Writing a CV

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. Your CV is your chance to show you have the right experience, knowledge, skills and drive to do the job. So, it's worth taking some time to perfect it.

How to write a winning CV

  1. Start with your personal information
    Your name, address, phone number
  2. List your career history
    How long you were employed for and your key achievements
  3. Detail your education
    If you have a degree there’s no need to list each module results
  4. Interests
    Relate these to the skills the job you’re applying for requires
  5. Proof read
    Check your spelling and grammar and use short sharp sentences
  6. Formatting
    Keep your CV under two pages long and use subheadings and bullet points
  7. Register with Manpower UK
    Click here to register an account with us

Do

  • Showcase your achievements
    Companies are results-orientated so emphasise how you made a difference in your previous roles
  • Tweak your CV
    Make sure your CV suits the specific position you’re applying for
  • Commit it to memory
    It will be the basis of your interview, so be prepared to discuss everything you’ve listed

Don't

  • Exaggerate
    Honesty is absolutely the best policy, make sure all the information is accurate and up-to-date
  • Leave gaps in your employment history
    Let them know why you weren’t in work, for example travelling or redundancy
  • Use jargon or abbreviations
    You’ll risk making your CV difficult to read.

Not sure where to begin? Take a look at this example CV for a template to get you started.