How to Write References on a CV with Examples

Reference writing can be one of the most difficult tasks on a CV. It is important to remember that you are required to write a reference for every job you have had, and this is often not an easy task. In order for a reference to be well-written, it needs careful thought and planning. What makes up references? What does it take to create a good one? How do you format them? This article explains how making good references is not as difficult as it might seem.

Reference writing is as important as CV writing, and should not be overlooked. It is generally believed that one must have a reference letter at least three times the length of one’s CV when applied for a new job. The first reason why one would need references is that if you do not have references, you might not get an interview to begin with. If you are willing to work hard and show the potential employer of your abilities, chances are good that your application will be accepted and the interview will happen.

People who work in the field of human resources are usually required to have references. These can be friends and former teachers, employers from a previous workplace, clients, or people you have met through an activity. The kind of references you write depends on the position you seek.

Related article: CV format and CV Skills

Example of a CV references section:

How to include references in your CV:

When writing references, it is important to keep in mind that you are writing for people who have not met you. This means that your reference should be in a formal and polite tone. You should write it in the third person (he or she) and use a positive, but professional tone.

References should be brief and clear. For example, an effective way of including them would be to write on the back of your CV: “References available upon request”. This way, your references are available, but the employer is not required to go through them before deciding to call you in for an interview.

One of the most difficult things about making references is that every professional’s needs are different. A reference writer needs to be skilled in taking a person’s skills and achievements and being able to put them into words that an employer will appreciate reading. For example, one very talented individual may have minimal experience on paper, whereas another could have a great experience with little information or skill.

Here are several specific individuals who would make good references for your CV:

• Your recent supervisor – Works in a similar field to that of your own.
• Your family and friends – These could be people who have worked with you on various projects, or they could be people who know you personally such as family members, teachers, friends or former employers.
• Your bosses from previous jobs – They will want to know what qualities you have that made your previous employer decide to hire or keep you.
• Someone who has been involved in the same non-profit or community work that you are interested in.
• Anyone else who can help to explain your skills and experiences.

How to format references:

Make your references look professional. This means using a font that is clearly legible such as a standard typeface, avoiding underlining or using all capitals, and making the font size 12 points at least. Fonts such as Times New Roman tend to appear more professional than Verdana or Comic Sans, for example.

There are a few standard formats for references, depending on the kind of job you are applying for. Each one includes specific sections, such as name(s), title, address, and contact information. The most common format is:

This form is often used in reference writing. It can be found in the majority of CVs out there. People usually just put down the name of their supervisor or manager from their previous job and their titles (if they have them).

Tips:

• Write down the name of your supervisor, and not just your manager. It is important to make sure that whoever you are giving a reference to is able to get in touch with them. If you use your manager as a reference, they will be the ones to contact.
• Make sure that you include a title if they have one.
• Use a period after the place of employment and after the position title (if applicable).
• Use quotes to make the text stand out and look more professional (for example, “I have worked in this position for 6 months”).
• Write down your phone numbers where you can be reached easily by the recipient.

Here is a sample of how one reference might be written:

Reference Name: Mr. James Dow
Reference Title: Sales Manager, Amazon Inc.
Address: 440 Terry Avenue North Seattle, WA 98109 USA (This address should be accurate. If you are not sure about the address, use the one that is on your resume.)
Phone number: 123-456-67890 (Include a phone number where you can be easily reached.

When should I include references in a CV?

References should never be left out of a CV. In general, CVs can include up to 2-5 pages, depending on the job you are applying for and the position you have held. This means that you have a lot of space to write everything down and make it look great. Precious space is often put aside just for references, so it is important that they are included in your CV as well.

A Reference Letter is a letter of recommendation from an employer, teacher, or another individual that you worked with on a project or at an event. It is essential to have references in order to have your application accepted for an interview.

The goal of writing a reference letter is to highlight specific qualities possessed by the person receiving the letter. It needs to comprise enough detail on the applicant’s job performance and capabilities so that the employer would be able to understand clearly and quickly what they could expect if you’re hired as their employee.

When shouldn’t I include references in a CV?

You shouldn’t include references in your CV if you feel that the potential employer does not care for them. They may not request for one or there might be an option to leave it out.

There is no need to include references in the following situations:

• If you’re applying for a summer job. In this case, references will be unnecessary as your performance is yet to be seen, evaluated and commented on by the employer. Only resume is needed.
• When applying for a short-term job. In this case, references will be unnecessary as your performance is still being evaluated and commented on by the employer. Only resume is needed.
• If you’re applying to apply for a co-op or internship position in a college or university. In this case, references will be unnecessary as your performance is yet to be seen, evaluated and commented on by the employer. Only resume is needed.

