Your CV is the first hello to potential employers. With a dash of creativity and a spotlight on your strengths, you can turn your CV into a compelling narrative that opens doors to exciting opportunities. In this guide, we'll explore expert advice and examples to help you craft a persuasive, professional CV that opens doors to new career opportunities.
How to prepare your CV
Before you get started on writing your CV, it's essential to invest time in thorough preparation. When it comes to your CV, you'll need to articulate your accomplishments, reflect deeply on your career path, and identify your unique value proposition. Rushing this crucial step can lead to a generic and ineffective CV that fails to capture your true potential.
To ensure your CV stands out and effectively communicates your strengths, here are our top tips for preparing a stellar CV:
Gather relevant professional information:
Start by gathering all your professional information in one place, including previous job titles, company names, dates of employment, educational qualifications, certifications, and any relevant projects or achievements.
Don't forget to note down specific results and quantifiable data. For example, instead of saying, “Managed projects across a large area,” try “Developed and implemented a customer service protocol that improved customer satisfaction scores by 25% across the greater Dublin area.”
The key is to think about your key skills and strengths and how they relate to the roles you're applying for.
Match qualifications with the job description:
Begin by thoroughly analysing the job description to pinpoint the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Highlight these keywords and phrases throughout your CV, ensuring they resonate with your experiences and achievements. Aligning your skills with the job description can help demonstrate your understanding of the role, positioning you as an ideal candidate.
Avoid sending out a generic document—customise each new CV application to showcase the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position. Crafting compelling and customised applications is essential!
Organise your information in a clear and accessible way. Whether it's a digital document, a spreadsheet, or a physical folder, ensure your professional details are well-structured.
Include every single detail from your career history. Irrelevant information can clutter your resume and distract from your key qualifications. Focus on the accomplishments and skills that align with the target job.
Choose the right CV Format
Selecting the right CV format is essential for effectively presenting your information. The most common CV format is the reverse chronological CV, which lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This format is preferred by most employers because it provides a clear overview of your career progression.
Career pivot? Employment gap? A skills-based CV can be your secret weapon. But tread carefully. It's like wearing a disguise – it can highlight your strengths, but some recruiters might see it as hiding important career information. Use it strategically, and be ready to explain your career journey.
If you are changing careers, freelancing, or have gaps in your employment history, a functional or combination CV might be more suitable. These CV formats focus on your skills and abilities rather than your work experience. However, some employers may be wary of this format, which can obscure your work history.
Ultimately, your chosen CV format should be clean and easy to follow. A recruiter should be able to scan the document and quickly understand your key qualifications.
When describing your work experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your accomplishments. This structured approach helps you provide context, highlight your actions, and demonstrate the positive outcomes of your efforts, making your achievements more impactful and memorable.
How to Make a CV: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a compelling CV involves several key steps to showcase your qualifications and experience effectively.
We'll review the following:
- Contact information
- Personal statement or CV objective
- Work history
- Skills section
- Education
- Optional sections
Let’s begin!
Step 1: Contact Information
In the header of your CV, begin with your full name, followed by your contact number, a professional email address, and the URL to your LinkedIn profile. Double-check that all information is accurate and current.
When providing your location, it's best to mention only your general area, such as "Cork" or “Galway,” rather than your complete address. Including a professionally curated LinkedIn profile in the header of your CV is an excellent way to provide potential employers with a comprehensive view of your professional background.
IT Manager
82 Soda Bread Station, Dublin, D01 X4Y6, Ireland
[email protected]
(353) 655 0392
Step 2: Personal Statement or Objective
Craft a compelling personal statement or objective that grabs the reader's attention.
A personal statement, otherwise known as a professional profile, is a brief overview of your skills and professional experience tailored to the specific role. It should highlight your key achievements and career goals.
An objective statement is more suitable for recent graduates or career changers. It focuses on your career aspirations and what you hope to achieve in the role.
Keep this section concise and engaging, and don’t forget to use strong action verbs.
Need some inspiration? Check out our professional CV examples below:
Experienced, responsible Bartender with extraordinary customer service skills and strong attention to detail. Knowledgeable about drink combinations and committed to serving with a smile. Adept at maintaining a clean and organised bar area, and dedicated to providing customers with a warm and welcoming environment.
Enthusiastic and reliable Customer Assistant focused on providing excellent customer service. Organised, detail-oriented, and experienced in handling customer inquiries and transactions. Dedicated to increasing sales by providing the ultimate customer experience. Four years of experience in various retail settings with a proven track record of success in retail environments.
