How to write a great CV
Whether you’ve decided to go back into a desk job or just want to be prepared for the future, having an up to date and polished CV is always a good thing.
Even the process of writing your CV is a great exercise in assessing your career and learning how to sell your experience and skills.
So, my biggest advice is to take the time to really work on it.
Last year, I spent about 2 months working on mine. I worked with a professional company, ITCV Writers, who were amazing value for money. The short of it was that I got a well-paid, 12-month contract out of it. What a great result.
My top tips for writing a great CV
Take the time to work on it, whether that be a week or a month
Give yourself a title – related to the type of job you’re going for
Include an upfront list of your 5-6 top achievements
Don’t include referees at the end - these are often asked for separately so will just take up space in your CV
Use numbers and figures wherever possible to show exact results
Use positive, concise language. Don’t waffle.
Have a friend, or someone in your target industry, review it for you
Have a master CV that includes everything and create shorter copies tailored for individual job applications
Update your master CV each time you get a new job - make notes in your first few weeks about what you’re doing. Don’t wait until the end of your contract.
A CV is your first point of contact with a prospective employer. Don’t stuff it up! Using a professional CV company can be a great investment, and pay you back 100 times over. What other investment can do that?
About the author: Lilani Goonesena is a digital communications specialist and the director of LIGO Creative. Based in Canberra, LIGO delivers content, editing, SEO copywriting, web design, strategy, social media and branding for government, the development sector and businesses. Contact LIGO today.
