Creating an effective CV is essential for securing job interviews and advancing your career. Our comprehensive CV writing tips will help you refine your CV, ensuring it stands out to potential employers.
CV Writing Tips at a Glance
Writing a CV can be challenging for various reasons, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting. Common issues include:
Deciding what information to include:
- Identifying the most relevant and impactful information for the job you’re applying for is crucial. Focus on experiences and skills that directly relate to the job description.
Knowing what to omit to keep the CV concise:
- While you might be tempted to include everything, it’s essential to leave out irrelevant details to keep your CV concise and focused.
Structuring and formatting effectively:
- A well-structured CV with a clear format makes it easier for recruiters to read and identify your key qualifications and experiences.
Here are eight essential CV writing tips to help you overcome these challenges and create a compelling CV.
Differentiating Between Your CV and LinkedIn Profile
Understanding the distinct purposes of your CV and LinkedIn profile is crucial. Employers might view one before the other depending on how you apply for a role.
For instance, applications via LinkedIn Easy Apply might lead recruiters to check your LinkedIn profile first, whereas direct applications typically mean your CV is reviewed first. Your CV should provide a structured overview of your skills and experiences, tailored to the job you’re applying for. To optimise your CV:
Personalise your personal statement:
- Clearly state your career goals and how they align with the industry and company you’re targeting. A customised personal statement can make your CV stand out by showing your specific interest in the role.
Highlight relevant skills and experiences:
- Focus on what matters most to the job at hand. Prioritise the experiences and skills that directly correlate with the job description to make your CV more relevant.
Use keywords from the job description:
- This helps ensure your CV passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Including specific terms from the job posting can increase your chances of getting noticed.
Example:
Before: “Experienced Physiotherapy professional with a passion for sports therapy.”
After: “Experienced sports Physiotherapy professional specialising in providing advice on injury prevention and performance enhancement. I often work closely with coaches and trainers to ensure athletes’ health and fitness..”
Enhancing Your LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile complements your CV by providing a more dynamic and interactive professional narrative. Strengthen your LinkedIn profile by:
Uploading a professional photo:
- A clear headshot makes a positive first impression. A professional photo can significantly enhance your profile’s credibility and approachability.
Crafting a compelling headline:
- Summarise your career focus and specialties. This should capture your professional essence and attract potential employers.
Keeping your profile updated:
- Regularly update your skills and experiences with visual examples, like projects and presentations. This keeps your profile current and comprehensive.
Gathering endorsements and recommendations:
- These add credibility to your profile. They can serve as testimonials to your abilities and work ethic.
Using relevant keywords:
- Optimise your profile for searchability. Including industry-specific terms can improve your visibility in recruiter searches.
Engaging with your network:
- Share content, comment on posts, and participate in discussions. Active participation can increase your profile’s reach and engagement.
Example:
Profile Headline: “NHS Physiotherapy Professional | Injury Prevention & Performance enhancement | 3 Years Experience”
A well-maintained LinkedIn profile can attract recruiters who use data analytics tools to identify potential candidates.
Addressing Employment Gaps on Your CV
Many professionals have employment gaps on their CVs due to reasons like layoffs, caregiving, or further education. Address these gaps directly and positively:
Provide dates and brief explanations:
- Be honest but concise. Clearly state the reason for the gap and what you did during this period.
Highlight productive activities during the gap:
- Include any upskilling, volunteering, or freelance work. This demonstrates that you remained proactive and engaged during your employment gap.
Example:
Employment History: “March 2023 – June 2024: Career break to care for a family member. During this time, completed online courses in physiotherapy and volunteered for a local community trust.”
Crafting a Strong CV with Limited Experience
If you have limited professional experience, focus on showcasing your skills and potential:
Include all relevant experiences:
- Volunteer work, internships, and part-time jobs can demonstrate your abilities. These roles often showcase important skills such as teamwork, communication, and responsibility.
Organise experiences chronologically:
- Detail your roles and achievements clearly. Even if the jobs are not directly related to your desired career, highlight the skills and responsibilities that are transferable.
Use your personal statement effectively:
- Explain your career goals and how your background makes you a good fit for the role. This section can help bridge the gap between your experience and the job requirements.
Highlight self-taught and transferable skills:
- Mention any additional training or courses you’ve completed. Self-taught skills show initiative and a willingness to learn.
Emphasise education and projects:
- Showcase your academic achievements and relevant projects. Include coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities that are relevant to the job.
Example:
Personal Statement: “Physiotherapy graduate with a strong interest in injury prevention and performance management. Known for high presentation grades and injury management skills developed through voluntary work. “
View our latest entry-level job listings to find your starting point.
Streamlining a CV with Extensive Experience
Streamlining a detailed CV requires focusing on the most relevant information:
Remove outdated or irrelevant details:
- Focus on your most recent and significant roles. If a previous job doesn’t add value to your application, consider omitting detailed descriptions.
Target your CV to the job:
- Highlight experiences and skills that match the job description. Tailor your CV to emphasise the qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the position.
Use concise language:
- Make your CV easy to read with bullet points and short paragraphs. Clear and concise language helps the recruiter quickly understand your key strengths.
Avoid jargon:
- Use clear, professional language that anyone can understand. Avoid industry-specific terms that might confuse the reader.
Example:
Career History: “Physiotherapy Sports Director, ABC Company, 2015-2023: Reduced player injuries by 30% by employing new therapy plan. Managed a team of 4 and rolled out new recovery strategy.”
Keeping Your CV Updated
Regularly updating your CV ensures it reflects your latest skills and achievements. This habit also helps you remember significant accomplishments and gaps you might otherwise overlook.
Importance of a Cover Letter
A cover letter is valuable when:
The job listing requires one:
- Always follow application instructions. If the job posting requests a cover letter, ensure you provide one.
Applying directly to a person:
- Personalisation can make a strong impression. Addressing the cover letter to a specific person shows attention to detail.
Referred to the position:
- Mentioning a referral can create a connection with the recruiter. If someone referred you, include their name and relationship to you.
A cover letter introduces you, explains why you’re a good fit for the job, and encourages the reader to look at your CV. Tailor it to each application.
Example:
“Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my interest in the Physiotherapy Manager position at XYZ Company. With over five years of experience and a proven track record of reducing injury, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team. I am particularly drawn to XYZ Company’s invested approach to performancec management and would be thrilled to bring my skills and passion to your organisation.”
View our cover letter tips for more insights.
Ideal CV Length
The ideal length for a CV generally depends on your experience, with two to three pages being typical. The most critical information should be on the first page.
Example:
Page One: Personal statement, key skills, and recent experience. Page Two: Additional experience, education, and certifications. Page Three: Optional sections like hobbies and interests, and references.
Importance of the Skills Summary
The skills summary is crucial as it highlights your abilities relevant to the role. Include both technical (hard) skills and soft skills to ensure your CV is comprehensive and stands out to employers.
Example:
Skills Summary:
- Technical Skills: Injury management strategies, performance management
- Soft Skills: Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team collaboration. These demonstrate your interpersonal abilities and your capacity to work effectively with others.
Final Thoughts on Our CV Writing Tips
Your CV is your chance to showcase why you’re the perfect candidate. Include essential information, remove irrelevant details, and keep it organized to enhance your chances of securing an interview.
Visit our career advice page for more tips on every stage