How to write a CV that stands out
Your CV is the first point of contact between you and your next potential employer. Whilst we bring you the latest vacancies, it’s important to make sure your CV is working just as hard as you are. Find out how to write a CV that stands out below.
What are the 5 main things your CV should include?
1. Start with your main contact details & introduce yourself
Include your full name, address, mobile number, and email address.
Use your CV profile to highlight your key attributes to help you stand out. Include a few relevant achievements and skills, explaining how they align to your career goals. Keep it role-specific and no longer than 100 words.
2. Highlight relevant experience
List in reverse date order, make sure the experience is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Include your job title, name of the company, how long you were with the organisation, and key responsibilities.
3. List your education and any relevant training
As above, order it with the most recent first. Include qualification type, grades, dates, and mention specific modules where relevant.
4. Summarise your skills
Talk about languages you speak and software you can competently use. These should be relevant to the job, and you should be able to back these up during the interview if needed!
5. Show your personality
A relevant interest section can provide a more complete picture, help them understand how you will fit in with the team and give you something to talk about during the interview.
Formatting your CV
Break it up – section headings are a good way to break up your CV. Make them stand out by making them bold or a larger font size.
Be professional – despite the temptation to choose a fun font, choose something professional and easy to read such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman size 10-12, and remain consistent with your font choice throughout.
Keep it concise – use clear spacing and bullet points so potential employers can skim your CV and pick out important information.
Save it as PDF – this ensures it can be read on any device.
CV writing tips
Use active verbs – words such as ‘created’ and ‘analysed’ demonstrate initiative.
Use a spell checker – a good CV doesn’t have spelling or grammar mistakes.
Don’t be generic – avoid over-used phrases such as ‘team player’ or ‘hardworking’ and replace them with real-life examples that demonstrate your skills.
Tailor your CV – target your CV to the role and employer using the information provided on their website and social media accounts.
Be truthful – if you lie or exaggerate on your CV this will not only demonstrate dishonesty to your potential employer, but can also lead to serious consequences too.
Always include a cover letter – this will enable you to personalise your application by drawing attention to a particular part of your CV or clarify gaps in your work history.
Get help with your CV
If you have any questions, visit our Careers Guidance page and please don’t hesitate to contact your Sanctuary consultant – they will be happy to support you to feel interview-ready.
