How to write your best CV and land the interview?

Your CV is your ticket to landing an interview, so making it the best it can be is essential. Employers often spend just a few seconds scanning each CV before deciding whether to read on or move to the next applicant. That means your CV needs to be clear, well-structured, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

We'll give you some tips but firstly, remember we're in 2024 - you no longer need to give your full address, your date of birth, or stick to 2 pages if you have lengthy experience.

Here’s how to craft a standout CV that grabs attention and gets results.

1. Start with a strong personal statement

Your personal statement (or profile) sits at the top of your CV and should summarise who you are, what you offer, and what you’re looking for. Keep it concise - around 3–4 lines.

Example:

“A highly motivated marketing professional with over five years’ experience in digital campaigns, content creation, and brand management. Passionate about data-driven strategies and eager to bring my expertise to a dynamic team.”

2. Tailor your CV to each job

One-size-fits-all CVs rarely work. Read the job description carefully and highlight the key skills and experience the employer is looking for. Then, tweak your CV to emphasise these points. 

Example:

If a job requires “strong copywriting skills,” ensure your experience section includes examples of writing projects, content marketing, or social media posts you’ve created.

3. Make Your Work Experience Stand Out

List your experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). Each role should include:

• Job title

• Company name

• Dates of employment

• Key responsibilities and achievements

Pro Tip: Focus on achievements, not just duties. Use numbers and specifics where possible to demonstrate that you were successful in the role.

Example:

Marketing Executive, ABC Ltd (2021–Present)

• Increased website traffic by 40% through SEO improvements and targeted content campaigns.

• Managed social media channels, growing engagement by 50% in six months.

4. Highlight key skills

Create a dedicated “Skills” section where you list relevant skills for the role. These could include:

• Project management

• Data analysis

• Customer service

• Social media marketing

• Microsoft Office & Google Suite

Avoid listing soft skills like “good communication” unless you provide evidence of how you’ve demonstrated them in previous roles.

6. Add education and training

List your qualifications, starting with the most recent. Include:

• Degree, college course, or professional certification

• Institution name

• Dates attended

If you’re early in your career, include relevant coursework, projects, or achievements.

7. Don’t forget additional sections (if relevant)

Depending on your experience, you might add:

🔹 Certifications – First Aid, Google Analytics, PRINCE2, etc.

🔹 Languages – Fluent in French? Basic Spanish? Add it!

🔹 Volunteer work – Shows commitment and transferable skills.

🔹 Projects or portfolios – Essential for creative or tech-based roles.

8. Proofread and get feedback

Typos and formatting errors can ruin a great CV. Double-check for mistakes, and ask a friend or mentor to review it before sending it out.

Bonus Tip: Use tools like Grammarly or spell check to catch errors!

9. Save and send it properly

Format: Always send your CV as a PDF (unless the employer specifies otherwise) to keep formatting intact, and ensure it can't be edited.

File Name: Name your file professionally, e.g., John_Smith_CV.pdf, rather than “My CV” or “FinalVersion3”.

And remember, your CV is a living document. Update it whenever you gain new experience, complete training, or achieve something significant in your job.

A well-crafted CV can make the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked. Follow these tips, tailor your CV to each role, and put your best foot forward. Good luck!

Need help finding the right job? Browse the latest vacancies in Devon on JobsInDevon.uk today! 🚀