Common Uses for References:

• A letter of recommendation can be used in any kind of application, especially when applying for a job.
• You may want to use it when applying to a college or university when you’re looking to get accepted.
• You can use a letter of recommendation as a form of certification if you are trying to apply for something like exams or requirements in order to show that you have the necessary skills and knowledge required. This could be provided by an individual, organisation, business or government agency.
• The letter can be used to prove that you have the qualities of a respectable employee in order to secure a new job.
• Some employers will use a letter of recommendation when an employee has been terminated.

How to include references in job applications:

There are several advantages to including “References Available Upon Request” at the bottom of your CV. If you do this, you can include as many references as you want and employers will not be required to contact them. This saves time and also prevents confusion in the mind of the employer. Also, if more than three references are given, then it is preferable to use a different font or font size for each one. On one’s CV, it is best to give out as few references as possible.

A common format for a reference letter is a formal letter. References can be written on the back of your CV and are usually given in the third person (he or she), and are in the present tense (ex: he works…).

References can be presented in different ways, depending on what is more suitable for you.

If you are applying for a job in business, you need to make sure that the references are written in business-friendly English. You should also make sure that your contact information is complete because an employer will need to put you in touch with them and others.

Including references requires a bit of preparation. You need to know what your references look like and it is best if they have done work related to the job that you are applying for or similar work.

Writing Up a Reference Letter:

There are certain guidelines and specifications for writing up a reference letter. Here are some simple rules and tips to keep in mind when telling your story, at least in some detail:

• Use good punctuation and grammar – Write as if you were speaking.
• Help the reader to understand through your writing what you have to say without making your story too long.
• Organise and structure your thoughts into a coherent, logical and clear story.
• Use a variety of phrases so that your letter will be interesting for the reader.
• Write in standard English (like “I have worked with this person on a volunteer basis” or “this person is a very skilled person”).

Interested to write a stand-out CV so please check our examples of good CV template for your reference. Also, use our free CV builder.

Where to Add Reference in CV?

It is very common to find your references on the inside back of your CV. It is not really needed to include them there, but it can look a little extra nice. It is a good idea to put them there if your CV is a long one. People might not bother to go through the whole thing just to get some references information.

Tips:

• To make sure that your references are legible and easy for people to read, make them in block letters (for example, Arial) – Do not use too big of a font.
• We do not recommend putting your photo on the inside back of your CV.
• If you are creating your CV online, do not add references there. Just put them on the inside back of your resume.
• You may also choose to put references in a different part of your CV, such as the end, or on a seperate sheet of paper. It is up to you. It depends on how many references and how much information you want to include in your resume.
• If you need more space than what is available at the back, add it at the end of your CV.

Example of a reference list for your CV:

Here is the order of sections in which a reference list for your CV should be written:

• Reference Name
• Reference Title/Organisation
• Position Held/Department (when applicable)
• Duration of Employment (if relevant)
• Phone # and Address (if relevant)

Examples References:

Sarah Shannon
Product Manager
Amazon, Inc.
440 Terry Avenue North Seattle, WA 98109 USA
123-456-7890
sarah.shannon@email.com
Relationship: Department manager

James Marshall
Business Development Manager
Google, Inc.
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway Mountain View, CA 94043
123-456-7890
james.marshall@email.com
Relationship: Sales manager

Wisent Grover
Head Researcher
National Medical Center for Research
125 Rover Avenue North Seattle, WA 98109 USA
123-456-7890
james.marshall@email.com
Relationship: Research professor

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways:

• References should be included in a CV only when requested by the employer.
• References should be checked and double checked before sending them out.
• Whenever possible, you should use personal contacts as references to make it more credible.
• If you have no personal contact (which is more likely), then list the ones that are more familiar with your work and performance.
• Make sure your contact details are correct and updated.

Recommended Reading:

1. Hobbies and Interests to put on a CV
2. CV personal qualiteis and skills
3. Skills to include on a CV
4. How to write achivements on a CV
5. Personal details on a CV
6. Best CV format for freshers
7. LinkedIn Background Photo

15 Best Skills to Include on a CV (with examples)

The skills of your CV are arguably the most important section of all. It’s what employers will look at first and it’s what they’ll be basing their decision off of. A good skills section will be attractive to a potential employer, whilst a bad one could put them off without even reading the rest of your application.

Writing a good skills section takes a lot of thought and time. You should spend a lot of time thinking about which skills you want to include, and then writing them in an effective way. In this article, we will help you write the best CV by guiding you through how to write a good CV skills section.

So, let’s get into it… Here are a few tips and CV skills examples to help you craft the skills section of your CV.

Hard skills vs. soft skills

Firstly, when putting together a skills section, you need to decide whether you’re going to include hard skills or soft skills.

Hard skills:

These are the specific skills that you have that relate directly to the role you’re applying for. For example: If you were applying for a job as an electrician, then hard skills would be “I’m qualified to work as an electrician” or “I am qualified to install solar power.”

