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CV Writing

What is a CV?

A CV, which stands for curriculum vitae, is a document used when applying for jobs. It allows you to summarise your education, skills and experience and will often be requested alongside a letter of application. There a many different types of CV including: Chronological; Skills based; Academic; Technical; Graphic.

Why a CV?

Some employers will request your CV when you are applying for a job but not always as some will prefer you to complete an application form. Your CV is a useful record of everything you have done and can be adapted according to what you are applying for.

If you keep your CV up to date you can send it to employers on spec to ask whether they have any positions.

CV writing - top tips

Tone

Don't be afraid to write in the first person and introduce some personality into your CV to make it more engaging.
Keep tenses consistent, if you are talking about a current job describe it in the present tense.

Layout

Many employers use Applicant Tracking System software to review CVs and you need to try and make sure your CV is ATS compliant so that it can be easily read and understood. Below are some things you can do:

Include key words and phrases outlined in the job description.
Use font size 10/11/12 for wording and 14 for headings.
Don't use fancy fonts, graphics or tables - keep it simple and avoid using arty templates online.
Use bullet points to separate information and use bold for headings.
Save files as word documents.
It's also a good idea to try and keep your CV to two pages maximum.

Content

Use key words and essential skills outlined in the job description and tailor the content of your CV to each job.
Add as little personal information as possible to protect your personal security. Just add an email address and your mobile, not your date of birth and just include name of town/county for your address.
For the employment section use bullets and start each sentence with an action verb and follow with the achievement and impact e.g. 'Planned and created an innovative menu to establish a loyal repeat customer base and increased occupancy rates by 40% during lunchtime sittings'
Use this formula to write Achievement Sentences: Skill + Impact + Evidence e.g.

Created detailed data reports using conditional formatting in Excel (skill) to monitor product sales to manage stock ordering more efficiently (impact), saving costs and reducing wastage (evidence).

If you have been working for a long time don't include every single job, you can amalgamate similar jobs into one e.g. spent five years working in hospitality industry.
If you use ChatGPT or any other form of artificial intelligence to help you write your CV, employers might detect it and could view your CV unfavourably.

CV Sections

Account for any gaps in your CV e.g. 'Career Break' or 'Planned Career Break' such as volunteer work, parental leave, rehabilitation from illness, travel.
You are not required to include the names of any referees on your CV as it wastes valuable space and employers will ask for them if required at a later stage.