By: Sobhan Mohmand, Editorial manager Last updated: 3 Nov 2018
A CV template provides a framework and vital guidelines for writing a CV.
Benefits of using our professional CV templates:
Tip: always customise the templates to fit your personality and the job you are applying for!
Please note: the above CV templates are presented in the UK format and layout.
It’s true that all CVs adhere to a certain standard and guidelines. It would be quite bizarre finding a CV that doesn’t contain the candidate’s name and contact details!
A typical CV format consists of the following eight sections:
There are, however, different CV formats that enable the candidate to fully tailor the CV for maximum impact. These formats, while containing most of the fundamental sections, are sometimes worded different or some sections are presented in different orders.
The following are the three popular formats:
TIP: Put emphasis on your qualifications since that is usually the biggest selling point you have. You should expand on the different subjects or modules you are/have studied and highlight any competencies/skills gained during your studies.
TIP: Put emphasis on your achievements and performance throughout the CV. The entries in this format should be in chronological order (most recent jobs, education or training first) and you should use your past achievements and performance to tell the hiring manager: “I have done great things before, for someone else, and I can do the same things – or even better- for you and your company.”
TIP: Put the most emphasis on your transferable skills and competencies as opposed to qualifications or relevant work experience. Reassure the hiring manager that while you may not have the appropriate education or experience, you do have all the skills required for you to do your job well!
With all of this in mind, let’s start working on your CV!
Please follow this step-by-step, section-by-section guide to write a good CV:
Personal details
Completed preview:
Tips:
Check out Personal Details for more information on this section.
Personal Profile Statement
Completed preview:
Tips:
Check out Personal Statement Examples for more guidelines and examples.
Achievements
Completed preview:
Tips:
Check out Achievement for more information on this section.
Education and qualifications
Completed preview:
Tips:
Check out Education and Qualifications for more information on this section.
Employment and Work History
Completed preview:
Tips:
Check out Employment and Work Experience for more information on this section.
Professional Training and Qualifications (optional)
Completed preview:
Tips:
Skills
Completed preview:
Tips:
Check out Skills for more information on this section.
Hobbies and interests
Completed preview:
Tips:
Check out Hobbies and Interests for more information on this section.
References
Completed preview:
Tips:
Check out References for more information on this section.
Filled in all the sections?
Great! But, you’re not done yet…
It’s now time to look at the appearance and presentation of your CV. The following are some of the areas that can have a major impact on your CVs visual presentation:
You could have a quick read through these articles for additional tips to further make your CV stand out.
Before you climb your rooftop and scream: “I have finished writing my CV!!!“, which I am sure you were thinking of doing, it is important that you double check your CV to make sure that everything is perfect.
That includes:
This is the final step. Hooray!
You should by now have a nice CV template that you selected, filled in, customised and double-checked for any mistakes. It’s now time to export your CV so that you can start printing your CV and using it to apply for jobs.
Follow these steps to export your CV:
1. Open your CV document
2. Click on “File” (top left-hand corner of the screen)
3. Click on “Save As”
4. Under “File name” give the document a name
5. Just below it under “Save As Type” click on the drop-down menu and you can select one or more of the following formats to save your CV into:
• Word Document (will export as .docx – compatible with the new versions of Microsoft Word)
• Word 97-2003 Document (will export as .doc – compatible with old and new versions of Word)
• PDF (will export as .pdf – recommended if you want to keep the format of the CV exactly the same on any device or platform)
6. Click on Save and you’re done!
Question: Is it recommended to use a CV Template?
Answer: We have found that many people find it very useful to have a clear set of guidelines that they can follow when writing their own CV. It is no secret that structuring a CV, let alone perfecting it, can be a daunting task and anything that can make this process easier and time-efficient is, of course, worth giving a try.
Question: What are some things to be aware of when using CV Templates?
Answer: One of the biggest mistakes, which should be considered a mortal sin, is for job hunters to use templates without customising them to suit their own ‘brand’ and personality! There are thousands of examples where people have simply stuck blindly to templates – sometimes even forgetting to remove the tips written on them! – and thereby selling themselves short.
Question: What are some of the ways in which I can customise CV Plaza’s Templates?
Answer: All the Templates that we have made available can be fully edited and customised using Microsoft Word. The following are some editing tips which you can make the most of:
FINALLY: please remember that CV Templates are simple and restrictive by nature, so use your creativity and initiative to write your own perfect, personalised CV!