Hard skills might include proficiency in things like:

1. Computer programs
2. Foreign languages
3. IT skills
4. Professional qualifications (e.g., degree, certificate, etc.)
5. Technical skills (e.g., graphic design, Microsoft Office, etc.)

The most important thing to remember is that your hard skills should be specific and relate directly to the role you’re applying for. For this reason, you should always have a CV template so that you can plug and play different sections in depending on the job. For example, if you were applying for an engineering job , then you would include a specific CV engineering skills section.

Soft skills:

These are skills that are transferable and that you will be able to use in a large variety of different roles. For example: “I’m a quick learner” or “I have the ability to work well under pressure.”

Soft skills might include proficiency in things like:

1. Communication
2. Interpersonal skills
3. Networking
4. Relationship skills
5. Teamwork
6. Self-management (e.g., time management, goal setting, etc.)
7. Stress management (e.g., taking time out, prioritizing tasks, etc.)
8. Work ethic (e.g., ability to work long hours without complaining)

The most important thing to remember is that your soft skills should be transferable skills that you can use in many different roles. This means that these are skills that are useful beyond a specific industry or role. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have an 80/20 rule when putting together your skills section. In other words, 80% soft skills and 20% hard skills.

You should be careful about including proficiency in software programs as these can become dated quite quickly. The same goes for foreign languages.

Therefore, You should write both hard and soft skills in your CV, but more of one than the other depending on what type of job you’re applying for.

It’s important to note that not all managers will care about technical skills, and you may have to display the same soft skills on your CV as you would for a more routine type job.

What Skills Can I Include on my CV?

A CV is a document that provides an overview of your work experience, skills, and education. When you send in your CV to apply for a job, it’s usually the first thing that the employer will see before they look at your application form. If you do not have any previous qualifications or are just starting out in the workplace, then it is likely you will include skills from vocational courses such as First Aid at Work or Emergency Life Support.

Here is how the skills should be placed in the right order with good presentation:

How to identify your best skills

To identify your best skills, you need to think about the evidence you have that supports the skills that you claim. This should include official documents, awards or certificates from work or school, and examples of how you’ve used specific skills.

It could be a good idea to use some form of a mind-mapping tool like MindMeister to help put all of this together. Mind-mapping is highly effective for visualizing complex information and involves linking together different ideas through clear connections.

You can then organize your thoughts so that you can clearly see what your best skills are. This will make it easier to highlight the most important skills.

It’s also useful to create a list of the best skills you have when doing this exercise as it could help you decide which ones to highlight in your CV.

Tips:

• Be realistic with your hard skills. If you are claiming to be good at something that’s completely unique to you, then other employers may find this difficult to believe.
• If your hard skills are related to the role you’re applying for, then make sure you include it in your section.
• Similarly, try to avoid claiming to be an expert at anything.
• If you’re having difficulty identifying your best skills, ask friends or family members for feedback.
• You may need to do some research on what soft and hard skills are important for the industry you want to work in.
• Try different techniques for brainstorming your best skills. For example, you could try mind mapping , mind writing , word association or drawing pictures .
• The importance of your hard and soft skills should be about the same. A good rule of thumb is 80% hard and 20% soft skills.
• Make sure you write down as many skills as possible so that you have a complete picture of your skills.
• Try to highlight your best skills in bold and most important ones in italics.

How to write your skills section

The skills section of your CV is often referred to as the “Hobbies & Interests” section. You need to be careful about how you write this, as some employers may take a negative view of people who have a large number of hobbies or interests. Therefore, it’s best to highlight the ones that are relevant.

Here are some tips for how you can write a good skills section:

1. Showcase your hard skills first so they will stand out from the other items on your CV.
2. If you have a hobby that involves skills, then include it in your CV. This will make it much easier for recruiters to see that you can transfer what you’ve learned in your hobbies in the workplace.
3. Try to avoid writing a single line for your skills as it will look very poor on your CV. Instead, aim to write at least four or five lines.
4. Try to include more than one skill in each section. This will help recruiters understand that you have a broad range of skills that fit with the role you’re applying for.
5. If you’re having difficulty selecting which skills to highlight, take a look at your CV and ask yourself which things or experiences stood out to you during the process of looking for work.
6. Try to avoid writing over one page as this can make it look like you’re trying too hard and not being casual about it.
7. Make sure your grammar, spelling and punctuation is good. This will show that you are attentive to detail and care about the quality of your work.
8. Don’t list hobbies that aren’t relevant to the job or industry you want to work in.

