How to Write a Good CV in 5 Simple Steps

It’s 3 in the afternoon, and after a grueling day of surfing job search engines, you’ve finally come across your dream vacancy. It matches your skills and experiences perfectly, and the salary is just slightly beyond your wildest dreams. In short, your dream job is there for the taking - if it wasn’t for your resume getting in the way.

A winning CV is really a work of art. It’s not something you can throw together in a manner of minutes and fire off to an unsuspecting employer. Good CVs take time, effort, and, most importantly skill. “You want your CV to look good and leave a fine impression with potential employers,” advises Martin Haworth, the author of “How to Land Your Dream Job“.

Which is why in this guide,  you’re going to discover how to write a good CV - in just 5 simple steps. Does it get any easier?

Step 1: Research the Vacancy
The worst thing you can ever do is send a generic CV. Always tailor your resume to the specific job requirements. If the job calls for exceptional leadership skills, highlight your leadership experience. “Stay with relevant terms appropriate for the position you’re applying for,” advises Martin. “Be wise with your words.”

Step 2: Brevity Beats Bloat
Your CV should not exceed two pages, unless you’re applying for a senior-level position where the HR actually has a good reason to thoroughly research your resume. Most resumes that are over one page long don’t get read past the first page - so be consise whenever you can. Rule of the thumb is to put your work experience on the first page, and education and hobbies on the second.

Step 3: Expensive Paper
If you can afford to, invest into expensive paper, whether glossy or extra-thick. It looks impressive and immediately separates your CV from the rest of the pile.

Step 4: Be Positive
Do not downrate your achievements. If you had 5 people reporting to you at your previous job, don’t state that you “only” had 5 direct subordinates; instead, write that you successfully managed a diverse team of 5 people and led them towards demonstrated results. HR is always on the lookout for things that can sink your application - so why give them extra ammo?

Step 5: Use Buzz Words in Moderation
Buzz words are great because they indicate insider knowledge of the industry and make you look like an expert. But go too heavy on them, and you end up confusing the recruiter. Always keep in mind that the person who first reads  your CV may be an intern with the HR office and doesn’t know the first thing about industry buzz words and technical lingo. So keep your CV readable for all audiences - even interns.