Example of a good CV

A good CV forms the foundation of a well-prepared job application. Your CV is the first piece of information that a potential employer will use to assess your suitability for a role. So, it is very important that you get it right and you take your time to perfect your CV writing skills. In this article, you will learn how to successfully sell your key skills in your CV.

CV layout

The layout of your CV is essential when applying for your dream job. If your CV isn’t easy to follow and read, it is likely that you will lose the attention of any potential employer that is looking to hire. You should have clear headings and sections, as well as a readable and professional font and writing style. Be sure to view our CV template and guide to ensure you are structuring your CV correctly.

Once you have built the core layout of your CV, there are key sections you should be focusing on that can turn a good CV into a great CV.

Personal statement

When writing a personal statement you should tailor it to a specific role, keep it short and sweet, and use facts and figures whenever you can to make sure that you are highlighting any relevant past experience. This section is the first bit of text that the reader will encounter, make sure the grammar is perfect and you capture their attention.

Example:

I am an experienced digital marketing manager, skilled in coordinating large teams on a global scale. I have run successful content campaigns which utilise SEO and content marketing to drive brand awareness, leads, and traffic to websites in FMCG, finance, and fashion. I am proud to have worked on projects that have received international praise and several marketing awards. For my next challenge in digital marketing, I am looking for a role within the FMCG space that will enable me to expand products into new markets and collaborate with talented professionals across the globe.

This will vary depending on the role, your level of experience, and the industry you are applying for. Be sure to tailor this for every job you apply to highlight your most relevant skills and experience.

Work experience and career history 

Your work experience should be listed with your most recent employment at the top, as this shows your current or most recent role, and will allow the person reading it to work back through your experience. However, this is not only the place to list the previous companies you have worked for and past job titles, but it is also another opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have the right skills for the job you are applying for. 

Example:

Michael Page, London
Digital Marketing Manager
January 2017 – February 2019

• Managed a large, diverse team to create and launch online projects for the business. Including UX, PPC, SEO, and content marketing.
• Increased traffic to the website by 25% YoY, whilst planning future benchmarks for the team.
• Reported on and monitored the performance of the website and our advertisements on a weekly and monthly basis, making changes accordingly.
• Presented the monthly activities of the digital marketing team and performance reporting to the board, highlighting any changes in our processes or where changes need to be made in the future.

Education

Your education should be set out with each establishment as a heading, and with the most recent institution at the top. Highlight what qualifications and grades you achieved but also include specific courses and projects where you may have developed the key skills for the role further.

Example:

University of London – September 2014 – 2016
Degree in Marketing and Creative Writing, BA Hons Degree

The power of effective marketing strategies, and how this can be manipulated in businesses to build brand awareness, positive ROI, whilst learning about its effect on people. 

Elected modules in Business to Business (B2B) Marketing, Marketing Research, Marketing Strategy and Management and Consumer Behaviour

Key skills 

Your key soft and hard skills can sometimes be shown throughout your employment history, but anything that you’ve missed and feel will make you stand out is worth noting on your CV. This will also give potential employers a chance to learn a bit more about your personality, and why you may be a good fit for the role. 

Example:

Key skills

Data analytics

• Reporting regularly on online activities through Google Analytics, SEM Rush and social media analytics tools to continuously improve our online strategy and steer our marketing campaigns. 

People management

• In addition to the ability to manage various projects at one time, I have played an active role in guiding my team to achieve their KPIs and develop their careers within the company. 

This section, like your personal statement, should be tailored for each job you are applying for. Be sure to use the job description to build your CV but if you are unsure what key skills you should be highlighting in your CV, download our free eBook: 100 most in-demand skills for 2019 for more insight.

If you are interested in learning more about how to write a CV, then we can help you to perfect your CV writing skills. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to one of our specialist recruitment consultants, please get in touch with us today and we can help you begin your job search.