Your CV is one of the most important documents when looking for a new job. It's your chance to make a great first impression with potential employers. With so much riding on your CV, it's crucial to get it right. This ultimate CV checklist covers everything you need to know to create a winning CV that will make employers sit up and take notice. Follow this advice to showcase your skills, experience and personality in the best possible light.
Work Experience
List all previous roles in reverse chronological order. For each, include things like job title, company name and location, dates employed, an overview of position and responsibilities and key achievements and demonstrated skills. Focus on quantifiable achievements over duties. Use power verbs like "managed" and "created". If you lack full-time experience, student CV templates can provide guidance on showcasing internships, part-time work and transferable skills.
Personal Details
This section gives your vital contact information. Include:
- Full name - Use your first and last names, including any middle names
- Email address - A professional-sounding address without nicknames
- Phone number - A number you can be easily reached on
- Home address - Full address details, including postcode, unless already on your cover letter
- Nationality - Include if you have the right to work/study in the country
Other personal details like date of birth, marital status or gender are no longer common on UK CVs and can be left off. Photos are also not expected unless specifically requested.
Personal Profile
The personal profile or career summary sits prominently at the top of your CV. Keep it concise at 3-4 sentences or bullet points. Use it to summarise your biggest selling points and achievements tailored to the target company and role.
This section should highlight your most relevant qualifications, skills and experience. Focus on the areas that make you stand out from other applicants. Quantify achievements where possible and mention specific skills relevant to the job.
Your personal profile on your CV is your chance to grab the recruiter's attention, so make sure it is customised and impactful.
Education
This section provides details on your academic background. List education sections in reverse chronological order also. For each qualification, include:
- Degree title - Such as BA, BSc or Masters
- Subject studied
- University or educational institution name
- Dates attended - The year you started and finished
- Grades and final degree classification, if applicable
- Relevant modules, projects, dissertations - Highlight anything related to the target role
- Scholarships, awards and merits - Anything that demonstrates academic excellence
Also, mention significant high school qualifications like A-levels if you are a recent graduate or school leaver without higher education.
Skills
The skills section gives an overview of your key competencies and proficiencies relevant to the job. This can include:
- Technical/practical skills - Abilities and knowledge specific to the industry or role
- Language skills - List languages you speak/write fluently and your skill level
- Software and IT skills - Specific programs and systems you are proficient in
- Interpersonal skills - Communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving
- Organisational skills - Time management, multi-tasking, prioritising
- Professional accreditations - Qualifications demonstrating expertise
Always back up the claims in your skills section with real examples. Demonstrate when, where and how you gained and utilised these skills. This could be through work experience, academic projects, extra-curricular activities or previous training.
Interests
A short interests section adds personality and well-roundedness to your CV. It offers additional conversation starters for interviews while highlighting skills beyond academic and professional spheres.
Include 3-4 relevant hobbies, interests or achievements such as:
- Sports you play regularly or compete in
- Travel experiences demonstrating cultural awareness or language skills
- Volunteering roles and causes showing community spirit and values
- Passions and pursuits that align with the company's mission and work
Aim for interests that complement your CV rather than basic hobbies everyone has, like reading or watching TV. Align your interests with the company's culture as much as possible.
References
Conclude your CV with the line "References available upon request" to indicate you have references ready to provide if needed. Only include full referee details if specifically required in the job advertisement.
Always ask permission before naming someone as a referee. Let them know to expect contact and provide details on the roles you are applying for. Supply them with an updated copy of your CV so they can speak knowledgeably about your experience and qualifications.
Having strong references on your side who can vouch for your skills and character will add further weight to your CV during the recruitment process.
Your CV is your ticket to securing job interviews and kickstarting your next career move. This definitive checklist covers exactly what employers hope to see in a winning CV, from ideal structure and formatting to compelling content. With a polished, high-impact CV that checks all the necessary boxes, you can set yourself apart and take confident steps towards your dream job.
