How to Write an Effective CV

CV Look and Feel

Create a CV that gets results.

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. As your official introduction, your CV format should look its professional best. A successful CV is one that lands you the interview. While there is no standard CV template, there are strategies to employ when writing a CV.

A professional CV must convey the positive difference you will make for each employer you approach. That requires customising your CV template to suit every opportunity that comes your way. By thoroughly researching the company, and by paying attention to key words in the job description, you’ll a get good sense of the company’s “pain points.” Use this knowledge to your advantage! Make sure your achievements show how you successfully handled similar situations.

Before CV writing begins, research a few sample CV formats. The CV tips below demonstrate how to make a CV visually appealing and effective.

• Generally, CVs are two pages in length; CV Summaries are one page.
• Print your CV in black ink on high quality white paper. That goes for cover letters as well.
• Use an easy to read CV format; peruse sample CVs for design ideas
• Do not make margins too wide or too narrow
• Choose a CV format that allows you to headline key achievements
• Information that shows you’re a great fit for the job should be placed toward the top
• Use bold type appropriately. Use underlining sparingly, if at all.
• Arial and Times New Roman are standard typefaces on most business computers. Avoid unusual typefaces.
• Use a font size of 11 points or above
• Edit lengthy paragraphs until they are concise and read fluidly
• Include detailed contact information on the first page
• Start employment history with your current or most recent job and work backwards
• Combine long-form copy with logically placed, thoughtfully written bullet points