How to make your skills section stand out

1. Difficult to Obtain – These are the skills that are special or unique. If you can walk into an interview and tell recruiters about something you’ve done that they haven’t heard before, you’re ahead of the crowd. This could be something as simple as organizing a sports team or being on a charitable committee, but what’s important is that it stands out from other people’s experiences.
2. Relevant – These are skills that a lot of people have, but not necessarily the skills you need to be successful in the job or industry you want to work in. These might include basic administration tasks, such as how to deal with a customer complaint correctly.
3. Transferable – These are skills that can be used in many different roles and industries. You don’t need to be very good at something if it will allow you to apply for and go into lots of different jobs.
4. Works Confidently – This is a very important skill. It shows that you are prepared to take control of a situation or project. Recruiters want to hire confident people so if it looks like you’ve been hired because of previous work experience, consider whether you are confident in your ability to get the job done and make decisions.
5. Active – This is essentially the opposite of “Works Confidently”. If you’re not interested in exploring how your skills can be applied, then don’t put this skill on your CV in big letters.

How to place these skills in order

You may think that if you’re a hard worker, it should be easier to pick out your best skills and highlight them. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Some of the most important skills are the ones that you have no idea how to use or they are very different than what you’re looking for in a job. In this case, it’s much better to list the skills that you find easiest to understand. This will make it easier for recruiters to decide what skills you should highlight.

Firstly, write down all the skills that you know how to use. If you’re not sure about something, ask a friend or family member if they can help you find out more information about it.

Secondly, think about the difficulty of each skill in relation to looking after a dog and helping someone with an injury. If it’s very easy, then it may not be highlighted on your CV – perhaps place it in a skills section at the bottom of the page. If it’s very difficult, then consider putting it at the top of your skills section.

How to choose what skills to highlight

When looking for a new job, don’t make the mistake of not considering each skill that you have in the same way as Hiring Managers do. It’s true that not all skills are relevant to everything, but you can use the following tips to help you decide how important each skill is.

1. Consider how easy or hard it would be for you to learn or use this skill in your next job or career.
2. Consider what skills are needed for you to be successful in the job or career that you want to have.
3. Think about how often this skill is used in your ideal role and industry and other roles within the same industry.
4. Consider the profession that you’d like to work in and the industry that you are looking for. You might find that one skill is relevant to all industries, but that it can’t be highlighted on your CV because it’s not needed in every industry.
5. Think about how useful this skill is for other jobs or careers. If it’s too specific, then you may need to narrow it down or leave it as a hobby/interest.

Example skills to put on a CV

Here is the list of popular and most used soft and hard skills to put on a cv. A cv should show your enthusiasm, interest, and knowledge in certain skills. Check this and use them in your cv.

1. Communication skills:

Effective communication is often the key to any job. Communication skills are vital in order to be successful at work. Communication skills also have been found to increase job satisfaction and contentment. Having a good ability to communicate can make a great difference between whether or not people decide to take up a job offer. A person can include his communication skills in their CV by highlighting their communication skills and how they have helped develop them in the following ways:

• Written communication
• Active listening
• Public speaking
• Listening skills
• Reading ability

2. Teamwork skills:

Working cooperatively in a team is important for everyone, but especially so when it comes to leadership positions. In a team, you need to be able to compromise as well as motivate others, while knowing your own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the team’s goals. Skills that you can show when it comes to teamwork include:

• Cooperation
• Adaptability
• Reliability
• Empathy

3. Negotiation skills:

A successful negotiation can help you get a job or a higher salary. Knowing how to negotiate is a skill that will increase your chances of success in any career. Being able to negotiate will make you feel more confident and enable you to speak up for yourself without feeling intimidated by others. Knowing how to negotiate will also help you in situations that are outside the office. Negotiation skills are an important part of any job and could include:

• Creative problem solving
• Appropriate compromise
• Dealing with difficult people
• Decision making
• Flexibility of mind
• Leadership capabilities
• Strategic thinking
• Teamwork

4. Time management skills:

A person’s ability to manage their time well is important for both personal and professional life. Being able to manage your time effectively will lead to increased productivity and efficiency. Having good time management skills will also ensure that items are completed on time. Individuals are often faced with the challenge of learning how to manage their time well. A person can show these skills by highlighting his or her ability to manage their time and how this contributed to their success in the following ways:

• Agreeing on deadlines with work colleagues whether this is in the office or outside of work.
• Organizing projects so they run smoothly without last minute panic.
• Dealing with unexpected problems that impact deadlines.
• Planning and prioritizing daily tasks.

5. Management skills:

A person can easily demonstrate their management skills by highlighting their ability to achieve success as a member of a team. It’s important to show that you are capable of working with others and taking on the role of a leader as it shows that you have great people skills. This can be done by adding the following skills to their CV:

• Creativity
• Delegation
• Consistency
• Teamwork
• Continuity
• Planning
• Quick decision making

6. Planning & Organizing Skills:

Planning and organizing skills are important components of efficiency. In order to be successful at work, planning and organizing is essential as these are key characteristics required for every work environment. Planning and organizing skills are particularly important in order to manage to-do lists effectively. This can be demonstrated by highlighting how the following skills have contributed to your success in the following ways:

• Managing your time effectively
• Planning tasks and projects
• Organizing paperwork
• Establishing a routine for daily tasks.
• Being detail-oriented
• Managing multiple tasks at once

