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1. Tailor Your CV to the Role

Customisation: Ensure your CV is tailored for each specific role you apply for. Focus on highlighting the skills, experience, and achievements that directly align with the job description.
Keywords: Make use of industry-specific keywords to help your CV pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and ensure that recruiters can quickly spot the relevant information.

2. Professional Profile

Start your CV with a concise, compelling professional profile. This should give a brief overview of your experience, skills, and what you’re looking for in your next role. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression.

3. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties

Quantify Your Impact: Rather than listing your responsibilities, focus on the impact you’ve made. Use numbers where possible (e.g., “Increased team efficiency by 20%”).
Results-Oriented: Employers are interested in results, so highlight how you’ve added value in previous roles.

4. Keep It Concise and Structured

Two Pages Maximum: In the UK, a CV should typically be no longer than two pages. Be concise and only include the most relevant information.
Clear Formatting: Use bullet points to break up blocks of text and make your CV easy to scan. Stick to a clean, professional layout with clear headings and sections.

5. Education and Professional Development

Keep it Relevant: Include your education and qualifications, but focus more on recent professional development courses, certifications, and relevant training that enhance your expertise.

6. Skills Section

Highlight Key Skills: Create a dedicated section to showcase your key skills. These should reflect the competencies the employer is looking for and should include both technical skills and soft skills (e.g., project management, leadership, communication).

7. Use Action Verbs

When describing your experience, use strong action verbs such as "managed", "led", "achieved", "designed", or "implemented" to convey your contributions and leadership.

8. Avoid Common Pitfalls

Typos and Errors: Ensure your CV is error-free by carefully proofreading it. Spelling mistakes or grammatical errors can make a poor impression.
Clichés: Avoid overused phrases like “hard-working” or “team player” unless they are backed up by specific examples.

9. Include a Hobbies and Interests Section (Optional)

This can give employers a sense of your personality and may help you stand out, but only include it if the hobbies are relevant or demonstrate transferable skills (e.g., voluntary work or leadership roles in clubs).

For more detailed help or to review CV templates, feel free to visit our website: https://www.thegraduateproject.co.uk/pages/free-cv-templates

By following these tips, you’ll be able to craft a professional, polished CV that demonstrates your value to potential employers.