How to Write a Good CV: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024

As a graduate or student stepping into the job market, knowing how to write a good CV that stands out can be a daunting task. With an ever-competitive landscape, making a great first impression is more crucial than ever. Here’s a guide to help you write a CV that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of potential employers in 2024.

1. Understand the Basics of Writing a CV

Before diving into the specifics, it's important to understand the basic structure of a CV:

- Contact Information: Your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one, which we recommend you do!).

-Personal Statement or Summary: A brief summary highlighting your career goals and what you bring to the table.

- Education: List your educational background in reverse chronological order.

- Work Experience: Detail your work experience, starting with the most recent (don’t forget to add dates and your job title/s).

- Skills: Include relevant skills that match the job description.

2. Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application

One size does not fit all. Customise your CV for each job application. Highlight the experiences and skills that align with the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

3. Craft a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement should be a compelling snapshot of who you are professionally. Keep it concise—around 150 words. Focus on your career objectives, key achievements, and what you aim to bring to the role.

4. Showcase Achievements, Not Just Duties

When detailing your work experience, focus on achievements rather than just listing duties and responsibilities. Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, “Increased social media engagement by 40%” is more impressive than “Managed social media accounts.”

5. Highlight Relevant Skills

Skills should be relevant to the job you are applying for. Technical skills, soft skills, and language proficiency are all important. Use a mix of hard and soft skills to show your versatility.

6. Keep the Format Clean and Professional

A clean, professional format is essential. Use a readable font (such as Arial or Calibri) and keep the size between 10 and 12 points. Ensure there is plenty of white space to make the document easy to read. We’d recommend keeping your CV to 1 or 2 pages in length.

7. Use Action Verbs to Make Your CV Dynamic

Start bullet points with action verbs like “Developed,” “Implemented,” or “Led.” This makes your experiences sound dynamic and impactful.

8. Proofread and Edit

A single typo can ruin your chances. Proofread your CV multiple times. Consider asking a friend or using a professional service (like tweak 😉 ) to review your document.

9. Include a Cover Letter

A tailored cover letter can make a significant difference. It provides an opportunity to expand on your CV and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

The tweak advantage

Creating a standout CV can be challenging, but that’s where tweak comes in. Our CV writing, editing and design services are designed to make a lasting impression and boost your chances of landing an interview.

Our Services

1. Starting from Scratch: If you’re new to CV writing, we’ll help you create a professional CV from the ground up.

2. CV Editing: If you have an existing CV that needs polishing, we’ll give it the TLC it needs to shine.

3. Total Makeover: For those looking to completely transform their CV, our design and content overhaul will ensure it stands out for all the right reasons.

Why Choose Tweak?

✅ Personalised Approach: We take a down-to-earth, personalised approach to ensure your CV reflects your unique story (including a 30-minute kickstarter call for 2 out of 3 of our services).

✅ Expert Guidance: Our expert team will guide you through every step, from the initial draft to the final polished document.

✅ Competitive Pricing: We offer tailored solutions at competitive prices, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

How It Works

1. Select Your Service: Choose the service that best suits your needs.

2. Complete Payment: Add your selected service to your basket and complete the payment process.

3. Kickstarter Call: Within 24 hours, you'll receive an email to schedule your kickstarter call (if included in your package). Alternatively, you’ll receive a questionnaire via email.

4. Crafting Your CV: Following the call or once we receive your questionnaire, your CV will be crafted and emailed to you within 2-4 business days.

5. Revisions: You’ll have an opportunity for one or two rounds of revisions (based on your package choice).

6. Final CV: You’ll receive a polished CV ready to impress potential employers!

Conclusion

Writing a good CV in 2024 requires careful attention to detail, customisation and a professional touch. By following these tips and leveraging the expertise of services like tweak, you can ensure your CV stands out in a saturated UK job market.

Ready to level up your CV? Look no further than tweak.

Together, we’ll make sure you leave a lasting impression that gets you noticed for all the right reasons.

See how we can help you elevate your career prospects today.