7. Teamwork skills:

Teamwork is often a key component in getting the job done. A person’s ability to work cooperatively with others is also important for leadership positions, as well as ensuring that tasks are accomplished among a group of people. The following skills are important for teamwork:

• Cooperation
• Adaptability
• Reliability
• Empathy

8. Problem Solving:

Problem-solving skills are an essential part of any job role. The ability to solve problems effectively can lead to the resolution of tense situations and ensure that projects are completed on time. Being able to develop solutions to problems will also make you feel more confident in your abilities throughout your day. Sometimes the best solution to a problem doesn’t come immediately, so it is essential to raise these issues with your colleagues. Problem-solving skills can also be demonstrated by highlighting your ability to ask questions and think outside of the box when it comes to solving problems or getting creative with solutions.

• Thinking outside of the box
• Collaboration
• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Quick decision making
• Decisiveness
• Planning
• Looking for alternatives in a situation when they are needed.

9.Financial planning:

One of the most important skills to have in your job is financial planning. Why? That’s because financial planning enables you to save money and make wise choices that will lead to a long and prosperous life. It teaches you how to stay away from debt, manage finances, and save for a rainy day. Here are some ways financial planning can be demonstrated in a CV.

• Using cash management systems to track your expenditures
• Budgeting and planning
• Creating a savings plan
• Paying off debt and other financial obligations on time.
• Compiling an annual financial statement and analyzing it to find ways to improve it.

10. Computer skills:

First and foremost, it is important to have a computer or laptop so you can write a CV that will be accepted. The following are some computer skills that will be very helpful and will enable you to write a CV that gets you accepted:

• Using MS Word
• Basic Internet Navigation
• Microsoft Excel
• Internet research
• E-mail communication

11. Time management skills:

Time management skills are not only necessary for personal life and work history, but also in a small business. The ability to manage time well will enable you to be productive, efficient, and stay on top of your emails. You will also notice that having good time management abilities can have a positive impact on your mood and attitude towards the workplace. Time management skills are a crucial skill to have and can be demonstrated by highlighting the following:

• Workload management
• Multi tasking
• Juggling a number of tasks at once
• Managing deadlines
• Overcoming procrastination
• Delegating tasks to others effectively.

12. Critical Thinking Skills:

Critical thinking is very important in today’s world where almost everyone is under pressure after job cuts and social security cutbacks. It is important to be able to think critically in order to solve problems and come up with solutions quickly. Critical thinking skills can be demonstrated by highlighting the following:

• Analyzing information
• Planning out a strategy
• Solving problems and finding solutions
• Dealing with difficult people.
• Making decisions that benefit the group as a whole but do not hurt yourself financially.

13.Customer service skills:

Customer service skills are a crucial part of any job, especially when it comes to finding a job in the customer service sector. Having these skills will enable you to handle customers with professionalism and show that you have what it takes to be successful in your chosen career.
The following are some key customer service skills that should be included in a CV.

• Handling customer complaints and inquires on the phone
• Responding to emails in a timely manner
• Dealing with sales calls and getting “customer satisfaction” (being patient).

14. People skills:

People skills are the key to success at any job and are often highlighted by people who have been successful in their careers so it is important to highlight these if you want to be successful. The following are just some of the ways people skills can be demonstrated in a CV.

• Initiating conversations in order to network professionally
• Handling groups and meetings well
• Dealing with people who may be difficult to handle.
• Dealing with difficult situations and communicating effectively with others.

15. Self-motivation:

Self-motivation is a key skill that will enable you to get the job done on time, despite the obstacles. Self-motivation can be demonstrated by highlighting the following:

• High level of work ethic
• Being able to keep busy when things are difficult
• Taking on extra tasks and accepting work when offered.
• Developing a drive to succeed.

Key Takeaways:

1. The best skills to include are those that demonstrate how you add value to and solve problems for the company.
2. Because of their breadth, soft skills tend to be more impressive than hard skills on a CV.
3. The best skills are those that are quantifiable, can be used in a sentence, and represent something a company is trying to do (i.e., “improving sales” is better than “sales experience”).
4. The best skills to keep at the top of your CV are things that you can demonstrate within 10 seconds of being asked.

Most people have a tendency to put down what they think a company wants to see when they’re writing their CV, as opposed to what would actually benefit the company.

Interested to write a stand-out CV so please check our examples of good CV template for your reference. Also, use our free CV builder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Reading:

1. Hobbies and Interests to put on a CV
2. CV personal qualiteis and skills
3. How to write references on a CV
4. How to write achivements on a CV
5. Personal details on a CV
6. Best CV format for freshers

Top 15 CV Personal Qualities and Skills with Examples

Do you want to improve your job prospects, but don’t know where to start? Your CV is a good place to start.

Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is the keystone of your job application. It shows potential employers you are responsible, organized and that you have the skills necessary for the role they are advertising. It communicates to them that you will be an asset to their company.

Your CV can help you to sell your personal qualities and skills, but it’s not always simple. Understanding what employers look for in a potential employee can help.

What are personal qualities and skills?

They are the qualities and skills that make you unique and would be useful in your role at work.

Personal qualities: Personal qualities are your intrinsic character traits. They stay the same throughout your life and are not learned.

Self-confidence is a useful personal quality for any professional, as it allows you to approach tasks with a positive attitude and abilities. For an accountant, this could mean approaching tricky problems with a ‘can-do attitude. For a chef, it could be the ability to keep calm under pressure and ensure the meal is served on time.

Personal skills: Personal skills come from experience and training, but are your ability and knowledge which you can apply to your job. For example, being confident will not help you to make it as a professional basketball player, but it could help you become a coach or administrator.

Examples of personal skills include problem-solving, planning, and organization.

Check our free CV examples for your reference.

Why is HR interested in the personal qualities of employees?

It is important for HR to know which skills employers are looking for as they are the ones they can help you develop. Being able to communicate effectively with your team will benefit you in your role, as will be organized and proactive.

Employers want to know that you have the right attitude, skills, and experience to do a good job. Employers also want to know that you have the right personal qualities; they like people who are confident and assertive. You can be confident in a variety of situations, from speaking in front of a crowd to working alone at home. Confidence can also be applied to more practical skills, such as communication.

Your CV template must not only state your personal qualities but demonstrate how they will be useful on the job. Employers are looking for employees who will add value to their business – showing this is often the key to landing an interview.

For example, if you are applying for a job as a chef, your CV needs to illustrate how you will be able to cope with pressure and make sound decisions even in the kitchen when working on high-volume demands.

Top 15 Best Skills and Qualities to use on your CV:

Here are the top 15 qualities, skills, and abilities that employers are looking for. If you want to increase your chances of getting that interview, look at the numbers in this list.
Size up your current skills and use these top 15 to show exactly what you can offer a company.

1. Communication skills:

you can show that you are a good team player and that you work well with others. You can show your strong communication skills by showing practical examples of how you have used these skills on the job for example, being able to define yourself as a team player means nothing. To give this further substance you need to show how your team played a key role in the successful implementation of a project or event.

2. Planning skills:

The ability to plan ahead is essential for an employee to be successful. You can show that you have these skills by saying how you plan ahead and work on complex projects

3. Good organisational skills:

Organized workers get more done and are highly valued by employers because they avoid mistakes and reduce stress levels in the workplace. Organized workers are able to do their job more efficiently by getting the right tools in place beforehand, such as making lists or organizing people to carry out tasks.

4. Delegation skills:

Delegation refers to a broad range of activities, from getting someone else to call a client for you while you make a phone call, to hiring and training other staff. You can show strong delegation skills by explaining how you have done this in the past.

5. Problem-solving skills:

Employers want problem-solving employees who will learn how to solve problems in new situations quickly. For example, if one of your roles was to auditing accounts, you could show that you were able to put a problem together quickly.

6. Motivation skills:

Employers want motivated employees who can help increase their productivity and will go the extra mile for the company. You can show this by explaining examples of how you have helped motivate colleagues or clients.

7. Attentiveness skills:

You can show your attentive skills by explaining how you have worked with clients to provide solutions to their problems.

8. Confidence skills:

Confident people command respect and get things done. To communicate that you are confident means nothing if you do not have the proof to back it up with a story or example from a previous work situation, such as an interview or meeting where it would have been necessary.

9. Stress management skills:

When things go wrong, stressed-out people make mistakes and fail to solve problems correctly. An employee who can manage stress will be the person to get things done in a crisis.

10. Teamwork skills:

These skills are essential for an employee’s success as they will help promote a positive work environment and good communication between team members.

11. Decision-making skills:

Decision-making abilities are a requirement of the workplace. Being able to recognize problems that arise and make decisions to design the best solution is an indispensable skill in the business world.

12. Negotiation skills:

In today’s highly competitive business environment, it is a vital skill for anyone who is looking for employment. Employees must be able to negotiate effectively with employers and potential clients in order to succeed in their careers.

13. Creativity skills:

Employers want creative workers who will generate ideas for new products or services because these have the potential to generate greater profits for the company.

14. Decision-making skills:

Decision-making abilities are a requirement of the workplace. Being able to recognize problems that arise and make decisions to design the best solution is an indispensable skill in the business world.

15. Patience skills:

Employers love workers who are patient and patient workers are highly valued by employers because they avoid mistakes and reduce stress levels in a workplace. Patience can be applied to any situation, from doing a job slowly to waiting for someone else to arrive for meetings.

How to write your personal skills in a CV profile statement:

The use of personal skills on your CV is a great way to make it stand out from the rest, but you must make sure the personal skill statement is relevant to the job for which you are applying.

