Writing a CV is not always easy. Whether you are a university graduate applying for your first job, or an experienced professional looking to further your career, a CV is your chance to document your achievements and explain to a potential employer why you – and not a competitor – are the right fit for a job role. The average time spent looking at a CV is just 5-7 seconds, so it is essential that yours is polished to perfection. Not everyone can produce a well written CV, but what can you do to get yours to the top of the pile?

Brush up on the basics

Think of your CV as a personal sales document, spread over two sides of A4 paper. At the bare minimum, you must include personal details such as your name and contact details. Remember, don’t fall into the trap of including an unprofessional personal email address here – keep it short and simple. Include a succinct paragraph detailing what makes you spectacular and, above all, suitable for the role.

Then, starting with your most recent work experience first, list any relevant occupations past and present. Include job titles, the name of the organisation, time spent in a post and any key responsibilities and achievements. Educational experience including dates, qualification and grades comes next, followed by any unique hobbies and interests that add value or help you to stand out.

Tailor your CV to the role

No two jobs are ever the same, so it follows that, although you might apply for similar job roles, your CV should reflect the requirements of a post. There is no need to entirely re-write your CV each time, but some delicate tweaks can make all the difference. Start by reading any relevant job adverts in their entirety. Take time to understand the requirements listed for the role and tailor your CV so that your skills and experiences match the job specification.

Language is key here. If, for example, an employer has asked for ‘excellent communication skills’, it pays to use this exact phrasing in your CV. With the increase in hiring software revolutionising recruitment, keyword searching can be used to filter down applications, so be mindful of this when applying for a role and writing your CV. Research the company values and culture and reflect in writing how, as an individual, you align with these prospects.

Get a second opinion

Still not sure if your CV is up to scratch? Hand a printed copy of your CV over to friends and family for honest feedback and make a note of any areas that can be improved. Mistakes are easy to miss on a computer screen, so it is important to check over a paper copy of your CV and any other accompanying documents before hitting send. Better yet, if you are really struggling, you can even contact a CV professional to help you construct a CV that will get you noticed.

Writing and editing do not come naturally to everyone but asking for help can secure your success. CV templates can make your writing seem stilted and impersonal, so if you want to highlight your relevant and object experiences, reaching out to a CV expert can help you to construct a winning document every single time. From niche careers to graduate roles, a tailored CV allows your personality to shine through and should ensure you rise above the competition and land the career of your dreams.

CV writing can seem tricky at first – talking about yourself in detail is a challenge for even the most experienced writer. However, with a little care and attention to detail, there are ways to give your CV a better chance of getting noticed. Been invited to an interview off the back of your CV? Check out this article about how to make the best first impression.