limit your CV to two A4 pages<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep things short, sweet, and concise<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Highly the necessities only<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Writing CV according to the job description <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"tailor](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/5-tailor-your-cv.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019re all guilty of this: spit out the exact same CV to multiple employers just to save time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stop it<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get in the habit of writing your CV for the specific role you\u2019re applying for. How do you do that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By researching the company and using the job ad to understand precisely the skills you should highlight first in your CV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing this not only makes your life easier but also the recruiter\u2019s. After all, they\u2019re looking to match candidates with the job description they put out, so give them something they can\u2019t turn down!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Planning to change careers in the middle of a job hunt and need career advice<\/a>? No worries, people do that all the time. Here\u2019s a useful read on how to change careers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Making yourself fit for the role<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"make](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/6-demonstrating-fit-for-perfect-candidate.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow do you know if you are truly fit for a specific role? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All the clues are in the job description, friend! Carefully read the details from top to bottom. Take notes where you need to, write down bullet points, and highlight every single detail which you can satisfy with your skills, including the ones you can\u2019t. The areas where you are lacking, fill those gaps by mentioning the skills you do have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, if you had a brief stint at a retail store where you managed things in a storage room or helped increase sales, then mention that on your CV, even if you did that just to pay for college tuition. Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Increased in-store sales by 12% in 6 months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Organised and categorised storage supplies, helping the business sell faster during busy seasons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Took new staff under my watch and trained them to cope with challenges \u2013 or something along those lines. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This demonstrates that you\u2019ve built certain skills which may be transferrable to the role in question.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCareer courses<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n7. Using headings to your advantage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"using](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/7-structure-navigation.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRecruiters and HR managers love big and bold headings that stand out! Without them, they often struggle to navigate through the one or two-page document quickly. This will make you lose points with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s plenty of research which indicates that recruiters and prospective employers barely spend a few seconds scanning each CV \u2013 in most cases, just 6 seconds or so! That gives you a very small window to get their attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Introduce each section with clear headings, and a font type that\u2019s not only clean and professional looking but also easily to scan. Bolding headings works well, as does increasing the font size or even underlining each heading. These last two tweaks alone are better than making your headings bold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, you can bold specific pieces of information, such as job title, company name, and employment date, for instance. Either way, make each role as well as achievement under the employment<\/em> and education<\/em> section stand out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Displaying your achievements to attract and retain attention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"showcase](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/8-showcast-achievements.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOne of the simplest ways to quantify your achievements, abilities, and accomplishments in a way that attracts the recruiter\u2019s eye is by using numbers. When you use tangible numbers to support each achievement, HR managers\/recruiters can easily understand the potential impact you might make in your new role \u2013 they already know what you\u2019ve achieved in a similar role in the past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Refer to point no. 6 \u2013 that\u2019s exactly what you want to do in order to highlight achievements in numbers. We can always do with more examples though:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Instead of saying \u201cworked overtime to keep the company\u2019s network online\u201d, you should say \u201cachieved a 99.9% uptime for the company\u2019s network by implementing and tweaking the latest network maintenance system\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rather than saying \u201ckept customers satisfied\u201d, say \u201creduced customer bounce rate by over 15% during a 6-month sales period\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cIncreased sales\u201d won\u2019t cut it so instead, say \u201cachieved a sales boost of 60% during the Holiday season\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
So, basically, anything which showcases your productivity, the responsibility you undertook, and how you met targets. Speaking of productivity, here\u2019s a really great read on how to increase productivity<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Not overloading your CV with too much info<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"avoid](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/9-avoid-overloading-information.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve already discussed how important it is to make the recruiter\u2019s life (and yours). This directly applies to your CV\u2019s overall aesthetics too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It needs to be easy on the eye, allowing your recruiter to find the desired information within seconds. Therefore, use short and to-the-point sentences and bullet points where applicable. Leave a reasonable amount of white space between categories and around the text in each category. Information on a CV that is clearly presented and easy to read will always win hearts and minds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Using expert language and telling the truth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"using](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/10-expert-language.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the right CV language? This has got to be one of the most valuable tips for a good CV:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always use positive and assertive language. Words like \u201corganised\u201d, \u201cdeveloped\u201d, \u201cspearheaded\u201d, etc. indicate that you were in a position of authority where you met the desired goal as per expectations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take a good look at the skills you acquired from all your jobs, including the odd jobs you did or the ones you haven\u2019t included on your CV due to whatever reason. List those skills using the kind of positive, assertive, confident, and professional language that recruiters love to hear! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, don\u2019t make anything up. This is a dire mistake which can land you in a lot of hot water as nearly all employers will check your background and references. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 2. It\u2019s all in the presentation<\/a><\/li>
- 15 topnotch tips for a good CV<\/a>
![\"include](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/11-include-references.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"keep](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/12-cv-updates.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"unique](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/13-unique-statement.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"create](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/14-engaging-design.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"adding](\"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/15-enhancing-visability.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n