CV Advice: Writing Tips for a Good CV

Crafting a standout CV is essential in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re applying for your first role or updating your CV for a career change, following CV writing tips can help you avoid mistakes and boost your chances of success. This article offers expert CV advice on what employers look for and how to create a good CV.

CV Writing Tip: Tailor Your CV to the Job Role

One of the top pieces of CV advice is to tailor your CV to the role. Employers want to see that your skills and experience fit the job description. Customising your CV helps it stand out and shows you’ve made an effort to match your qualifications to the role.

How to do this:

• Incorporate keywords from the job listing.
• Focus on relevant skills and accomplishments.

Don’t:
Send the same CV to every job application. Personalisation is key.

CV Writing Tip: Keep Your CV Clear and Concise

A good CV is clear and well-organised. Most employers spend only seconds scanning CVs, so it’s vital to keep it concise and highlight key information.

How to do this:

• Use bullet points to break up text.
• Keep your CV to one or two pages, focusing on key details.

Don’t:
Overload your CV with irrelevant information. Focus on what’s most important.

CV Writing Tip: Showcase Your Achievements

Rather than only listing duties, use measurable outcomes to show your impact in previous roles.

How to do this:

• Instead of saying "Handled customer queries," say "Resolved 50 customer queries weekly, maintaining a 95% satisfaction rate."
• Use metrics whenever possible.

Don’t:
Exaggerate or fabricate numbers. Employers may ask for more details, and if you can’t back them up, it will hurt your credibility.

CV Writing Tip: Proofread for Perfection

Attention to detail is essential in a good CV. Typos and mistakes can quickly turn off employers. Proofreading is one of the most important CV writing tips to ensure your CV is error-free.

How to do this:

• Use spell-check tools like Grammarly
• Take a break before reviewing your CV again to catch any missed errors.

Don’t:
Rely solely on AI or spell-checkers. They can miss context-specific errors. Always review it yourself and, if possible, have another set of eyes go over it.

CV Writing Tip: Highlight Transferable Skills

A good CV should showcase not only job-specific skills but also transferable skills like teamwork and problem-solving. These skills are key when switching industries or job roles.

How to do this:

• Include a section for key transferable skills.
• Provide examples of how you’ve used these skills effectively.

Don’t:
Ignore the importance of soft skills. Employers value them as much as technical abilities.

Final Thoughts on Writing a Good CV

A well-crafted CV can open doors to your next career opportunity. By following these CV writing tips—tailoring your CV, keeping it clear and concise, showcasing achievements, proofreading, and highlighting transferable skills—you’ll create a good CV that catches employers' attention. Remember, personalisation and attention to detail make all the difference.

With your CV ready, you’re set to start applying and securing interviews. For more tips, check out our article on the 5C's of interview success. If you need more support, our recruiters are here to help. Contact us at jobs@kpir.co.uk to learn how to register with KPI, explore job opportunities, and get expert advice to land your next role.