When it comes to writing your CV, one of the first things you need to consider is what to include. Both hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) – the software used to screen online applications – have specific expectations around CV content. Ensuring your CV meets these expectations can mean the difference between getting shortlisted or being overlooked. So, what are the key sections your CV should have, and what content needs to be in each one?
1. Contact Information: Making Sure You’re Reachable
The contact information section of your CV is straightforward, but it's important to get it right. Make sure you include:
Your first and last name.
A professional phone number and email address (avoid using outdated or informal email accounts).
Links to your LinkedIn profile and any other relevant social media accounts (e.g., a personal blog, GitHub, or portfolio website if applicable). This demonstrates you’re tech-savvy and understand personal branding.
What to leave out:Avoid including personal details like your date of birth, proof of ID, or marital status. These details are unnecessary for most applications and can make you vulnerable to discrimination or identity theft. Stick to the essentials.
2. Education: Showcasing Your Academic Background
Your education section should include:
The name of the institution, the level of study, and the name of your course.
A brief summary of your grades and any honors you’ve earned.
Relevant skills you acquired during your studies, especially those that align with the role you're applying for.
Make sure you list your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent qualifications. For newer qualifications, you may want to go into more detail about specific coursework or projects that highlight your abilities and preparedness for the job.
3. Work Experience: The Heart of Your CV
Your work experience section is crucial because it gives hiring managers and ATS systems evidence of your abilities. This section should be organized in reverse chronological order, including:
The company name.
Your job title.
Start and end dates for each position.
Don’t limit this section to just full-time roles. Relevant part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer work can all demonstrate your skills and value. Make sure to include achievements that show the impact you had in previous roles. This is where you can shine by quantifying your contributions – for example, "Increased customer retention by 20%" or "Coordinated a project that reduced delivery times by 15%."
Achievements give concrete evidence of how you applied essential employability or technical skills and created measurable benefits for your employer.
4. Personal Profile: Adding Personality to Your CV
Although not a mandatory section, a personal profile (sometimes called a professional summary) can be a game changer. This is a short paragraph at the top of your CV that introduces who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you're looking for.
A well-crafted personal profile can grab the attention of both hiring managers and ATS software. Keep it between 6-8 lines and use clear, concise language that highlights your strengths and career goals. Consider it your opportunity to make a first impression and entice the recruiter to read further.
5. Hobbies and Interests: A Glimpse into Your Personality
Hobbies and interests aren’t compulsory, but they can add value to your CV. This section gives hiring managers insight into your personality, which can be just as important as your skills and experience. It also offers a great icebreaker for interviews. For example, mentioning leadership roles in sports or charity work demonstrates team-building and commitment outside of work.
If you include this section, be strategic about it. Choose hobbies that highlight skills relevant to the job or show personal traits that align with the company culture.
6. References: To Include or Not to Include?
Whether to include references is a personal choice. Most employers assume references are available on request, so if you’re short on space, it’s fine to leave them off entirely.
If you do choose to include them, ensure that the people you're listing as references have agreed to be contacted. Instead of taking up valuable space by writing “References available on request,” consider using that room to add more information about your skills or experience.
The Finishing Touches: Making Your CV Stand Out
Now that you’ve covered the essentials – contact details, education, work experience, and possibly a personal profile, hobbies, and references – it’s time to refine and polish your CV. A well-structured and tailored CV that clearly demonstrates your achievements and value can significantly improve your chances of success.
Don’t forget to customize your CV for each job you apply to. Pay attention to the job description and ensure your CV reflects the keywords and skills mentioned in it. This will not only make your CV more attractive to the hiring manager but also ensure it passes through ATS software.
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