• To write your personal skills statement, closely read the job advertisement and use the skills listed as examples of how you are able to fulfil the role’s requirements.
• Use action verbs to describe your personal skills. These describe what you can do, not what you’re good at or how good you are at something. Your CV needs to show that you are able to do something – not just tell a reader that you can.
• Check your spelling and be consistent with capitalisation.
• Keep your statement concise, no more than 10 words at most.
• Personal skills can be used in many ways, for example you can show that you are a team player by writing ‘I am a great team player,’ or ‘I like to work in a team.’
• Personal skills are not to be confused with qualification. Some skills can be shown on your CV, for example a degree may show that you have certain educational qualifications, but this will not necessarily show that you have those skills.
• As personal skills are applied to the job advertisement for which you are applying, make sure these match the job for which you are applying. If they do not, even if they are relevant to your situation, then it would be better to put them in your cover letter instead of on your CV.
• Finally, you can check our examples of good CV template for your reference. Also use our free CV builder.

Example:

“I am a good team player, I like to work in a team, I am patient and able to handle stressful situations. I am punctual and reliable.“

“I am a creative thinker, I can work well independently, I use my own initiative to get the job done, I think before I speak and I have strong communication skills.“

Personal skills are an integral part of most people’s job search. Whilst there are many different ways in which they can be used in the job search process, generally, personal skills are those that you have acquired throughout your life which help you to stand out from the crowd.

Personal strengths can be used in many ways and it can be difficult to decide how they should be used. However, personal strengths statements have many advantages over more general skills statements.

This is more of a professional and less of a personal statement because it does not directly relate to the job for which you are applying. The main advantage is that personal strengths are more specific than general skills statements.

Recommended Reading:

1. Hobbies and Interests to put on a CV
2. Skills to include on a CV
3. How to write references on a CV
4. How to write achivements on a CV
5. Personal details on a CV
6. Best CV format for freshers

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways:

The personal qualities and skills that are most useful to a job seeker are very similar to those desired in personnel selecting managers and HR professionals throughout the world. Write your CV in a way that highlights these qualities and skills. 

A strong, positive attitude, enthusiasm for the job, good communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, all are particularly important in the current climate.

• Show that you can solve problems
• Demonstrate initiative and leadership
• If relevant, make the most of your hobbies and interests
• Don’t be afraid to be honest, but avoid spelling out your flaws
• Use action verbs to show what you’ve done
• Tailor your CV for each job

20+ Best Hobbies and Interests to Put on a CV

When writing your job CV, be sure to include a list of your passions and hobbies so that hiring managers can learn a bit more about you. It helps you stand out from other candidates. Below are some things that HR professionals love to see to make sure you’re the best person for the job.

Make sure that any hobbies or interests that you include on your CV are relevant to the job…otherwise, leave them off.

Hobbies and Interests are just a way to help you differentiate yourself from other candidates. Your CV, make sure that they are relevant and easy to connect to the job. Most importantly though, make sure that the information is positive.

Why Put a List of Hobbies and Interests on a CV?

What are your hobbies?

Hobbies are things you enjoy and are interested in that are not part of your job. For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, selling is your hobby. If you want to be a nurse, caring for others is your hobby.

It’s important to demonstrate that you are qualified for the job and have skills that will make a difference in the workplace. One way to do this is by giving reasons behind your hobbies.

What are your interests?

An interest is something that you are interested in, but don’t necessarily devote all of your time to. You probably have between 2-3 interests. If you don’t have a personal site or blog, consider writing a list of your interests and posting them on a blog or website.

The reason for putting hobbies and interests is actually a simple one: because they help to illustrate your personality and personal skills.

It is important to stress that not all jobs require this information, but many do.

Top 10 Reasons to put a list of Hobbies and Interests on your CV:

A CV is a memorable document. Recruiters like it when they can see what kind of person you are, rather than just reading about how much experience you have in certain areas.

People who can express their personality well and show they are fun, interesting people that a company would enjoy employing will always get a place over more qualified candidates.

It is so important to communicate your personality in your CV, as many companies don’t like employees who don’t fit in with the corporate culture.
Variety

You should include as many hobbies and interests as you can see relevant, and that you have enough information about to make it worth including.

Include some that show you have an active lifestyle such as sports, and some that show you are creative such as writing or painting.

Your personality should be coming across in your CV, and indeed it is important for it to come across. This is a way of showing who you are without having to say it explicitly.

Of course, if you have a lot of hobbies and interests that show you are a workaholic or someone who is so focused on one particular thing that they neglect other aspects of their life, then it may not be the best thing to include them. The point is to show your personality, not to advertise it.

What Your Hobbies and Interests Say About You?

Your hobbies and interests are a way for people to view your personality. Your hobbies and interests can also show your creativity and how you spend your free time.

They can even show how much time you have to devote to certain activities.

