How to Write a Modern CV

More than just a sheet of paper, your Curriculum Vitae (CV) serves as a prospective employer's initial impression of you. While a poorly written CV may result in missed possibilities, a well-written CV can lead to intriguing job options. We will guide you through the process of writing a professional resume that successfully showcases your accomplishments, experiences, and abilities in this blog.
Tailor it for the Job:

One of the most important things you can do is tailor your professional resume to the specific position you're applying for. The days of sending a single CV to multiple employers and hoping for the best are long gone. Every employment application must be unique. Read the job description carefully and take note of the key competencies and qualifications that the company is looking for. Make changes to your CV to highlight your accomplishments and relevant experiences for the position.
Customizing your CV allows you to demonstrate to the employer that you have taken the time to learn about their needs and that you are genuinely interested in the position. Differentiating yourself from the competition can increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

Start with a Strong Heading:

The heading of your CV should be clear and straightforward, including your full name, contact information (phone number and email address), and, if applicable, a link to your LinkedIn profile. Ensure that your contact information is up to date, as this is how recruiters will contact you. Avoid using unprofessional email addresses; instead, use a combination of your name and initials if possible.
Remember, your heading is the first thing the employer sees, so make it memorable and easy to find. It establishes the tone for the remainder of your CV.

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:

A strong personal statement or professional summary should appear first on your resume. This brief paragraph should highlight your professional objectives, key competencies, and unique selling points. Make sure it is interesting, concise, and relevant to the job you are applying for.
You can express your personality and enthusiasm for the field in your personal statement. Make the most of it to leave a lasting impression and persuade the employer to keep reading.

For example: Dedicated and results-oriented marketing professional with five years of experience creating and implementing successful digital marketing campaigns. Skilled at using data analytics to identify trends and opportunities for increasing brand visibility and customer engagement. Seeking a challenging role where I can use my skills and creativity to promote brand growth for a dynamic and innovative organization.

Showcase Your Work Experience:

The work experience section is the heart of your CV, highlighting your professional journey and achievements. List your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent job. Provide the following information for each position:

- Job title and company name.
- Employment dates (months and years).
- Primary responsibilities and achievements
Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments (e.g., 'led,' 'implemented,' ‘achieved’) and concentrate on measurable outcomes. When possible, quantify your achievements with specific numbers (for example, ‘increased sales by 25%,’ ‘managed a team of 10 employees’). This helps employers understand the impact you've made in previous positions.
For example:

Digital Marketing Manager at XYZ Corporation
June 2018 – Present
- Created and implemented digital marketing strategies, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% boost in lead generation.
- Led a team of four marketing specialists and worked with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches.
- Used data-driven insights to optimize social media campaigns, resulting in a 40% increase in engagement and a 15% increase in follower count.

Highlight Your Education and Certifications:

Give specifics about your educational background, including the colleges you attended, the degrees you earned, and any relevant certifications. If you lack work experience, focus more on your education and any relevant extracurricular activities, projects, or coursework.

Provide the following information for each academic achievement:
- Degree or qualification obtained.
- Name of the institution and its location
- Graduation year (or expected graduation year).
Include any workshops, seminars, or certifications you have obtained that are relevant to the position. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
For example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

XYZ University, Anytown, USA

Graduated: May 2018

Google Analytics Certification

Issued: June 2020

Showcase Relevant Skills:

Make a unique section that showcases your skills. Include both hard skills (technical abilities suited to a job) and soft skills (personal qualities and interpersonal skills). Make sure you are emphasising the abilities the company is seeking by going over the job description.
List and arrange your skills logically using bullet points. 
Here's an example of how to exhibit your skills:
-Digital marketing encompasses social media management, SEO, SEM, and Google Analytics.
-Project Management: Team Coordination, Agile, and Scrum
-Software: CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Include Professional Achievements:

Create a separate section to highlight any significant professional accomplishments or awards you have received. This could include industry awards, special recognition, or significant contributions to your field.
For example:

Professional achievements:
Marketing Excellence Award: Honored for leading a highly successful influencer marketing campaign that resulted in a 50% increase in brand awareness and a 25% increase in sales.
Including your accomplishments provides employers with tangible evidence of your abilities and dedication, which strengthens your candidacy.