Experienced and efficient Dublin taxi driver focused on providing safe, memorable and stress-free driving experiences for customers. Fully qualified driver with an SPSV license and a clean driving record. Firm believer in the importance of driver safety, punctuality and professionalism. Dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service.
Step 3: Work History
Let's dive into your career journey by detailing your work history. For each role, remember to include your job title, the company name, its location, and the dates of your employment.
Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Focus on quantifiable results and use action verbs.
Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. It can be very helpful to provide context for the size and scale of the companies you have worked for.
Generally, aim to include the last 10-15 years of your work history, prioritising your most recent and relevant roles. However, if older experiences are particularly relevant to the job you're applying for, don't hesitate to include them.
Step 4: Skills Section
Create a dedicated skills section to highlight your key abilities, showcasing both hard skills and soft skills. For hard skills, include software proficiency by listing tools pertinent to your field, specifying your level of expertise, such as beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
For example, you might mention computer skills, such as advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator or intermediate skills in programming languages like Python and Java.
Additionally, detail your language fluencies by specifying the languages you speak and your level of proficiency, such as fluency in Irish and English or intermediate proficiency in French.
In the soft skills section, you could highlight your communication skills, emphasising your ability to effectively convey information through writing, speaking, or active listening, with expertise in adapting your communication style to diverse audiences.
You could also emphasise your teamwork abilities, illustrating your experience in collaborating within various team environments and your role as a team player. Don’t forget to use keywords from the job description to ensure your CV is picked up by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Top ten skills for 5 common professions
| Profession | Example Hard Skills | Example Soft Skills |
| Cleaner | Surface Cleaning Techniques, Chemical Safety Knowledge, Equipment Operation, Sanitation Standards | Attention to Detail, Time Management, Reliability, Efficiency, Problem-Solving |
| Customer Service Representative | CRM Software Proficiency, Data Entry, Product Knowledge, Technical Support | Active Listening, Patience, Communication, Problem-Solving, Empathy |
| Doctor | Patient Assessment, Medical Research, Prescribing Medication, Surgery Techniques | Adaptability, Communication, Teamwork, Empathy, Stress Management |
| Executive | Strategic Planning, Financial Acumen, Market Analysis, Project Management | Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Decision-Making, Time Management, Negotiation |
| Social Worker | Case Management, Advocacy, Crisis Intervention, Report Writing | Empathy, Communication, Problem-Solving, Patience, Resilience |
Step 5: Education
Present your educational journey in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent qualification. For each entry, include:
- Institution Name: (e.g., University College Dublin, Dublin Institute of Technology)
- Degree/Qualification: (e.g., Bachelor of Arts in History, Higher Certificate in Business Studies)
- Dates of Attendance: (e.g., 2018 - 2022, Sept 2023 - Present)
You can also briefly mention relevant coursework, projects, or QQI qualifications.
For example:
- Master's Degree: Master of Science in Data Analytics, Trinity College Dublin, 2023 - 2024
- Bachelor's Degree: Bachelor of Commerce, University College Cork, 2019 - 2023
Include the institution's name, the degree or qualification obtained, and the dates of attendance. If you have relevant coursework or projects, mention them briefly. You can also mention any other qualifications or certifications relevant to your industry.
Master of Education, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin
September 2014 - September 2015
Bachelor of Education, Dublin City University, Dublin
September 2008 - September 2013
Certifications and Licences
Certifications and licences are essential for demonstrating your qualifications and expertise to potential employers, especially in specialised fields. It is important to clearly list any relevant certifications or licences on your CV, particularly those that are mandatory for the position you are applying for.
When listing your certifications and licences, include the official name, the issuing organisation, and the issue date. For example, you might list a "QQI Level 5 Certificate in Business Administration" issued by your local Education and Training Board or a "Safe Pass" certification from SOLAS.
Similarly, a nurse might include their Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) registration, while someone working in the hospitality sector could highlight qualifications from Fáilte Ireland.
If you have a substantial number of certifications and licences, consider creating a separate section for them to keep your CV organised.
Remember to only include those relevant to the job you're applying for. By clearly listing these credentials, you demonstrate your commitment to professional development and suitability for the role.
Step 6: Optional Sections
While the core sections of a CV are essential, optional sections can add depth and personality to your CV. Consider including sections such as volunteer experience, professional affiliations, awards and recognition, languages, and interests.
