The average recruiter spends around 10 seconds reviewing a CV before deciding if it’s worth considering for a job interview. That 10 seconds is crucial and can make or break your chances of getting a job interview.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s important to have a well-written and impactful CV that showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications in the best possible way.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a CV is, why it’s so important, and how to write a CV that lands you a job interview.

What is a CV and why is it important?

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is a Latin phrase that translates to “course of life”. A CV  summarizes your education, work experience, skills, achievements and personal interests. It serves as an overview of your professional self and is often the first impression potential employers have of you.

A well-written CV can be a huge factor in your chances of getting an interview. It’s your opportunity to showcase your strengths, qualifications, and relevant experiences to convince an employer that you are the right fit for the job. In a competitive job market, having a strong CV is more important than ever.

What’s the difference between a CV and a resume?

In many countries, CV and resume mean the same thing. However, in the United States, a CV is typically used for academic and research positions, while a resume is used for most other job applications.

A CV is usually longer, more detailed, and often includes publications, presentations, and professional memberships. On the other hand, a resume is usually shorter and focuses on relevant work experience.

Key elements of a standout CV

There are a number of key elements of a standout CV, including:

1. Contact information

This includes your full name, email address, phone number, and professional social media profiles (such as LinkedIn).

2. Personal statement or objective

This is a brief summary of your skills, experience, and career goals. It should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for.

For example, “A highly motivated and experienced marketing professional with strong analytical skills and a proven track record of increasing sales for global brands.”

3. Education

List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent degree or certification. Include the name of the institution, degree/certificate obtained, major/field of study, and graduation date.

For example:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA), XYZ University, 2018
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering, ABC University, 2014

4. Work experience

Include your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent position. For each job, include the company name, job title, dates of employment, and key responsibilities/achievements.

For example:

  • Marketing Manager, XYZ Company (2018-present)
    • Developed and executed marketing strategies resulting in a 20% increase in sales
    • Managed a team of 5 marketing professionals
    • Organized and executed a successful product launch campaign, leading to a 15% market share growth within the first quarter
    • Streamlined the lead generation process, increasing qualified leads by 25% year-over-year
    • Spearheaded a rebranding initiative that improved brand visibility and customer engagement by 30%. 

5. Relevant skills

Include both technical and soft skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This could include specific software programs, languages spoken or leadership abilities.

For example:

  • Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Analytics
  • Soft Skills: Teamwork, Communication, Time Management

6. Publications/presentations

If you have any published works or have presented at conferences, include them in this section. Include the title, publication/conference name, date, and any co-authors or collaborators.

For example:

  • “The Impact of Social Media on Consumer Behavior,” Journal of Marketing Research (2019)
  • Co-authored with Jane Smith

7. Awards/honors

Include any relevant awards or honors you have received. This could be academic achievements, professional recognition, or community service commendations.

For example:

  • Dean’s List, ABC University (2014-2018)
  • Employee of the Month, XYZ Company (2019)

8. Professional memberships/affiliations

Include any professional organizations you belong to or have been a part of, along with any leadership roles or committees you have held within those organizations.

For example:

  • Member, American Marketing Association (2018-present)
  • Chairperson, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, XYZ Company (2020-present)

9. References

If the job application requires references, include them in this section. Make sure to include the name, title, company/organization, contact information and their relationship to you.

For example:

Pro tips for how to write a CV

Now that you know what to include in your CV, here are a few tips for how to write a CV that stands out from the crowd.

  • Keep it concise and relevant: Your CV should be no longer than two pages, and each section should only include information that is relevant to the job you are applying for.

  • Use bullet points and clear formatting: This makes your CV easier to read and allows for important information to stand out.

  • Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers or statistics to showcase your accomplishments and impact.

  • Tailor your CV to the job description: Highlight skills, experiences, and qualifications that align with the job requirements.

  • Proofread carefully: Spelling or grammatical errors can make a negative impression on potential employers, so be sure to proofread multiple times before submitting your CV.

  • Use action verbs: Start your bullet points with strong action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” or “achieved” to convey a sense of initiative and accomplishment.

  • Avoid generic phrases: Steer clear of overused phrases like “hard-working” or “team player” unless backed up with specific examples, as these can come off as vague.

  • Update your CV regularly: Even if you’re not actively job searching, keep your CV current by adding new achievements or roles to ensure it’s ready when opportunities arise. 

Using Picsart to create your CV

Picsart makes it incredibly simple to create a compelling CV that gets the attention of recruiters. Start by going to Picsart’s CV maker:

From there, select the resume template that you want to use and customize it with your information. If you need some direction in creating your CV, this post about how to make a resume will be helpful. If you’re not sure what to include in your resume summary, check out this blog post that is full of resume summary ideas

Examples of CVs from Picsart for your inspiration

Not sure where to get started with your CV? Here are some examples of CVs from Picsart to give you inspiration and get you started. 

1. Sleek

This sleek resume is perfect for a graphic designer, photographer, or creative professional. The modern design and use of just black and gray make it stand out from the crowd. It’s also sparse in its use of text, which draws the eye to each section. Use this template

Professional Graphic Designer Resume in Gray

2. Modern

This CV is stark, featuring only black and white, with lots of whitespace. It’s perfect for those in graphic design, tech, or business, as it showcases a clean and polished aesthetic. It’s also divided up into six natural quadrants, allowing the eye to easily scan it. Use this template.

Stylish Black and White Resume Template

3. Professional

This CV oozes professionalism. It’s designed to highlight your experience and skills in a traditional, straightforward manner. It’s perfect for those in finance, law, or any industry where a formal appearance is valued. The black and blue color scheme adds a touch of sophistication. Use this template.

Professional Black and White Finance Resume

4. Stark

This CV uses gray, yellow, and white to create a clean and modern look. The stark contrast between the colors helps your information stand out, making it easy for potential employers to read and understand. This template is perfect for those in creative industries such as graphic design, advertising, or marketing. Use this template

Professional Gray Resume for Social Media Experts

5. Bold

This CV uses a black background with a white font to create a bold and eye-catching design. The use of a big, bold white font for headings and important information makes it easy for employers to quickly scan and find the most relevant details. This template is perfect for those in high-energy industries such as sales, event planning, or PR. Use this template.

Black Professional Creative Director Resume Template

Conclusion

Your CV is a critical part of your job application. It can make all the difference in landing a job interview. When it comes to how to write a CV, Picsart gives you the tools to create a professional and eye-catching CV that will help you stand out. Keep your CV updated and showcase your skills and achievements to increase your chances of getting hired.