How to create a knockout CV (Part One)

These days, not a lot of applications ask you to provide a CV, as the application itself usually covers all the bases e.g. your qualifications, work experience etc. However, this doesn’t mean that CVs are useless or completely redundant.

In fact, there will be times when your CV is what secures your interview and gets you through the door.

So how can you create the perfect CV? A CV that sells all your best features and gets your application brought to the top of the pile?

In this post, we aim to equip you with the stepping stones for creating a knockout CV that will leave a lasting, positive impression on potential employers.

What should your CV contain?

You’d be surprised by how many people don’t know what to include in their CV. As a result, they often supply too more information or don’t include the right stuff to secure themselves an interview.

So what should you include?

  1. First you should include your full name, address and contact details e.g. phone number and email. These are all vital pieces of information that regularly get missed off CVs but are needed if employers are to contact you.
  2. Next you should write a few short lines about yourself and your background (for your personal statement). Remember, this will be one of the first things they read so you really need to sell yourself and showcase all of your best qualities.
  3. Work experience – this should include your job title and a few sentences describing your responsibilities (whilst in the role). Obviously if you’ve had several jobs, you will need to tailor your CV. For this reason, make sure that you include the most relevant/applicable jobs that you have done which are best suited to the role you are applying for.
  4. Education – this should list your highest achievements/qualifications at the top before proceeding to your older qualifications.
  5. Following the education section you should list your key skills. For example any programs you can confidently use e.g. Microsoft Office or any additional languages you can speak.
  6. Hobbies – this is often overlooked when it shouldn’t be, as listing your hobbies can add personality to your CV and can make you more memorable. Similarly, your choice of hobbies can say a lot about your personality and potential work ethic.
  7. References – there is a bit of a divide on this point, as many will only state that they can provide references upon request – so don’t list anyone – whilst others will list a whole collection of potential referees.The difficulty stems from the rule that CV’s should be only 2 pages long. Personally, as long as your CV isn’t 10 pages, you are safe to list 2 people without overstretching your CV. After all, if you list employers who can verify your skills or ability to do the job (that you are applying for), then this can further enhance your application.

This guideline is the perfect stepping stone for getting you started, so if you are struggling to write your CV then why not use the above points to help?

Alternatively, you can wait for our next post, where we will go into greater depth on how to structure your CV and ensure every word your write makes the right impression.

Like this article? Spread the word

Why you can trust the Association of Learning

The Association of Learning provides high-quality, accessible online education. Collaborating with awarding bodies like AQA, Edexcel and OCR, they offer over 250 globally recognised courses. Highly rated with 4.7/5 on Trustpilot, they're listed on Reed Courses, FindCourses and more. Explore inspiring learner stories. Contact their friendly team for quality, flexible learning opportunities to upskill your career.

How To Be Your Own Boss

Ready to be your own boss? Dive into our comprehensive guide to create a solid action plan, gain essential skills, and manage your finances effectively. With practical tips and resources, you'll be well-equipped to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a successful reality!

Organised? Here’s How to Turn it into a Career

We all like to think of ourselves as being organised. However, it is one thing to be able to plan an outing and another to prioritise the workload of others and manage entire events. So how can you tell if you’re a highly organised person? How can you know that you have the organisational skills...

9 Most Common Teaching Assistant Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

So, you’ve achieved your teaching assistant qualification and are ready to take on the classroom. Congratulations! Now just to nail the interview… Today, we’ll work through the nine questions that schools love to ask TAs during their interviews and how to answer them effectively. Even if these specific questions don’t come up during your interview,...

How To Get a Remote Working Job in 2024

The shift to remote work has been a game-changer for many businesses and individuals, particularly since the COVID pandemic. Companies that never considered remote working before have now embraced it as a core part of their operations, recognising the cost savings and increased productivity it offers. But businesses aren’t the only ones benefitting. Many individuals have turned to freelancing or started their own businesses from home, using platforms like Etsy to boost their income. In this article, you’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of remote work. We’ll cover everything from the financial savings of cutting out commuting costs to the increased flexibility remote work offers. You’ll also discover how working remotely allows you to apply for jobs further afield, unlock higher pay, and manage your own schedule.

How does Distance Learning work?

When it comes to choosing where to study, one of the main things learners focus on is easy accessibility. And it makes sense. You need to be in a situation where you can readily access your course materials and feel comfortable in your surroundings. Now, for a lot of us—especially if you’ve been out of...

Comments (0)

Join the conversation

Your email address will not be published
What’s on your mind?*
Your name*
Your email*