Creating a CV (Curriculum Vitae) that stands out can be a daunting task, especially when you’re trying to make the best impression in a competitive job market. The purpose of a CV is to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications in a way that convinces employers you’re the right fit for the job. Whether you’re crafting a CV for the first time or updating it for a new role, it’s important to know what should be on a CV to ensure that it’s not only comprehensive but also tailored to the role you’re applying for.
I’ll walk you through the key elements that should be on a CV, offering practical advice on how to structure each section effectively. You’ll learn how to present yourself in the best light while also meeting the needs of hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen CVs before they even reach human eyes.
Personal Information
The first thing that should be on a CV is your personal information. This section may seem basic, but it’s critical to get right. You don’t want to miss out on a job opportunity because the recruiter couldn’t get in touch with you.
What to include:
- Full Name: Use your real name as it appears on official documents.
- Phone Number: Make sure the phone number is current and accessible.
- Email Address: Choose a professional-sounding email address, preferably one with your name (e.g., john.smith@gmail.com).
- Location: You don’t need to include your full address; listing your city and country is sufficient.
- LinkedIn Profile or Personal Website: If you have a professional online presence, including it can add value.
Why it matters: Your personal information is the foundation of your CV. It tells recruiters how they can contact you for interviews or further discussions. Having incorrect or outdated details could cause unnecessary delays or missed opportunities.
See; How to Build a Strong Online Presence
Personal Profile/Objective Statement
The next thing that should be on a CV is a Personal Profile or Objective Statement. This is a brief summary of who you are and what you offer to potential employers. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression, so I recommend writing this section last, once you have a clear idea of what your CV looks like as a whole.
What to include:
- Who you are: Begin with a sentence that sums up your professional identity, such as “Experienced Marketing Specialist with 5+ years of proven success in digital campaigns.”
- Your skills and expertise: Highlight key skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, “Strong background in data analytics and market research.”
- Your career goals: Mention what you’re looking to achieve in your next role, such as “Seeking to leverage expertise to contribute to the growth of an innovative company.”
Why it matters: This section sets the tone for the rest of your CV. It gives the recruiter a snapshot of your skills, experience, and career goals, helping them quickly determine if you’re a good fit for the role.
Work Experience
The work experience section is often the most important part of your CV, especially if you’re applying for a job that requires a specific level of experience. This is where you can demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and achievements to excel in the role.
What to include:
- Job Title: Always list your most recent position at the top.
- Company Name and Location: Include the name of the organization and the city it’s based in.
- Dates of Employment: Indicate the month and year when you started and ended the role (e.g., March 2019 – Present).
- Key Responsibilities: Use bullet points to describe your daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Key Achievements: Focus on specific, measurable achievements. For example, “Increased sales by 15% over 6 months by implementing targeted email campaigns.”
Why it matters:
Recruiters want to know what you’ve done in the past and how it applies to the job you’re applying for. The work experience section should be tailored to highlight the most relevant roles and achievements that match the job description.
See; How to Apply for a Job: A Step-by-Step Guide
Skills Section
Including a dedicated Skills Section on a CV can be an excellent way to showcase the abilities you bring to the table. This section should be carefully curated to include the skills most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
What to include:
- Hard Skills: These are the technical, job-specific skills you’ve developed through education and experience. Examples might include proficiency in a specific software, coding languages, or project management.
- Soft Skills: Employers also look for interpersonal abilities such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Certifications: If you have certifications that are relevant to the job, such as “Certified Project Management Professional (PMP),” this is a great place to list them.
Why it matters:
Skills are often the deciding factor for employers. They’ll skim through your CV to quickly see if you have the necessary skills for the role. Including both hard and soft skills ensures you come across as well-rounded and capable.
Education
The education section is essential, particularly for roles that require specific qualifications or certifications. It’s important to list your educational background in a clear and concise manner.
What to include:
- Degree Title: Whether it’s a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or another qualification, make sure you clearly list your degree.
- Institution Name and Location: Include the name of the school and its location.
- Dates Attended: Mention the years you studied at the institution.
- Honors or Awards: If you graduated with honors or received academic awards, this is the place to showcase them.
- Relevant Coursework or Projects: For recent graduates, highlighting relevant coursework or projects can demonstrate skills and knowledge that are applicable to the job.
Why it matters:
Your education section serves as proof that you have the required background for the role. If you have specific certifications or qualifications, these will help you stand out from other candidates.
Certifications and Training
If you have specialized certifications or have undergone specific training that adds value to your application, it should definitely be on a CV. This section shows employers that you’re committed to continuous learning and development, which is a highly sought-after trait in today’s job market.
What to include:
- Certification Title: For example, “Certified Data Analyst.”
- Issuing Organization: Include the name of the institution that issued the certification.
- Date of Completion: Mention when you received the certification.
- Relevant Training: If you’ve undergone specific training, such as leadership or technical courses, list them here.
Why it matters:
Certifications and additional training demonstrate that you are proactive about developing your skills and expertise. Many roles require specific certifications, so including them increases your chances of passing ATS filters and impressing hiring managers.
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
While this section isn’t necessary for every CV, it can add significant value if you’re a member of professional organizations or networks. Being affiliated with industry groups can show that you’re connected to your field and committed to staying up to date with trends and best practices.
What to include:
- Organization Name: Mention the professional body or association you’re a part of.
- Position Held (if applicable): If you’ve taken on any roles within the organization, such as board member or committee leader, be sure to include them.
- Duration of Membership: Mention how long you’ve been a member.
Why it matters:
Professional memberships demonstrate industry commitment and engagement. It shows that you’re proactive in your field and might also offer networking benefits that are attractive to potential employers.
Volunteer Work or Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer work and extracurricular activities should be on a CV, especially if they’ve helped you develop skills that are relevant to the job. This section is particularly useful if you’re just starting out in your career and don’t have much formal work experience yet.
What to include:
- Organization Name and Location: Include where you volunteered or participated in activities.
- Role and Responsibilities: Describe what you did in a way that highlights transferable skills.
- Dates of Involvement: Mention when and for how long you were involved.
Why it matters:
This section gives you an opportunity to show that you’re a well-rounded individual who goes above and beyond your professional duties. It can also serve as proof of soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication.
See; How To Improve Leadership Skills
20 of the Best Trader Skills To Develop for Success
Hobbies and Interests
While this section is optional, I believe that including your hobbies and interests can add a personal touch to your CV. It’s a chance to show employers that you have passions and skills outside of work that could also be relevant to the job.
What to include:
- Relevant Hobbies: If your hobbies are related to the job you’re applying for, such as coding, photography, or blogging, mention them.
- Personal Interests: Highlight interests that can showcase your character, such as travel, sports, or reading.
Why it matters:
Employers are often looking for candidates who will fit into their company culture. Including hobbies and interests can help you stand out and show that you’re more than just your qualifications.
References
Finally, references should be on a CV if the job listing specifically asks for them. Otherwise, you can simply state “References available upon request.”
What to include:
- Referee Name and Position: Include the name and job title of your reference.
- Company Name and Contact Information: Provide the company’s name and your referee’s phone number or email address.
Why it matters:
References give employers a way to verify your work experience and skills. However, you should only include them if requested or if you’re confident that your referees will provide strong, positive feedback.
Related; What Should Be in My CV as a Digital Marketer?
Conclusion
Knowing what should be on a CV is critical for crafting an application that stands out. From personal information to education, skills, and references, each section plays a crucial role in telling your professional story. By following these guidelines and tailoring your CV to the specific role you’re applying for, you can maximize your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers and securing that all-important interview.