What is a CV?

A cv is a 'curriculum vitae', a written demonstration of an individual's career, education, and

qualifications used to apply for job roles. Curriculum Vitae is Latin for 'course of life', another
popular name used for this document is 'resume'. A CV can come in many forms and can also be
accompanied by a 'cover letter' or 'motivational letter', introducing yourself, detailing your interest
in the role and why you are the perfect candidate.

It can be the key to career success or doom you to rejection after rejection. And recruiters spend just
seconds looking at it before they decide if you’re a yes, or a no. So your CV can’t just be good, it
has to be great.

Here are our top tips on how to make a powerful first impression with your CV.

1. Read the Job Description Before You Write

If you only remember one tip from this list it should be this one.
 Before you write your CV read the job description then read it again.
 Find keywords like the job title, required qualifications, skills and experience then include
them in your CV.
 Use the job description as a cheat sheet to target your CV with laser focus.

2. Use the Right CV Format

CV format is the structure or framework you build your CV on. Different formats communicate
your employment history, qualifications and education in different ways. In the UK there are two
main types of CV format. Reverse chronological and skills-based. Choose the right one for your
employment history and life experience.
Reverse Chronological CV
 Preferred by recruiters.
 The most compatible with ATS scanning software.
 Focuses on your employment history, lists your most recent job and moves backwards from
there.
 The best choice for experienced candidates with a traditional career path.
Skills-Based CV
 Focuses on your core set of transferable skills and abilities rather than your employment
history.
 A good choice for career changers, people with gaps in their work history and if you’ve got
limited work experience such as in a student CV.
 Caution. Recruiters can be suspicious of this format and it might not be compatible with
older ATS systems.

3. Make a Standout CV Header

Your header sits right at the top of the page and that’s the first place that people read. So make it
visually distinct and information-rich.
  Put your name in a larger font size, it’s the one thing that marks you out from all the other
CVs in the pile.
 Include your job title and key certifications. E.g. Jennifer McLeish, Chartered Certified
Accountant.
 Add your contact details, including your LinkedIn profile.
4. Create a Powerful Personal Statement
Your personal statement is the short paragraph that follows your CV header. Its purpose is to give
the recruiter or hiring manager an overview of what you have to offer as a professional. As the first
section of your CV to be read it should instantly convey that you’re the best candidate for the job.
Follow this advice to get it right.
 Target your personal statement. Read the job description and craft a new personal statement
for every application you send.
 Mention your motivation: Why do you want to work in this job for this company.
 Skills and work history: Mention the skills and experience you have that make you the
best candidate for this role.
 Goals: Describe where you plan to go in your career with this company.
5. Use Bullet Points
Use bullet points in your CV experience section and for your skills list and education details. Bullet
points make it easier to skim the text and pick out the most important information. Keep them short
to maximise white space and have no more than six bullet points for each job you list.