Your CV is your first chance to impress a potential employer and showcase your skills, qualifications, and achievements. However, writing a CV can be challenging, especially if you are not sure what to include and what to avoid. To help you create a CV that stands out and lands you an interview, here are some dos and don’ts of CV writing.
Dos of CV Writing
• Keep it short and sweet: The most effective CVs are concise and relevant. Try to get straight to the most important points and ideally take up no more than two pages of A4. Avoid unnecessary details or repetition that may bore the reader or take up valuable space.
• Choose a professional font: A professional font ensures that your CV is easy to read and scan. Use a clear and consistent font throughout your CV, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid fonts that are too fancy, small, or hard to read. Use a font size of 10 to 12 points for the main text and 14 to 16 points for the headings.
• Keep the layout simple and clear: A simple and clear layout makes your CV look neat and organized. Use headings, bullet points, and white space to break up the text and highlight the key information. Align the text to the left and use bold or italics sparingly for emphasis. Avoid using graphics, colors, or images that may distract from the content or make your CV look unprofessional.
• Tailor your CV to the job: A tailored CV shows that you have done your research and understand the requirements of the role. Customize your CV to match the job description and highlight your relevant skills, experience, and achievements. Use keywords and phrases from the job advert and demonstrate how you can add value to the employer.
• Proofread your CV: A well-written CV is free of spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors that may undermine your credibility or professionalism. Proofread your CV carefully before sending it and use a spell-checker or online tool to catch any mistakes. You can also ask a friend, family member, or professional service to review your CV and give you feedback.
Don’ts of CV Writing
• Write in chronological order: Writing your previous experience in chronological order may not showcase your most recent and relevant experience. Instead, use a reverse-chronological order that puts your current or latest role at the top. This way, you can highlight your most recent achievements and skills that are applicable to the job you want.
• Use overly fancy language: Using overly fancy language may make your CV sound pretentious or unclear. Instead, use simple, honest, and smart language that conveys your message effectively. Avoid jargon, slang, or acronyms that may confuse the reader or make you seem out of touch. Use action verbs, numbers, and facts to demonstrate your impact and results.
• Give too much personal information: Giving too much personal information may be irrelevant or inappropriate for your CV. You only need to include your name, phone number, email address, and location on your CV. You do not need to include your date of birth, marital status, nationality, photo, or hobbies unless they are relevant to the job or requested by the employer.
• Tell lies (but do talk up the truth): Telling lies on your CV may backfire if you get caught or fail to deliver on your promises. You may lose your credibility, reputation, or job offer if you lie about your skills, qualifications, or experience. Instead of lying, talk up the truth by emphasizing your strengths, achievements, and potential. Use positive words and examples to showcase your abilities and value.
• Send the same CV for every job: Sending the same CV for every job may make you seem lazy or uninterested in the role. Each job is different and requires a different set of skills, qualifications, and experience. Sending a generic CV may not capture the attention of the employer or show how you fit their needs. Instead of sending the same CV for every job, tailor your CV to each role and employer.
By following these dos and don’ts of CV writing, you can create a CV that showcases your skills, qualifications, and achievements in a clear, concise, and professional way. A well-written CV can help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting an interview and landing your dream job.
1: 8 do’s and don’ts for writing a winning CV – edvoy 2: CV Dos and Don’ts | Robert Half 3: 8 Resume Do’s and Don’ts To Improve Your Job Prospects | Indeed.com 4: CV layout: dos and don’ts | reed.co.uk
