Creating a CV that grabs attention is no longer just about listing your experience; it’s about telling a compelling story that resonates with employers and reflects your professional journey. As professional CV writers, we know the key components to include, the format to follow, and how to present your skills in a way that positions you for success. Let’s explore how to write a CV that gets noticed by recruiters in the UK job market.
How Do You Write a Good CV?
Writing a good CV goes beyond simply documenting your career history. A CV should be a well-crafted marketing tool, highlighting your skills, achievements, and potential. When writing a CV, focus on the following elements:
• Tailor your CV to the job: Always customise your CV for each application. Recruiters can spot a generic CV a mile away. Use the job description as your guide, ensuring that your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role.
• Include measurable achievements: Employers want to see the impact you’ve made. Rather than just listing your duties, quantify your accomplishments. For example, instead of writing, “Managed a team,” write “Managed a team of 10, increasing productivity by 20% over six months.”
• Use strong action verbs: Words like “developed,” “led,” “implemented,” and “achieved” can convey your role in past accomplishments far more effectively than passive descriptions.
• Keep it concise: Recruiters often spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV, so clarity and brevity are essential. Aim for two pages, highlighting your most relevant experience.
What is the Format of a CV?
A well-structured CV follows a standard format that allows recruiters to quickly identify the information they need. Here’s a breakdown of the sections that should be included in every CV:
• Contact Information: Place your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile at the top of the document. Make sure these are up to date.
• Professional Profile/Personal Statement: A concise, compelling paragraph at the top of your CV that summarises your key skills, experience, and career goals. This should be tailored to each job application.
• Key Skills: A bullet-point list of your core competencies, typically tailored to the job description. Use industry-specific keywords to ensure your CV passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Professional Experience: This section should list your previous job roles in reverse chronological order. For each role, include your job title, employer, and dates of employment, followed by bullet points highlighting your responsibilities and achievements.
• Education: Include your highest qualifications first, such as your degree, and work your way down to your GCSEs (or equivalent). Be sure to include any relevant professional certifications or training.
• Additional Sections: Depending on your experience, you may want to include sections for “Certifications,” “Awards,” or “Languages.” These can help you stand out, particularly for specialised roles.
How to Write a UK CV?
Writing a CV for the UK market requires attention to detail and understanding of local expectations. Here are some tips to ensure your CV meets UK standards:
• Focus on achievements, not duties: UK employers are results-driven. Show how your work contributed to business objectives and use specific figures wherever possible.
• Stick to a two-page limit: In the UK, CVs are typically no longer than two pages. While longer formats, like resumes, are common in other countries, UK recruiters prefer concise documents that focus on the most relevant information.
• Do not include a photo: Unlike some European countries, it is not standard practice to include a photograph on your CV in the UK. Focus on your qualifications and experience instead.
• Use British English: When writing for the UK job market, be mindful of spelling and grammar. Use British English (e.g., “organised” rather than “organized”) and ensure your tone is professional yet approachable.
Do You Write CVs in First Person?
When it comes to the tone and perspective of your CV, third-person is the preferred choice for UK CVs. Writing in the third person adds a professional tone and avoids the awkwardness of repeating “I” throughout the document. However, it’s important not to overdo it by writing your name repeatedly—just drop the pronouns entirely. For example:
• First Person: “I managed a team of 15 and led projects to improve sales by 25%.”
• Third Person (Preferred): “Managed a team of 15 and led projects to improve sales by 25%.”
This subtle difference maintains professionalism and allows for a smoother, more readable document.
Final Thoughts
A well-written CV can be the difference between landing your dream job and getting lost in a sea of applicants. By tailoring your CV to the job, using the correct format, and focusing on measurable achievements, you can create a document that truly sets you apart in the UK job market. And remember, while it’s tempting to use a creative format to stand out, sticking to industry standards will ensure your CV is both professional and effective.
If you’re struggling to craft the perfect CV or need expert advice, working with a professional CV writing service like ours can give you that competitive edge, ensuring your application is polished, professional, and ready to impress.
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