Writing a Professional CV: Quick How-To Guide (Land Your Dream Job!)

If you were a CV#

You're great in person. You can firmly shake any hand, your graceful smile lights up any room, and you speak clearly with confidence. If you were your own professional CV, you'd have any job you wanted.

There's only one problem.

Most of the time, you in person isn't what a recruiter sees first. Sometimes the only thing that can speak for you before you get to speak for yourself in an interview is a CV.

So how can you ensure your CV represents the best version of you? We'll point you in the right direction with these tips to create your professional CV.

<AcademyQuote>Your CV is often your first impression – make it count before you even walk through the door.</AcademyQuote>

What makes a good CV structure?#

Cover the basics and make sure you've got all of the following in your CV:

1. Personal and contact information (Make sure your contact number and email are up to date)
2. Education (Create some digital copies of certificates and transcripts just in case)
3. Qualifications
4. Work history and experience
5. Relevant skills for the job you're applying for
6. Interests
7. Achievements
8. Hobbies
9. References

<AcademyProTip>To get the most up-to-date structure, check your LinkedIn profile and see what fields LinkedIn asks for. This is a good indicator of what recruiters are looking for.</AcademyProTip>

structure

Cover the basics for your structure

What about a professional description or cover letter?#

In some cases, such as when applying via LinkedIn, a cover letter isn't required. However, there's space for a description in your LinkedIn profile. The description (or cover letter) is an opportunity for you to stand out. As a general rule, include at least a brief description.

This can be a summary of who you are now, what got you to where you are, and where you're headed.

_Top tip:_ Keep it short – there's still a lot of CV to get through.

What should my CV look like?#

You're likely one of many CVs on the recruiter's desk. Before you add an array of colours and fancy graphics to your CV, ask yourself these questions:

If I was looking at 100 CVs, what would make me put a CV in the interview stack? What would make me put a CV in the reject stack?

Check your CV and ask yourself what you can change and keep to get in the good stack.

_Top tip:_

• 1Clear and structured presentation – avoid clutter and make it easy to read
• 2The first half of the page is where the recruiter will look – make it work for you

How long should my CV be?#

You don't need more than 2 pages, unless specified in the job listing. Most recruiters, sorting through many applications, may prefer shorter CVs. They may have also made their decision after the first page.

_Top tip:_ Make it easy for the recruiter to get the required information. Don't bury this deep in unnecessary details.

Can I use the same CV for many roles?#

If you want to better your chances of getting to the interview stage, then design your CV for a particular role.

But you don't have to create a CV from scratch each time. Create a generic CV following a good structure. Then, before you send it, ensure it aligns to the role you're applying for.

_Top tip:_ Remember to match your designed CV to the job description.

Why should I read the job description carefully?#

Recruiters tell you what they're looking for – it's in the job description.

Highlight the requirements that you match. Take note of requirements you don't match. Where you don't match, ask yourself if there are any skills or experience you can compensate with.

Make sure you cover all those notes in your CV.

_Top tip:_ For the requirements you don't match, compensate those with any related experience.

For example: You don't manage people in your current role. The new role requires leadership or management experience. Then highlight your experience as the captain of your varsity sports team. Don't forget about experience from clubs or societies.

What should I write about work experience?#

Don't only state that you were a graphic designer at a corporate. State the kind of projects you worked on. Describe the process from start (brief) to finish (delivery). Tell them what you enjoyed and the work you're most proud of. Don't forget to keep it short and to the point.

Give the recruiter an idea of the skills, experience and lessons you've gained.

_Top tip:_ If you've ever had a performance review, take a look back and use what your colleagues said about your work.

work experience

What makes good experience

What makes a skill?#

There are some skills you have that few applicants have. Make sure to mention those skills that make you stand out from the stack. This could be knowing how to use software like WordPress or speaking a foreign language.

Skills gained from playing sport, for example, could be working in a team or leadership skills.

_Top tip:_ Make sure to note how proficient you are at the skills. Use a measure such as years of experience to illustrate this. This will show whether you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced. Also don't forget to make digital copies of any certification.

How do I make my interests… interesting?#

Find the interests that would convince someone to sit across from you in an interview. Don't pick from a generic list of interests everyone already has. Be specific about what you like about that particular interest. For example:

My interest is soccer – it's the only sport I care about. I watch soccer matches even when my team isn't playing. Watching includes videos on skill moves and videos about tactics and strategy. All this so I can play soccer at least twice a week. Even after suffering 2 injuries that required surgery.

_Top tip:_ Show your passion.

Any references?#

Try to include at least two. These should be people who have employed and managed you in the past. If you're applying for your first job, then feel free to include a professor, teacher or tutor.

_Top tip:_ Make sure to tell your reference that you'll be using them in your CV and what details you'll be sharing. It's advisable to use an office email and/or office number before using any personal details.

How often should I update my CV?#

Check your CV at least once every three months.

Keep note of any new skills, qualifications, interests or experiences you've had. Make sure to include these in your generic CV. You can choose which are relevant or irrelevant for the role you're applying for.

_Top tip:_ Even if you're not applying for a job, have a look at job descriptions for your current, or desired, role and update your CV accordingly.

Sound daunting? We can help!#

We offer design services. If you send us through your information, we can design and print a professional CV of the highest quality for you in no time. Simply drop us an email with your details at support@printulu.co.za and we can get going!

<AcademyDadJoke>Why did the CV go to therapy? It had too many issues with its formatting!</AcademyDadJoke>

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