how to write a good cv

To write a good CV, follow these key steps:

Structure and Content

1. Header with Contact Information
   Include your full name, phone number, and professional email address at the top so employers can easily contact you

2. Professional Summary or Introduction
   Write a brief summary (2-4 lines) highlighting your key qualifications, skills, and career goals tailored to the job you want. This should quickly show why you are a good fit

3. Education
   List your educational background in reverse chronological order, including degrees earned or in progress, institutions, and dates. Place this section early if you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience

4. Work Experience
   Detail your relevant jobs, internships, or volunteer work, starting with the most recent. Include employer name, job title, dates, and 2-3 bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements, ideally using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

5. Skills
   List relevant skills such as languages, software proficiency, or technical abilities that match the job description. Use keywords that employers or applicant tracking systems might look for

6. Additional Sections (if applicable)
   Add sections like awards, publications, presentations, professional memberships, or community service to showcase your accomplishments

7. Personal Interests (optional)
   Briefly include hobbies or interests that demonstrate transferable skills or help form a personal connection

Formatting and Style

• Use a clear, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, size 10-11 pt

• Keep your CV concise—generally one to two pages, unless an academic CV which may be longer

• Use bullet points for readability and avoid large blocks of text

• Write in the past tense for previous roles and present tense for current roles

• Avoid jargon, clichés, and generic phrases like "hardworking" or "team player"; instead, provide concrete examples

• Tailor your CV to each job by emphasizing the most relevant skills and experiences

• Proofread carefully to eliminate spelling and grammar errors, and have someone else review it

Additional Tips

• Use active verbs such as "created," "analysed," or "devised" to demonstrate initiative

• Do not include personal details like age, marital status, or nationality

• If you include references, state "References available upon request" rather than listing contact details

• Avoid including your home address if posting your CV online for privacy reasons

By following these guidelines, your CV will be clear, targeted, and professional, increasing your chances of securing an interview