After or during your WM College course you might be thinking about getting a job or switching to a new one. Your CV is often the first impression you make to a potential employer, so it’s important to get it right. If you are looking for your first role or want to change careers, writing and building a CV can help you land an interview.
We’re here to help you. Follow these 10 essential tips to ensure your CV makes a lasting impact.
1. Keep it concise
Aim for no more than two pages in length. Look at your most relevant experience and proof of skills that match the job you’re applying for.
Formatting tip: use a clean, professional layout with clear headings and bullet points.
2. Create your CV template and tailor it to each role
Customise your CV for each application. Highlight skills and experiences that match the job description. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan CVs for specific keywords. Make sure your CV mirrors the language used in the job posting to pass the initial screening.
3. Strong personal profile
Your profile at the top of your CV should summarise who you are, your key skills, and what you’re looking for. Make it specific to the job you are applying for. Professional profile writing to the role, by keeping it focused and no longer than 3-4 lines.
4. Emphasise your key skills
List both transferable skills (e.g. Communication, teamwork) and job-specific skills (e.g. technical abilities related to the role).
5. Highlight relevant experience
Start with your latest job. List your title, the company, the dates you worked, and what you did there. Focus on what you achieved. Use numbers to show results, like “increased sales by 20%.” Don’t forget you can include part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering. All these count as real experiences.
If you are a current learner, explore iLearn for learner ambassador opportunities and more.
6. Include education and qualifications
List education and relevant certifications in reverse chronological order. Include professional courses, certifications, or any recent qualifications that boost your candidacy.
7. Use action verbs
Use strong action words to describe what you did and achieved. Start with verbs like led, managed, improved, developed, and increased. These make your experience sound active and impactful.
8. Proofread for errors
Avoid making any spelling and grammar mistakes. Proofread your CV carefully or ask someone else to take a look at it.
9. Extra sections
Include volunteer work, languages, and hobbies that highlight your skills or match the job. These show what you can bring to the role.
10. Don’t forget your contact information
Make sure you add your full name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if relevant) are included and up-to-date.
Need extra CV or career support?
If you need more help, we’re here to support your next steps. We offer free CV workshops for WM College learners, along with other resources to help you showcase your skills, highlight your experiences, and explore career and volunteer opportunities. Visit our careers page for more details.
