Let’s face it—writing a CV is no one’s idea of a good time. It’s like doing your taxes, but with fewer numbers and more awkward self-promotion. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be a headache, especially with the right tools. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some tips on how to get it done in a way that’ll impress any future employers.
Why Bother With a CV?
Before you sigh and roll your eyes, know this: a CV (or resume, if you’re feeling fancy) is your golden ticket to getting noticed by employers. It’s your first impression—and you want to make it count. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be an epic saga. In fact, keeping it simple is key.
Employers want to know the basics:
- Who are you?
- What can you do?
- Why are you the right person for the job?
That’s it. No need to throw in your life story or all the jobs you had back in high school (unless they’re relevant—then, by all means, brag away about your burger-flipping skills).
The 5 Keys to an Easy-to-Read CV
Keep It Short & Sweet: Ideally, aim for one to two pages. Employers have a lot of CVs to go through, and brevity is your friend. Stick to the important stuff—no one needs to know that you won the 2010 Science Fair unless it’s somehow relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Tailor It to the Job: One CV doesn’t fit all. Adjust your CV for each job you apply for by focusing on the skills and experiences that are most relevant. For example, if you're applying to be a customer service rep, highlight your communication skills, problem-solving, and any experience where you've helped people.
Highlight Your Skills: Whether you're a software wizard, a master at multi-tasking, or just great with people, skills matter. Pop a “Skills” section in your CV that shows off your strengths—just make sure they're relevant to the job you want.
Education & Experience: List your most recent and relevant qualifications and jobs first. If you’ve had a variety of roles, that’s great—show how each one has helped you develop the skills you’ll use in the new role. Got a gap? No worries—be ready to explain it in your cover letter or interview.
Make It Look Good: You don’t need to be a graphic designer, but your CV should be clean, easy to read, and professional. Use headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space. Fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are safe bets—no one wants to hire someone using Comic Sans.
Where to Build Your CV
Feeling lost on where to start? Don’t stress—there are heaps of free tools out there to help you get your CV looking sharp without breaking a sweat. Here are a few:
- Careers NZ: A trusted source for CV templates and tips tailored for the New Zealand job market.
- Seek: Another great option with resume templates and advice, perfect for fine-tuning your CV.
You can also whip one up in Google Docs or Microsoft Word. They both offer free, simple templates that will get the job done—no graphic design degree required.
Final Tip: Keep It Honest
It can be tempting to throw in a few “little white lies” on your CV, but trust me, honesty is always the best policy. Employers can smell a fib from a mile away, and the last thing you want is to be caught out in an interview. Plus, you’re awesome just as you are—the CV simply gets you the interview, it's your personality which will get you the job!
Remember, keep it simple, focus on your best skills, and tailor it to the job at hand if possible. You've got this!