10 tips on how to write a CV
Your CV is often the first impression an employer gets of you. It should give a clear overview of your education, skills and experience, and show why you are a good match for the position you are applying for. Whether you are applying for your first job, an internship or a position in research, these ten tips can help you create a CV that highlights your strengths.
1. Tailor your CV to the role
You do not need to write a new CV for every application, but you should adapt it to the position you are applying for.
Read the job advertisement carefully and identify the qualifications, skills and experience the employer is looking for. Make sure the most relevant parts of your background are easy to find.
2. Consider a short profile
A short introduction at the beginning of your CV can help the employer quickly understand who you are and what you have to offer.
Summarise your educational background, relevant skills and professional interests in a few sentences. Focus on what is most relevant to the position rather than using general descriptions of your personality.
3. Put the most relevant information first
There is no single CV structure that works for everyone.
If you are a student or recent graduate, your education may be your strongest qualification and should appear near the top. If you have relevant work experience, you may want to highlight that first.
Use clear headings and list your most recent education and experience first within each section.
4. Show what you have learned and achieved
Do more than list your previous jobs, assignments and responsibilities. Describe what you actually did and what skills you developed. For example, instead of simply writing that you worked in a laboratory, describe the techniques you used, the tasks you performed or the results you contributed to.
Be specific and use examples whenever possible. This helps employers understand what you can contribute.
5. Include experience from your studies
You may have more relevant experience than you think, even if you have not yet had a full-time job.
Depending on your programme, you could include:
- Degree projects and research projects
- Laboratory work and technical methods
- Clinical placements and practical training
- Internships and collaborations with external organisations
- Group projects and presentations
- Student associations, volunteering and other extracurricular activities
Think about the skills you have developed through these experiences. Skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork, analytical thinking and project management are transferable and can be relevant in many different roles.
Choose the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position you are applying for.
6. Make your skills easy to find
Include skills that are relevant to the position, such as laboratory techniques, clinical skills, data analysis, software, programming languages or language proficiency. Be specific. Instead of simply writing "computer skills", mention the programmes or tools you know how to use.
You can also demonstrate skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication through descriptions of your previous experiences.
7. Keep it clear and concise
For most students and recent graduates, one or two pages is a good starting point.
Use clear headings, consistent formatting and enough space between sections to make your CV easy to read. Avoid unnecessary graphics, complicated layouts and very small text.
An academic CV may be longer, particularly if you need to include publications, research experience or other academic achievements.
8. Use clear and professional language
Use short, direct sentences and active language when describing your experience.
For example, words such as "analysed", "coordinated", "developed" or "conducted" can help explain what you did.
Check your spelling and grammar carefully, and ask someone else to review your CV if possible.
9. Include the right contact details
Make sure your name, phone number and email address are clearly visible and up to date.
Use a professional email address. You can also include a link to your LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio if it is relevant to the position.
You generally do not need to include personal details such as your date of birth, marital status or a photograph unless there is a specific reason to do so.
10. Adapt your CV to the country and context
CV conventions can differ between countries, sectors and employers.
For example, expectations regarding length, photographs and personal information may vary. Applications for academic positions may also require a different format from those for jobs in industry or healthcare.
Before applying, check what is expected in the country and field you are interested in.
Want feedback on your CV?
As a current KI student, you can get personal feedback on your CV through Go Monday, free of charge.
Applying for jobs abroad?
CV conventions and recruitment practices vary between countries. Use GoinGlobal to explore local application practices and get advice on preparing your application.