Volunteer Experience and Extracurricular Activities:

If applicable, include volunteer and extracurricular activities that show relevant skills or qualities. These activities can demonstrate your dedication, teamwork, leadership, and other desirable qualities.
For example:
Volunteer Experience:
*Marketing Coordinator for Local Non-Profit Organization*
- Organized and promoted fundraising events, leading to a 40% increase in donations.
- Managed social media accounts to raise awareness about the organization's mission and activities.
Volunteering and participating in extracurricular activities can provide a more complete picture of your personality and interests outside of your professional the workplace.

Keep it Concise and Readable:

A CV should be no longer than two pages, unless extensive experience justifies a slightly longer document. Recruiters often have a large number of applications to review, so a concise, well-organized CV is more likely to capture their attention.
Use clear headings, bullet points, and a clean, professional font to make your CV easier to read. Avoid using fancy fonts or graphics that could detract from the content. Maintain a consistent format throughout the document for a polished and professional appearance.

Proofread Thoroughly:

Check your resume multiple times before submitting it to ensure that all spelling and grammar are correct. Having a friend or family member look it over is also a good idea, as their eyes may catch errors you overlooked.
Spelling and grammar errors can give employers the wrong impression, leading them to reject your application. Before sending out your CV, thoroughly review it.

Consider the Layout and Format:

While CV formats vary (chronological, functional, and combination), the chronological format is the most common. It focuses on your work history and is preferred by many employers. Select the format that best fits your experiences and the position you're applying for.
Here are the key elements to consider in your CV layout:
Header: Your name and contact information should be prominently displayed at the top of each page. Include your phone number, email address, and, if applicable, the URL to your LinkedIn profile. To draw attention, use a font that is slightly larger than the rest of the text.
Personal Statement or Professional Summary: This section should come after the header and briefly describe yourself as a professional. Make it engaging and relevant to the job you're applying for, as this will grab the employer's attention and encourage them to read on.
Work Experience: As previously stated, organize your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent job. Include the job title, company name, employment dates, primary responsibilities, and accomplishments. Use bullet points to make this information clear and concise.
Education and Certifications: This section should include information about your academic qualifications, such as degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Include the name of the institution, its location, and the year of graduation. Please include any relevant coursework or additional certifications.
Skills: Display your relevant skills in a separate section. Sort them into categories like technical skills, soft skills, language proficiency, and other relevant expertise. Use bullet points to make the information easier to understand.
Professional Achievements: Include any significant accomplishments or awards you've received throughout your career. This section allows you to highlight your impact and contributions to previous employers.
Volunteer Experience and Extracurricular Activities: If applicable, include any volunteer or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your abilities and character outside of your professional life. This section adds depth to your CV and provides employers with insight into your personality.
References: It is common to leave references off your CV, but you can indicate that they are available upon request. This saves space and keeps your referees from being contacted before you have a chance to prepare them.

Be Honest and Authentic:

Be truthful and genuine throughout your resume. Never make anything up or exaggerate it. Candidates that are forthright about their backgrounds and experiences are valued by employers. Being honest is a practical consideration as well as a moral requirement. During the hiring process, it is simple to find false statements, which can lead to a loss of confidence and potential termination.

Optimize Your Keywords:

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are used by many organisations to filter resumes prior to human inspection. These methods use particular keywords and phrases to filter candidates. Use job description keywords throughout your resume, particularly in the abilities and experience sections, to increase your chances of passing the applicant tracking system (ATS) scan. Make sure, nevertheless, that the keywords appropriately convey your skills and are pertinent.

Customize Your CV for Online Platforms:

Having a digital resume that is optimised for online job portals and professional networks like LinkedIn is essential given their prevalence. Although the site offers a more engaging experience, when you create or update your LinkedIn profile, be sure the content is consistent with your resume. Make connections with industry experts on LinkedIn, showcase your achievements, and share samples of your work.

Update Regularly:

Your CV should evolve with your career. Make a point of regularly updating it with new experiences, accomplishments, and skills. Keeping your CV up to date saves time when applying for new opportunities and ensures that you don't overlook any important details when it comes time to submit it.
Conclusion,

Creating a professional CV is a skill that can have a significant impact on your career opportunities. By tailoring it to each job application, highlighting your accomplishments, and presenting a well-organized document, you increase your chances of catching employers' attention and landing the job of your dreams.
Remember to take an authentic, honest, and strategic approach. Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to ensure that your CV is polished and effectively communicates your value as an employee. A strong CV will serve as your gateway to success, allowing you to pursue new opportunities and advance in your chosen career path. Take the time to improve your CV—it is an investment in your future. Good luck!