Learn how to write a great CV!

Make a great impression with your CV

Your CV is the most important document you need when you’re applying for jobs. Learn how to create a great CV that will get recruiters interested in your application and make them call you for an interview.

The material in this article is just a taster of the section on Getting a Job in the Full Learn Business English course on payasyoulearn.com, currently available for $29 (normal price $300).

Example of a CV

What to include in your CV

Your CV is the main document you need when you apply for a job. Writing a CV can be very tricky: it’s quite difficult to tell a potential employer about yourself – but the decision to call a candidate for interview really depends on what you put in your CV. Be selective about what you include: e.g., you don’t need to add every single job you’ve ever had or holiday jobs, unless they are relevant to the position on offer. But make sure that you include your contact details, especially your phone number and email address. Be sure to include your work experience, education, qualifications / certifications, skills and anything else that is relevant to the job you are applying for. You can also add sections on your Leisure Time interests and Volunteering, etc, if you feel these help create a more rounded picture of you as a person.

tricky! = difficult (informal British English)

Key Points

Here are the key points you should bear in mind when writing your your CV:

When writing a CV, there are several key points to consider to ensure that the finished document is clear, professional and tailored to the role you’re applying for:

1. Tailor your CV to the Job

• Customise your CV for each role by highlighting your relevant skills, experiences and accomplishments that align with the job description.

2. Keep It Concise

• Limit your CV to 1-2 pages, focusing on the most relevant information.

3. Clear Structure and Formatting

• Use a clean, professional layout with headings and bullet points to make it easy to read.
• Avoid excessive design elements unless you’re in a creative industry.

4. Professional Profile or Summary

• Include a brief statement at the top summarising your key skills, experience and career goals.

5. Highlight Key Skills

• Showcase your core competencies, particularly those that are relevant to the job (e.g., digital marketing, project management, CRM, etc).

6. Focus on Achievements

• Use quantifiable results and achievements rather than just listing duties (e.g., “increased sales by 20%” rather than “responsible for sales”).

7. Chronological Order

• List your work experience and education in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

8. Use Action Verbs

• Start bullet points with strong action verbs like “led,” “developed,” “improved,” “negotiated.”

9. Include Keywords

• Use keywords from the job posting to ensure your CV passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and appeals to recruiters.

10. Education and Certifications

• Include your highest qualification and any professional certifications relevant to the role.

11. References

• Indicate that references are available upon request unless specifically asked to provide them upfront.

12. Proofread

• Ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. A polished CV reflects your ability to pay attention to detail and helps make you look professional.

With examples from CVs and the key phrases you need when you’re writing, this section of Learn Business English (Full Course) has everything you need to create a great CV. We will also look at the covering letter you need to write when you send your CV.

CV Layout and design

There are lots of different ways of arranging your CV, but here are some tips on choosing an effective layout. Currently, there is some debate about whether or not you should include a photo of yourself in your CV. Unless explicitly asked to provide one, you don’t need to include your photo. However, in some sectors where the way you look is important, you might want to include your photo.

there is some debate about = people disagree (about)

Don’t make it too long. An ordinary CV should be maximum 2 pages. You might also need a short, 1-page CV. For technical or academic positions you can have a long CV which includes all the projects you’ve worked on, your list of academic papers and events you’ve attended. (This can be 10 pages plus.) But for most jobs, a short CV is better!

Customisation: Make your CV personal

The most important thing about creating a CV is to make it unique, special and totally yours. Focus on the overall design as well as the details. Get as much inspiration as you can from looking at other people’s CVs, e.g. by doing a Google search on CVs, resumes, etc. Feel free to adapt and change everything until your curriculum vitae is perfect.

customise = adapt / change something “standard” to make it unique to you, e.g. when you buy a new car you can customise it with your favourite colour, materials and specifications, etc.

Your CV is “you on paper”. Make it 100% personal.

British v American English

In American English the document you send to a company to apply for a job is called a resumé. You can write resumé with an accent on the (é) or resume without an accent.  

In British English we call this a curriculum vitae, usually abbreviated to CV.

Get that Job!

The “Getting a Job” section of the Full Learn Business English course on PayAsYouLearn.com has everything you need to get ready for your job interview in English: from a detailed look at the language of job ads, to selecting appropriate jobs to apply for; and from writing the perfect CV and covering letter to answering some really difficult (but typical) job interview questions, e.g. “Why should we choose you for this job?” and “Explain why you are leaving your current job“.

Ready to take your job search to the next level? Visit payasyoulearn.com for more expert tips, in-depth resources, and practical tools to boost your job application process. Discover how you can turn your English skills into career success today!

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