In today’s competitive job market, your CV is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you. It’s more than just a list of your experiences—it’s your personal marketing tool, showcasing your skills, achievements, and why you’re the right fit for the role. Yet, so many candidates struggle to create a CV that truly stands out.
If you want to land interviews, your CV needs to grab attention, tell a compelling story, and pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many companies now use. Here’s a complete guide to writing a CV that gets results.
1. Understand the Purpose of Your CV
Your CV is not just a history of where you’ve worked. Think of it as a sales pitch about yourself. Its main purpose is to:
- Highlight your skills and achievements.
- Show your relevance to the job you’re applying for.
- Convince employers to invite you for an interview.
Always write with your audience in mind. A CV for a creative role will look different from one for a support or administrative role. Understanding the expectations of your industry is the first step.
2. Start With a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement (or professional summary) is usually 3–5 sentences at the top of your CV. It’s your elevator pitch. A strong statement:
- Introduces who you are.
- Highlights your key skills.
- Shows your career goals and how they align with the company.
Example:
“Dedicated Health Care Support Worker with 2+ years of experience assisting patients with daily activities and improving overall well-being. Skilled in patient care, record-keeping, and communication. Passionate about providing compassionate support and contributing to a positive healthcare environment.”
Notice how it’s concise, targeted, and achievement-focused.
3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
Employers want to know what you can do for them, not just what you did in previous jobs. Instead of listing every responsibility, focus on measurable achievements.
Instead of:
- Managed a team of 5 staff.
Write:
- Led a team of 5 staff to achieve a 20% increase in efficiency over six months.
Numbers, percentages, and clear results make your CV more persuasive. Even small achievements count.
4. Tailor Your CV for Each Job
A generic CV rarely works. Each application should reflect the specific job description and skills required.
- Highlight experiences that match the job role.
- Use keywords from the job posting — ATS systems often filter candidates by keywords.
- Reorder sections to emphasize what’s most relevant.
Think of your CV as a custom-made tool designed to fit the company’s needs.
5. Keep It Clear and Easy to Read
Even the strongest CV can be overlooked if it’s hard to read. Here’s how to make your CV user-friendly:
- Use clear headings: Personal Statement, Work Experience, Education, Skills.
- Use bullet points, not long paragraphs.
- Keep it 1–2 pages (unless you’re in senior roles with extensive experience).
- Stick to a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Ensure consistent formatting for dates, job titles, and locations.
Remember, hiring managers spend only seconds on the first scan of a CV. Make it easy for them to pick out the highlights.
6. Include Relevant Skills
A skills section is essential. Include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving).
Example:
Hard Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Basic HTML, Graphic Design
Soft Skills: Communication, Time Management, Teamwork, Problem-Solving
Always prioritize skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
7. Education and Qualifications
List your most recent qualifications first, including any relevant certifications or professional courses. Include the following:
- Degree or qualification
- Institution
- Dates attended
- Achievements or distinctions (if notable)
For certain roles, relevant certifications (like Health and Safety, First Aid, or Digital Marketing) can make your CV stand out.
8. Consider Adding Extras
Depending on the role, you can include additional sections to strengthen your CV:
- Volunteer Work – Shows dedication and transferable skills.
- Portfolio Links – Ideal for creatives, writers, or designers.
- Languages – Particularly useful in multinational companies.
- Awards or Recognitions – Highlights your excellence.
Anything that supports your application and demonstrates your abilities can add value.
9. Proofread and Edit
Nothing kills a CV faster than spelling mistakes, grammar errors, or inconsistencies. Employers notice.
- Read your CV out loud to catch awkward sentences.
- Use tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Editor for a quick check.
- Ask a friend or mentor to review it — fresh eyes often catch mistakes you miss.
10. Get Feedback
Sometimes, you need a second opinion to ensure your CV hits the mark. Ask someone familiar with the industry, a mentor, or a professional CV writer for feedback.
If you’ve never had someone customize your CV, consider investing in professional help. A strong CV can open doors that would otherwise remain closed.
Real-Life Example
One of my clients, Henry, recently shared his success:
“Good afternoon ma, I have start the support work.”
After I helped Henry craft a CV tailored to the Health Care Support Worker role, he landed the job and started his position within weeks.
This is proof that a well-prepared CV can change the course of your career.
Final Thoughts
Your CV is more than a document — it’s your story, your first impression, and your key to new opportunities. By making it clear, achievement-focused, and tailored to the job, you dramatically increase your chances of getting interviews.
Remember: a strong CV doesn’t just list what you’ve done — it shows what you can do for your next employer. Take the time to polish it, tailor it, and present your best self. Your dream job could be just one well-written CV away.
Need help writing a CV that gets results?
I specialize in crafting CVs that open doors. Send me a message today, and let’s make your next career move happen.
