Writing a CV

FREE CV Review and Support Service

CV Review Service

UCQ offers a free CV Review Service to support all individuals who are preparing to enter employment, re-enter the workforce, or take the next step in their career.

This service is open to anyone.  You do not need to have been a student with UCQ.

This service is intended to support individuals to improve the quality and impact of their CV.

Review Service

To access the service, simply email: mycvreview@ucq.ac.uk

What the service includes:

The CV review service provides:

• Feedback on layout, structure and readability
• Suggestions for improvement, clarity and impact
• Checks for spelling, punctuation and grammar
• High-level advice on how to better evidence skills, experience and achievements

Your CV should be tailored to match the job description and company. If the job lacks a detailed description, examine similar roles to determine the required skills and experiences.

What the service does not include:

To manage expectations, and to ensure fairness, this service does not:

• Rewrite CVs on your behalf
• Provide job matching, recruitment, or placement services.  If you have been a student refer to your post-course contact.
• Guarantee interviews or employment outcomes
• Provide detailed career coaching or role-specific advice.

Feedback provided is advisory and intended to support individuals to improve their CVs.

Data protection and privacy

CVs submitted to the CV Review Service:

• Your data will be processed solely for the purpose of providing CV feedback
• Your CV will be handled confidentially and accessed only by authorised UCQ staff
• Your data will be stored and deleted in line with UCQ’s Data Protection and Privacy Policy
• Your CV will not be shared with third parties.

For further information about how UCQ processes personal data, please refer to our Data Protection and Privacy Policy available at: https://ucq.ac.uk/policies/

Writing a Winning CV: Best Practices, Etiquette and Pitfalls to Avoid

What is a CV?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is an essential document that highlights your achievements, skills, and experiences relevant to the role you’re seeking. It is typically the first document an employer reviews when you apply for a job, making it your initial introduction. A well-crafted CV can secure you an interview and set the stage for a successful job application. You can use a CV to apply for advertised positions or to introduce yourself to employers even when openings are not publicly advertised.

Getting Started on Your CV

To create an effective CV, begin by thoroughly reviewing the job advertisement for the role you’re interested in. This review should help you understand the:

• Job Description: The duties and responsibilities associated with the role.
• Person Specification: The skills, qualifications, experience and behaviours the employer is looking for.
• Company Details: Insights into the company’s strategy, mission, vision, values and culture.

Next, identify how your skills and experiences align with the employer’s needs. Gather the following information:

• Your qualifications
• Your past job and volunteering experiences
• Details of your previous employers
• Evidence of any training courses you’ve completed
• Details of your transferable skills

Your CV should be tailored to match the job description and company. If the job lacks a detailed description, examine similar roles to determine the required skills and experiences.

Different CV Styles

Selecting the right CV format is crucial and should be based on the role you’re applying for and your career stage.

Traditional CV

• Format: Lists your employment and educational history in chronological order.
• Best For: Applicants with a stable work history and progressing career path.

Skill-Based CV

• Format: Emphasises your job-related skills and personal qualities rather than chronological work history.
• Best For: Those with gaps in employment, changing careers, or with extensive relevant skills.

Technical CV

• Format: Highlights specific technical skills and projects.
• Best For: IT, engineering, and technical fields.

Creative CV

• Format: Incorporates design elements like infographics and links to online portfolios.
• Best For: Creative and digital industries where visual impact is important.

Academic CV

• Format: Detailed documentation of your academic achievements, publications, and research.
• Best For: Teaching and research positions in academia.

CV Length

If your CV is not an academic CV, it should not exceed two sides of A4 paper. Academic CVs can be longer due to the need for detailed documentation of research and publications.

Best Practices for Writing A CV

• Be Clear and Concise: Use bullet points and short sentences.
• Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV for each job application.
• Highlight Achievements: Focus on what you achieved in each role, not just your responsibilities.
• Use Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description.
• Proofread: Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.

Etiquette

• Be Honest: Never lie or exaggerate your qualifications or experience.
• Professional Language: Use formal and polite language.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent format and style throughout your CV.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Irrelevant Information: Don’t include personal information like age, marital status, or religious beliefs.
• Overcomplicating: Avoid overly complex language and graphics (unless it’s a creative CV).
• Neglecting Details: Ensure all dates and details are accurate and match your references.