Volunteer experience demonstrates your commitment to your community and can highlight transferable skills. Professional affiliations show your industry involvement and dedication to professional development.
Awards and recognition highlight your achievements and demonstrate your excellence in your field. If you're proficient in languages other than English, include them to showcase your versatility. Hobbies and interests can also provide insight into your personality and demonstrate transferable skills like teamwork or leadership.
You can also include a references section or write "References available upon request." Including this can allow potential employers to contact your references and gain further insights into your qualifications and character.
When incorporating optional sections, ensure they are relevant to the job you're applying for. Focus on highlighting accomplishments and skills that align with the job description. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to keep these sections concise and easy to read.
CV ATS Optimisation
Many employers rely on ATS to filter applications, so it’s essential to ensure your CV is optimised for these systems to increase your chances of getting noticed.
Begin by weaving in keywords directly from the job description—think of these as the building blocks that match you to the perfect role. Incorporate action verbs, such as “developed” or “managed”, alongside your keywords.
Avoid including images, tables, or complex designs in your CV, as these can confuse the ATS and send your CV straight to the rejection pile!
For easy reading, use clear and standard headings like ' Work Experience,' 'Education,' and ' Skills.' Save your document in commonly accepted formats like Word or PDF, and avoid unconventional file types.
Finally, make sure your contact information stands out at the top. By mastering ATS optimisation, you're paving a more straightforward path to catching the eye of recruiters and advancing in the hiring process.
Formatting
Formatting isn't just about aesthetics; it also shows your professionalism and knack for detail. Use a professional, simple or modern CV format to keep things neat and professional.
If you have a career that values visual communication and innovation, such as graphic design, marketing, or media production, you can also use a creative CV format to showcase your artistic flair and design sensibilities.
It’s best to use conventional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points, so it’s easy to read. Use bolding and italics sparingly to draw attention to important points without overdoing it.
Bullet points effectively highlight key achievements and responsibilities, creating a neat and straightforward list. Make sure your margins are consistent, and use white space to keep the layout open and uncluttered.
Remember, consistency in your formatting is key. Use the same fonts, headings, and bullet points throughout the document. A well-formatted CV allows recruiters to assess your qualifications quickly and effectively.
Structure your CV with clear and concise headings and subheadings to guide the reader and make it easy to find key information quickly.
Include irrelevant information not directly related to the jobs you are applying for. Keep your CV focused and concise, highlighting only the most relevant skills and experiences.
CV Examples
While the chronological CV format remains the most common CV format, certain professions and career paths may benefit from alternative formats to showcase special skills and experience best.
For instance, individuals with gaps in their employment history, such as those re-entering the workforce after a career break or those who have taken time off to raise a family, might find a functional CV.
These include careers such as freelancer, stay-at-home mums, or part-time jobs. Functional CVs highlight skills and competencies rather than focusing on conventional career timelines.
Similarly, those making a significant career change, like a lawyer transitioning into marketing or a barista transitioning into project management, might opt for a combination CV to highlight transferable skills and relevant projects from their previous field while showcasing their newfound knowledge in their desired industry.
Ultimately, the choice of CV format should align with the individual's career goals and the expectations of their target industry.
Finalising your CV
The final stages of preparing your CV are just as important as the initial writing. Before you hit "send" or print, take a moment to ensure your CV is polished and professional. Begin by double-checking for any spelling or grammatical errors. Even minor mistakes can create a negative impression and undermine your credibility.
Proofread your CV and read your content aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or inconsistencies you might miss when reading silently. Ensure your contact details are accurate and up-to-date so recruiters can easily reach you.
To ensure your CV maintains its formatting and professionalism, save it in both Word (.docx) and PDF (.pdf) formats. While Word is excellent for editing, PDF preserves your layout across all devices and platforms, guaranteeing it appears exactly as intended.
Finally, give your CV file a clear and professional name, such as "YourName_CV_2025.pdf". This small detail adds a touch of polish and makes it easy for recruiters to identify and manage your application.
If you're sending your CV via email, craft concise and professional email body paragraphs. Briefly mention the job you're applying for and explain why you're interested.
Attach your CV and other required documents, such as a cover letter or portfolio. Finally, ask a trusted friend, family member, or career advisor to review your CV.
Remember, a fresh pair of eyes can often spot errors or areas for improvement that you may have overlooked. These final steps will ensure that your CV makes a strong and positive impression.
If you've participated in a Community Employment (CE) scheme, emphasise the skills and experience gained during your placement, particularly those relevant to the job you're applying for. Relate your achievements to the job description, showcasing how your CE scheme experience has prepared you for the role.
