How To Write A Cv For Job Application

What is a CV?

A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is a document that is used to provide potential employers with a detailed overview of your professional and educational background. It acts as a snapshot of your achievements, and allows employers to quickly assess your suitability for a role. It is important to tailor your CV to the job you are applying for, and to ensure that it includes the most relevant information about your experience and qualifications.

What Should You Include?

Your CV should include the following information: your name, contact details, education, work experience, and any relevant qualifications, skills and interests. When creating your CV, consider the type of job you are applying for, and the information that you need to include. For example, if you are applying for an administrative role, you may need to include information about your computer skills and any relevant office experience you have. If you are applying for a creative role, you may need to include a portfolio of your work.

Layout and Formatting

It is important to ensure that your CV is clearly laid out and easy to read. Use a simple font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and avoid using any fancy formatting. Aim for a professional and consistent appearance by using the same font and font size throughout your CV. Use bold and italics to make certain sections stand out, and make sure there is plenty of white space. Use bullet points to list your skills, experience and qualifications, and keep your sentences concise.

How To Write A CV For Job Application

Step 1: Start With Your Contact Details

Start by including your name, address, telephone number and email address at the top of your CV. This will allow employers to contact you quickly and easily. If you have a professional website or social media profile, you can also include the links.

Step 2: Write A Personal Profile

Your personal profile should be a short but informative paragraph which summarises your experience and suitability for the role. Include information about your qualifications and experience, as well as any relevant skills and interests. Aim for around four or five sentences.

Step 3: Add Your Education

Include the details of any educational qualifications you have obtained, such as school, college, university and professional qualifications. Start with the most recent qualifications, and include the name of the institution, the qualification title and the year of completion.

Step 4: List Your Work Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. Include the name of the organisation, your job title, the dates you worked there and a brief overview of your role and responsibilities. If you have had a number of different roles in the same organisation, you can group them together.

Step 5: Outline Your Skills

List any skills or abilities which you have which are relevant to the role you are applying for. These could include computer skills, language skills, organisational skills, communication skills or any other relevant skills. If you have professional qualifications, make sure to include them here.

Step 6: Include Any Relevant Interests or Activities

If you have any relevant interests or activities, you can include them in your CV. These could include any voluntary work, hobbies or sports activities which you are involved in. These could be important if the role requires certain skills or qualities which you have gained through these activities.

Step 7: Proofread Your CV

Once you have written your CV, make sure to read through it carefully to check for any mistakes or inconsistencies. Ask someone else to read it through too, as they may be able to spot any errors which you have missed. When you are happy with your CV, save it as a PDF to ensure that it looks the same on any device.

Example of How To Write A CV For Job Application

Example 1: Administrative Role

John Smith
123 Main Street, London, UK
john.smith@example.com
07123456789

Personal Profile
I am an experienced administrative assistant with 5 years of experience working in a busy office environment. I have excellent organisational and communication skills, and I am able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Education
BA in Business Administration, University of London, 2018
A Level in English Language, St. George’s College, 2016

Work Experience
Administrative Assistant, ABC Company, 2019-Present
– Managing calendars, organising meetings and responding to emails
– Assisting with the preparation of presentations and reports
– Answering telephone queries and taking messages

Skills
– Strong organisational and communication skills
– Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
– Excellent time management skills
– Ability to work under pressure

Interests and Activities
I am a member of my local amateur dramatics group, and I have been playing the lead role in the group’s annual performance for the last three years.

Example 2: Creative Role

Jane Smith
456 High Street, Manchester, UK
jane.smith@example.com
07123456789

Personal Profile
I am a creative and motivated graphic designer with 5 years of experience in the creative industry. I am highly creative and have an excellent eye for detail, and I am able to work to tight deadlines.

Education
BA in Graphic Design, Manchester University, 2018
A Level in Art, St. George’s College, 2016

Work Experience
Graphic Designer, XYZ Company, 2019-Present
– Designing logos, brochures and other marketing materials
– Editing and retouching images
– Liaising with clients and managing projects

Skills
– Strong creative and design skills
– Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator
– Excellent attention to detail
– Ability to work to tight deadlines

Interests and Activities
I am an avid photographer, and I have exhibited my work in local galleries. I also volunteer at a local art charity, helping to provide art classes for children.

Example 3: Technical Role

James Smith
789 King Street, Liverpool, UK
james.smith@example.com
07123456789

Personal Profile
I am a highly experienced software engineer with 7 years of experience in the IT industry. I have excellent technical knowledge and I am able to work independently and as part of a team.

Education
MSc in Computer Science, Liverpool University, 2018
BSc in Software Engineering, Manchester University, 2016

Work Experience
Software Engineer, ABC Company, 2019-Present
– Developing software applications and websites
– Debugging and troubleshooting existing applications
– Writing technical documentation

Skills
– Strong technical knowledge and programming skills
– Proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP
– Knowledge of software development processes
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Interests and Activities
I am an active member of a local coding group, and I have been helping to mentor new members for the last two years. I also volunteer at a local charity, teaching coding classes to children.