5 Top Tips for Creating a Great CV

A strong CV is one of the most crucial elements in landing your dream job. It’s your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on a potential employer, and having a well-crafted CV can set you apart from the competition. If you’re looking to improve or create a standout CV, here are five top tips from the recruitment experts at Contract Personnel to help you get started:

1. Tailor Your CV to the Job

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending the same generic CV to every employer. To stand out, tailor your CV to each job you apply for. Review the job description carefully and highlight the skills, experience, and qualifications that match the employer’s needs. This not only helps you show you’re a good fit for the role but also makes your CV more likely to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which scan CVs for relevant keywords.

Tip: Customise your professional summary or objective statement to reflect the specific role you’re applying for. Focus on your most relevant skills and achievements.

2. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

While it’s important to list your previous job responsibilities, your CV will stand out more if you focus on achievements. Showcase how you added value in your previous roles by quantifying your successes. Did you increase sales by a certain percentage? Improve efficiency or lead a successful project? Numbers and tangible results speak volumes to employers.

Tip: Use bullet points to list your achievements in a clear and concise manner, always starting with action verbs like “increased,” “developed,” “managed,” or “improved.”

3. Keep It Concise and Easy to Read

Employers don’t have time to read a 10-page CV. In fact, most recruiters spend only about 6-10 seconds reviewing each CV. That means you need to make your CV both concise and easy to read. Aim for a 1-2 page CV, depending on your experience level. Use clear headers, bullet points, and a professional font (e.g., Arial or Calibri) to make your CV visually appealing and easy to skim.

Tip: Avoid long paragraphs or unnecessary jargon. Focus on clarity, and make sure the most important information is easy to spot.

4. Use a Professional Layout

The layout and structure of your CV play a key role in its effectiveness. A clean, well-organised layout will make it easier for hiring managers to find the information they need quickly. Start with your contact details at the top, followed by a brief professional summary or objective, work experience, education, and skills. You can also add sections like certifications, awards, or volunteer experience if relevant.

 Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Spelling and grammatical errors can be a major turnoff for potential employers. Even a small typo can make you appear unprofessional or careless. Before submitting your CV, take the time to carefully proofread it. Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing and ask a friend or mentor to review it for you.

A great CV is a powerful tool in your job search arsenal. By tailoring it to the job, highlighting your achievements, keeping it concise and easy to read, using a professional layout, and proofreading carefully, you’ll significantly increase your chances of catching the eye of a hiring manager. Remember, your CV is your personal marketing document, so make it count! Always remember, we are here to work with you and help you find your next role. So please send your CV to us and we can help and advise any tweaks that might need to be made.

Norwich Industrial – norwichindustrial@cpl.uk.com

Thetford Industrial – thetfordindustrial@cpl.uk.com

Norwich Driving – norwichdriving@cpl.uk.com

Permanent Team – perms@cpl.uk.com