CV Writing Tips
Writing a CV that truly stands out is a skill, not just a matter of listing your previous jobs. The trick is to present your career path in a way that will catch the eye of employers.
Think of your CV as a branding tool showcasing your individuality, personality, and experience related to a role.
Here are some key tips to remember when crafting your CV:
- Create a unique cover letter for each job application to complement your CV. In your cover letter, go beyond simply summarising your CV. Instead, pinpoint the specific skills and experiences that align with the job description.
Our CV templates have matching cover letter designs to help you create a cohesive and compelling application. A well-written cover letter provides context for your CV and allows you to showcase your personality and enthusiasm in a way that a CV alone cannot. - Focus on crafting a captivating personal statement that provides a concise and engaging overview of your three strongest attributes and career aspirations. Highlight achievements that showcase qualities most relevant to the position, and tailor your summary to align with each job application.
- When describing your work experience and accomplishments, use action verbs to add dynamism and impact to your language. Instead of simply stating "responsible for," use verbs like "managed," "developed," "led," or "implemented." Using active, vibrant language creates a more engaging and impactful read.
- Where possible, quantify your achievements using numbers and metrics. Quantifying your achievements can provide concrete evidence of your skills and your impact in previous roles. For example, instead of saying "improved customer satisfaction," you could write "increased customer satisfaction scores by 25%."
- Clarity and conciseness are essential. Employers often have limited time to review applications, so ensure your CV is easy to read and digest. Use clear and straightforward language, avoiding jargon or technical terms unless necessary. Focus on the most relevant information and avoid unnecessary details that could clutter your CV.
By following these tips and dedicating time and effort to crafting a compelling CV, you can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview and landing your dream job.
Even minor errors can undermine your credibility and create a negative impression. Take the time to meticulously review your CV for any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies.
CV Writing FAQs
What makes a good CV?
A truly effective CV is more than just a list of past jobs; it's a carefully crafted narrative of your professional journey, highlighting why you're the right fit for a particular role.
A good CV is tailored to the job description and showcases how your skills and experience align with the role. Effective CVs should demonstrate your key achievements and responsibilities using straightforward language.
Good CVs should be error-free, as even small mistakes can create a negative impression. Finally, ensure it's ATS-friendly, as many companies use these systems to screen applications.
How to write a CV with no experience?
Writing a CV with limited work experience can feel daunting, but it's certainly achievable! Focus on highlighting your transferable skills and potential. If you’re a recent graduate, emphasise your education, showcasing relevant coursework, projects, and academic achievements.
Showcase transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, providing examples from academic or extracurricular settings.
Volunteer work demonstrates valuable skills and community engagement. Include part-time jobs and internships, even if they're not directly related to the job, as they show your work ethic. Craft a strong personal profile that conveys your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Consider using a functional CV format, which focuses on skills rather than work history. And remember, networking is vital, so let people know you're looking for work and attend events.
How far back should a CV go?
Your CV should cover the past 10-15 years of your work history. However, this isn't a strict rule. The most important factor is relevance. Focus on the most recent and relevant experience, but include older experience if it's highly pertinent to the job.
If you’ve had a long and varied career, you may need to go further back to demonstrate your progression. Keep space considerations in mind, prioritising the most recent and impactful information. Tailor your CV to each job, including older experience if requested in the job description.
What are the 4 C's of CV writing?
The 4 C's of CV writing are clarity, conciseness, consistency, and customisation. Clarity means your CV should be easy to read, with a logical structure.
Conciseness involves presenting your information succinctly, focusing only on relevant details to keep your CV to the point.
Consistency refers to maintaining the same formatting throughout, including font types, sizes, and layout, to provide a professional appearance.
Lastly, customisation is key; tailor your CV to each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role and industry
How to write a CV quickly?
When time is short, start with a pre-designed CV template to save time on formatting. Focus on the essential information, such as your work history, education, and key skills.
Use concise language and prioritise bullet points to highlight key achievements. Even when rushed, proofread carefully to avoid errors. Maintaining a master CV with all your details will allow you to tailor it quickly for each application.
Should I include a photo in my CV?
It’s generally not standard practice to include a photo on your CV. Employers are primarily interested in your qualifications and experience, and a picture can be a distraction.
Including a photo can also introduce unconscious bias into the hiring process. Remember, a professional CV focuses on your skills and experience, not your appearance.
