How To Create A CV In 2023 (5 Quick Steps)

One of the most important things you can do when applying for jobs is to create a strong CV.

It’s VITAL your CV stands out; did you know only 2% of CVs make it past the first round?

Your CV is your first opportunity to make a good impression on potential employers, so it's important to take the time to make it as good as possible.

Here are some tips on creating a CV to help you get the job you want.

Here’s a snapshot of how to create a CV:

1. Writing the content for your CV
2. How to proofread your CV
3. How to design your CV
4. What not to include in your CV
5. Where to find CV templates

Check out these 21 best tools that will help you land your dream job.

1. Writing the content for your CV

A well-crafted CV is an important tool for communicating your skills, qualifications and experience to future employers.

It can help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. What should be included in a CV will depend on the job you are applying for, as each position may require different information.

However, there are some key elements that all CVs should include:

• Contact information
• Short bio
• Work experience
• Educational qualifications
• Professional qualifications

In more detail…

The first section of a CV should include your contact information, such as name and address, along with the relevant telephone number and email address. This ensures that employers can easily contact you if they want to discuss potential opportunities further.

You should then include a bio about yourself, make it personal and an advert for why the employer should hire you.

Next, outline any educational qualifications you have. Include the name of each qualification, the awarding institution and the dates it was achieved.

A CV should include details of any relevant work experience that you have gained in past roles and any positions of responsibility held at previous jobs. This could be anything from managing a team or department to leading projects. If you are just starting, then it is important to include details about any internships or volunteer roles that you have undertaken.

You should also list any professional qualifications, specialisations and training courses you have attended throughout your career, as well as any awards or commendations you may have received.

2. How to proofread your CV

Proofreading your CV is a critical part of the job application process. It is important to take the time to read it carefully and check for errors such as typos, spelling and grammar mistakes, incorrect formatting, or outdated information.

In addition, proofreading can help you identify whether you need to make changes, update certain sections or add any relevant information. To proofread effectively, it helps to set aside a specific amount of time so that you can focus on the task without getting distracted.

Make sure you proofread your CV more than once and have someone else proofread it for an extra level of accuracy.

By proofreading your CV thoroughly before submitting it, you can ensure that your resume is up-to-date and ready to impress potential employers.

3. How to design your CV

How you design your CV says a lot about you.

It reflects how tech-savvy, organised, and creative you really are. It can sometimes take time to figure out where to start when it comes to designing the perfect cv. Factoring in how the document looks and ensuring all relevant information is included can be key.

First, consider the colour scheme and font style - they should complement each other.

In this example, everything aligns nicely with each other:

Next, ensure that each job listing or education entry is accompanied by some form of evidence - this could include demonstrating tangible outcomes such as skill acquisition or even awards and achievements within an organisation.

Most importantly, keep it concise and precise but remember to add your unique flair.

How you design your CV makes a lasting impression on employers and hiring managers alike, so make it count.

Doing it alone is not a good idea.

In fact, there are two incredibly useful tools online you can use to create your CV.

First, Resume.io, where you can choose from 100’s of different CV templates, create a CV with Resume.io.

Second, VisualCV, very simialr to Resume.io, both products are very easy to use and get an amazing CV created fast. Create a CV on VisualCV.

4. What not to include in your CV

What are the most important things to remember when creating your CV? What NOT to include should be top of your list.

First, avoid including excessive personal information, such as anything that is not work-related - your age and marital status aren't necessary.

Second, don’t include any irrelevant hobbies or activities, such as political affiliations or protests you were involved in unless it is directly relevant.

Avoid listing references on your CV; employers will usually request them separately.

Finally, avoid writing clichés and do not inflate the truth; instead, focus on describing achievements from positions that you held and specific skills you have.

A great CV should be honest and straightforward and show off your best side.

5. Where to find CV templates

If you need help putting together your resume, there are plenty of resources available to get the job done.

From Do-It-Yourself sites to premium templates and awesome graphic designers, you’re sure to find an eye-catching CV template in no time.

If you're not tech-savvy or don't have much time, you should buy a professionally designed template that matches your needs and aesthetic.

There are also countless CV templates from which you can draw inspiration and ideas for yours. So before you decide to create your resume from scratch - take some extra time to explore all the options available so you won’t miss any details.

Resume.io is a great tool for finding CV templates and creating your CV.

Now that you know how to create a CV, it's time to start.

Use the tips in this blog post to help you design and proofread your CV so that you can make a great impression on potential employers. Be sure to check out our collection of CV templates if you need some inspiration.

💥 Tip: Don't include any information that could be considered controversial or negative - your goal is to show off yourself.