On the hunt for a new job? If you’re among the 11% of Brits currently searching for their next role and thinking it might be type: entry-hyperlink id: 2ozv48xStVLjOnBVgD2yy9, it’s smart to get all your ducks in order. Understanding how to write a winning CV – one that makes a positive impression on recruiters  – is a surefire way to land that dream opportunity. In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of creating a CV that simply works.

What does a winning CV include?

First up, there are certain elements that recruiters expect to see in a winning application. The golden rule is to create a chronological CV, listing the following sections in this order: 

1. CV header

The type: entry-hyperlink id: 4V3syWmdlaHRJnrtRpC9y1 boasts your full name (or nickname), contact details, and additional extras. For example, you may want to type: entry-hyperlink id: 1wUgJPXa4hUFVxxRRYYLTe or a link to your type: entry-hyperlink id: 26l8HxTd1TgOvwVpgB6NPj. 

2. Summary 

Next, your winning CV should include a type: entry-hyperlink id: rOODyJrj4gXQkqCfhUnnI – a short paragraph of your career highlights. Add in metrics to back up any major claims you make and use action verbs, too. 

3. Skills 

Using bullet points, list your  best skills on your CV. Remember, it’s always smart to refer back to the job posting and highlight any relevant skills you have on your application.

4. Work experience

List your previous roles in reverse chronological order again. Your type: entry-hyperlink id: 2mvM8mkLQrM5OLkILf9wDG must have headers that cover the main information and then bullet points detailing your achievements. 

5. Education 

Add a section that covers your educational history. The type: entry-hyperlink id: 5vsqC8meaYHBsD78uqLFTo on your winning CV can include high school achievements, university degrees, certifications, and even any additional training you’ve had. 

Think of the above as a winning CV template that you can use when creating your next application. Of course, there are optional, additional sections you can include, such as type: entry-hyperlink id: 4ziGt68s5p0z1ptsrihYUN, as well as type: entry-hyperlink id: 3X79L0tUiWe0Ll6a1FGbRp. For more inspiration on structuring your document, see our roundup of some winning type: entry-hyperlink id: 2SPyxvMl0Ww63e79VL0AQa.

Optimising your winning CV: 7 tips 

Once you have your CV elements in order, using the formula we’ve outlined above, follow our tips below to make your winning CV truly stand out: 

Be clear on your career goals

It's likely that you've already identified what made you unhappy in your current role and contemplated how your ideal work day would be different. Channel these thoughts into your job hunt and as you type: entry-hyperlink id: ONKD0S4RN9HdLvXOA4tWy. Considering what the next step in your career looks like is especially important if it involves a type: entry-hyperlink id: 64dC7nZTc42FxYBcfTikZy. Having a clear, focused approach will make polishing your CV easier and more efficient.

Read ideal job descriptions

Read through job descriptions that are aligned to what you're looking for. Consider the candidate requirements and see if you can identify patterns and trends across the descriptions. For example, if you’re applying for a PR Manager position, you can expect the majority of job descriptions to require a candidate with outstanding written and verbal communication. 

Also watch for nuances related to the shift to remote work. For example, job descriptions may mention desirable type: entry-hyperlink id: SLzUmCooeR8BBH6H9UpQq including experience in using type: entry-hyperlink id: ulq3de1hDrNMHwEDgUK77 and leading virtual teams. By scanning listed vacancies, you should get an idea of what your winning CV needs to highlight to give you a competitive edge. 

Tailor your CV to the position 

Now that you know what recruiters are looking for from candidates in your industry, you're in a position to customise your CV. While it's best practice to type: entry-hyperlink id: 7sQx2KVnTDXdThe0ASqbWc to every role you apply for, it's possible that a headhunter from an agency or organisation may contact you speculatively about multiple possible roles. You would do well to have a generic, but tailored, CV on standby to showcase your candidacy for roles in your desired industry.

Include keywords and phrases 

To show headhunters that you're a great match for a position, inject type: entry-hyperlink id: Ckttb84bAYeDPNrlX0xe2 and skills from the job description throughout your CV. Also, delete any skills and knowledge from your experience that aren’t mentioned in the adverts. The idea is to avoid yawning gaps in your employment history while minimising irrelevant detail, so they don’t cloud important information.

Show your skill set, don't tell

When addressing your career history, avoid the type: entry-hyperlink id: 3UOheaNvXTDeZHQHNnE2V4 of simply listing duties and responsibilities throughout your employment history. Instead, show headhunters what you've achieved and the impact you made in your role.

Understanding how to impress recruiters entails knowing how to showcase your value – present achievements on your winning CV using concrete, indisputable metrics like percentages, hours, or numbers. Additionally, lead each statement with type: entry-hyperlink id: 5t4OgB1yFycQI7IGpzW5GQ, such as "developed," "increased," or "implemented," to immediately show your impact.

Demonstrate your personality

What makes your winning CV unique? The answer is you. While there are consistent conventions with CV writing, such as including your career history and qualifications, it's important to embrace your quirks too. By this, we mean letting your personality shine through so that recruiters get a taste of who you really are. It may give you the competitive edge, as cultural compatibility is a key part of the hiring process.

Consider the phrasing of career gaps

The best way to address and explain career gaps on your CV is with honesty and transparency. If you're currently on your career break, it’s best to mention it in your personal profile at the top of your CV. If you've returned to work, you could subtly mention the break under the Work Experience section to convey transparency without complicating matters. 

Win their time and attention 

Before you hand in your resignation letter, it’s smart to prepare a winning CV (and cover letter) to impress recruiters and secure your next job. Use the structure we’ve shared here as well as our advice to get started. First impressions matter, so make sure that your CV stands out for all the right reasons. 

It's worth updating your CV in case a headhunter or recruiter approaches you via LinkedIn or other channels. Consider a free CV review to ensure yours is at its best.

This blog was originally written by Laura Slingo and has been updated by Charlotte Grainger.

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