Sometimes writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) can seem harder than climbing a mountain But don't worry, at MozYouth we're here to guide you through the process with several valuable tips that will help you out But beware, it's not enough to read, you'll have to put what we've written here into practice If you don't have any professional experience yet, don't worry, we've written a section specifically for you at the end of this article
Starting point - when it comes to writing a CV, it's important to bear in mind that this is the first contact you'll have with a potential employer It's therefore crucial that you convey the best possible image of yourself
1. Personalize your CV for each position:
Each job is unique, and your CV should reflect that. Highlight experiences and skills relevant to the specific role you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, emphasize prior marketing-related experiences, such as managing social media accounts or creating advertising campaigns.
2. Use clear and concise language:
Avoid unnecessary jargon and long, complicated sentences. Recruiters have limited time to review CVs, so it’s important to communicate your qualifications clearly and directly. For instance, instead of saying, “Developed an innovative strategy to increase operational efficiency,” you can say, “Created a strategy to improve efficiency.”
3. Highlight measurable achievements:
Whenever possible, use numbers or statistics to back up your accomplishments. For example, rather than saying, “Responsible for increasing sales,” you could say, “Increased sales by 20% in the last quarter.”
4. Include a skills section:
In addition to your professional experience, emphasize skills relevant to the role. These could include technical skills, such as knowledge of specific software, or interpersonal skills, such as teamwork or leadership abilities.
5. Check spelling and grammar:
You’d be surprised how many CVs are discarded because people didn’t bother proofreading… Grammatical or spelling mistakes create a poor impression, showing a lack of attention to detail and professionalism—and reducing your chances of being shortlisted. Always review your CV carefully or ask someone else to check it before sending it.
6. Organize events in reverse chronological order:
Place the most recent events first and the oldest ones last. For instance, in the education section, only include your last school/institution/university. Information about primary school is unnecessary!
1. Exaggerating or lying about your qualifications:
It might be tempting to embellish your achievements or qualifications, but honesty is essential. Lies have a short lifespan and will inevitably backfire sooner or later. Don’t do it!
2. Using a disorganized or confusing format:
A cluttered CV can be hard to read and understand. Ensure your CV is clearly and neatly formatted, with headers and bullet points to make it easy to skim. A quick Google search can give you excellent free templates.
3. Including irrelevant information:
Avoid listing irrelevant or personal details, such as your parents’ names, primary school, hobbies, or interests unrelated to the role. Focus on showcasing your relevant qualifications and professional experiences.
4. Sending a generic CV:
Submitting the same CV for every job can come across as lazy and unprofessional. What’s worse is sending the same CV to multiple companies simultaneously, copying everyone in the email. This won’t increase your chances; it’ll eliminate them entirely.
If you’re creating a CV without professional experience, you can still highlight other relevant activities. Here are some examples to inspire you—what’s most important is to find and write about your own experiences:
Want to know the main advice we saved for last? Start working on your CV today and share it with people you know to gather feedback and improve it. A CV is a work tool you should aim to refine every day. Good luck!
Written by:
Pedro Santos