Unsure of how to write your first CV? Don’t worry! In this video, we will talk you through the most essential tips to follow to write a job-winning résumé. Within five minutes, you’ll learn how to craft the ideal CV that targets all the right keywords to bag you the job.
Don’t believe us? Watch the video and find out how to create an impressive CV that will place you one step closer to securing an interview for your first job or college application.
Follow this easy format for a great CV:
1. Choose the Right Format If you have no work experience whatsoever, it’s advisable to use a skill-based format that focuses your application on your skills rather than your experience. 2. Follow a Good Structure If you’re writing a skill-based CV, the structure should include: a header followed by a summary, skills, work experience, education, and hobbies and interests. 3. Use a Job Description as a Guide Pay close attention to the language used within the job description and imitate it throughout your CV. 4. Focus on Transferable Skills Studying can teach you great time-management and organisational skills that you can highlight within your CV 5. Include Hobbies and Interests One good way of standing out from the crowd is to include hobbies and interests on your CV. 6. Get Professional Help
It can be difficult, and as you will probably have limited work experience, impressing hiring
managers can be a challenge.
If you don't know where to begin, you've come to the right place.
Our experienced CV writers have listed their top tips for creating the perfect first CV.
Number 1.
Choose the right format.
If you have no work experience whatsoever, it's advisable to use a skill-based format
As you can see from this example, the skills come before any work experience and include
more detail.
Chronological CVs may be more common, but they are better suited if you have completed
various internships that can show transferable skills that you have gained.
Number 2.
Follow a good structure.
Your structure defines the information on your CV, so you must select one that includes
If you're writing a skill-based CV, the structure should include
Avoid including any personal information that could lead to discrimination such as gender,
age, marital status, or religion.
And avoid adding a photo to your CV unless it's for a career in modeling or acting, where
it's generally requested.
However, it's important to note that certain countries and regions may require some of
the above information, so do some research before you begin writing your CV.
Number 3.
Use a job description as a guide.
Pay close attention to the language used within the job description and imitate it throughout
your CV.
In order for ATS systems to select your CV, you'll need popular key words that are required
for the role.
Let's say you're applying for a hairdressing position.
You'll need to include
You need to highlight the skills that will get you noticed.
Number 4.
Focus on transferable skills.
Even if you haven't had any work experience, you would have gained plenty of transferable
skills at school, college, or even at home.
Studying can teach you great time management and organizational skills that you can highlight
within your CV.
For example, you can say that you had to work towards tight deadlines during your dissertation,
which helped you prioritize and stick to a schedule.
Number 5.
Include hobbies and interests.
When you're just starting out, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd.
One good way of doing so is to include hobbies and interests on your CV.
That said, don't start adding random hobbies like watching Netflix.
It has to be something productive that will make your CV shine, like volunteering or playing
a team sport that will prove that you're a team player.
Number 6.
Get professional help.
If you're still really unsure of where to begin, why not get a professional to write
your CV for you?
You could work with one of our professional CV writers on CareerAddict.com, who will
tailor your documents to the role you're applying for and ensure they meet all the
correct requirements.
So that's all you need to know to write a great first CV.
That said, if you're looking for more...