Create a winning CV
As the job market continues to evolve, having a standout CV is more crucial than ever. A well-crafted CV not only reflects your skills and accomplishments, but also showcases your unique personality. Use these tips to craft a winning CV, helping you – or your Mentee – to stand out from the crowd.
1. Categorise your information
Choose the right categorisation and order to best organise your information and showcase your value. We like to use the following categories:
Contact details: Include up-to-date email, mobile and LinkedIn URL (personalised is best!).
Summary: A concise and impactful summary highlighting key skills, achievements, and career goals. Summaries are optional, though useful for entry-level roles.
Education & Training: List degrees, courses and certifications, including relevant awards and achievements.
Work & Leadership Experience: Detail relevant work history and brief descriptions of lesser known organisations.
Additional Information: List your awards, volunteering experience, and skills. A “Hobbies” line allows for some personality to shine through.
References don’t usually need to be included unless specifically requested.
2. Structure for readability
A well-structured CV allows for easy reading and quick spotting of keywords like a roadmap for hiring managers. Keep these tips in mind:
Keep it short & snappy – 1 page is enough for junior positions
Leave plenty of white space and avoid overcrowding your CV with too much text
Use a clean and professional font throughout to enhance readability
Organise information chronologically, starting with your most recent experiences
Utilise bullet points to present information succinctly and make it easier to skim, though keep each bullet at maximum 2 lines
Save and share your CV as a PDF to maintain formatting consistency.
Remember to prioritise and be concise. The key to a compelling CV is prioritising the most relevant and impactful information. The CV contents should highlight successes and tell an interesting story with clarity and brevity.
3. Tailor your CV for each role
One size does not fit all! Customise your CV for each application by aligning it with the specific job requirements and company culture. This tailored approach shows potential employers that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position. Emphasise experiences and skills that align with the specific role (check the job description for ideas).
4. Use powerful language
Avoid simply repeating job descriptions or listing your responsibilities. Write bullet points focused on achievements and impact, and led by strong action words like "achieved," "spearheaded," and "implemented". This shows how you proactively contributed in the role and adds a dynamic touch to your CV. Include numerical evidence where possible (e.g. £, hrs) to further show your impact.
5. Write a compelling personal bio
Your personal bio serves as an introduction to you and helps to build an authentic, professional identity. Keep it concise and engaging, focusing on your unique strengths and career aspirations. Mention your passion for your field, and add a touch of personality to make it memorable.
Remember, your CV is your personal brand ambassador; write it to reflect your personal brand narrative. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating a winning CV that captures attention and opens doors to exciting opportunities. Don’t forget you can always schedule a one-to-one remote mentoring session through ConnectHive for personalised feedback and corrections.