For a great example of this, take a look at what your hobbies say about you and the way your academic studies have been going:

• If you have no interest outside of academia, it says that you are probably spending too much time studying. Don’t worry, we’re all guilty of this, but it is important to have other interests that help you to unwind.
• If you are involved in many activities outside of your studies it says that you are a very active person. This can be a plus for some employers as employees who have a wide variety of interests tend to be very well rounded and can bring these things into the workplace.
• If you have a lot of interest but only participate in one or two, then it is often a sign that you are not ready to commit to something just yet. It may also show that you are trying to find your niche and that you need more time before choosing what it is that you want to do for the rest of your life.
  g TV. This is not networking, but it is still a good way of spending your time on your own.

Everyone has their own interests and hobbies, and this is how you show that you are an individual with a unique personality. Sometimes professions require extra qualifications, but the fact that you have the drive and initiative to pursue your own interests shows that you can also apply them to your work.

Also, hobbies often reflect something in your personal life too (e.g. you may enjoy playing with dolls if you are a mother or father). In many ways, it is another way of showing your personality.

Check our free CV examples for your reference.

What Kinds of Hobbies and Interests There Are?

• Interest in painting, sculpture, music, photography etc.
• Social – Interests in being with others in a social environment such as going to the cinema or watching TV. This is not networking, but it is still a good way of spending your time on your own.
• Interests in being with others in a social environment such as going to the cinema or watchin TV. This is not networking, but it is still a good way of spending your time on your own. Sports – Interest in playing any sport such as football, tennis, hockey, golf
• Interest in playing any sport such as football, tennis, hockey, golf Hobbies and Interests to Put on a CV – Make the most of this section in your CV template: list out all the hobbies and interests you have that could make a difference to a job or career.
• Make the most of this section in your CV: list out all the hobbies and interests you have that could make a difference to a job or career.
• Interests in sports such as golf, tennis, swimming, guitar playing, etc. Languages – Interests in languages such as Spanish or French.
• Interests in languages such as Spanish or French. Hobbies and Interests to Put on a CV – Make the most of this section in your CV: list out all the hobbies and interests you have that could make a difference to a job or career.

Top 20 best hobbies and personal interests to put on a CV:

1. Reading Books:
   Reading is an excellent way of relaxing and forgetting about the daily stresses of life. It can also be quite useful for getting ideas, and seeing other people’s perspective.
2. Writing:
   Writing is an excellent way to express yourself and it will often be a healthy release of emotions. It will also show that you have above average writing skills so it would be an excellent addition to any CV .
3. Sports:
   Sports (especially Team Sports) show that you are an active person who likes to spend time with others. It also shows that you have ambition and desire.
4. Traveling:
   Traveling is a good way of increasing your social life and showing your ability to adapt to new situations and environments.
5. Photography:
   Photography is a good way of expressing your creativity and it can have many applications in the job market.
6. Blogging:
   Blogging helps you to express yourself and it is surprisingly easy to make a profit from blogging. It is also beneficial for the CV as it shows that you are able to (and enjoy) communicating online.
7. Volunteering:
   Volunteering shows that you have a strong sense of social responsibility and that you are willing to make sacrifices (even if only for a few hours) for the sake of others. This shows that you are considerate of others which can be important in any job or career.
8. Dance:
   Dancing is a great way of showing your ability to have fun and be expressive. It shows that you enjoy creating art and are not afraid to show it to others.
9. Languages:
   Languages are essential in the job market and the more languages you speak, the more options you will have. Languages also show that you are considerate towards other cultures which can help in any job or career.
10. Podcasting:
    Podcasting allows you to express yourself in an interesting way (think of it as poetry on steroids!). It is also quite good for marketing yourself as a person.
11. Drawing:
    Drawing is another good way of expressing yourself and showing your creativity. It is easy to do and shows that you have above average artistic ability.
12. Singing:
    Singing can be useful in acting as a distraction, but it can also be quite a useful tool to help you relax or unwind.
13. Yoga:
    Yoga is an excellent way of exploring the mind and the body. It is also a great stress buster and has many health benefits.
14. Mixing Music:
    Mixing music allows you to express yourself by creating your own unique style. It can also be used as a marketing tool for yourself as it shows that you have taste and are creative which would be beneficial in any job or career.
15. Climbing:
    Climbing can be a very challenging and fun hobby, especially when you are outside. It is also a good way of testing your limits and learning new skills.
16. Woodworking :
    Woodworking is a great hobby for those who like to be creative and it also shows that you are handy with tools, which can be beneficial for some jobs or careers.
17. Playing Games:
    Playing games can be an excellent way of relaxing and escapism, especially if it is only occasional. It is also good for testing your skills and showing that you have above average abilities – e.g. playing computer games such as chess or poker .
18. Singing:
    Singing is an interesting hobby to have as it helps you to express yourself and can help you relax. It can also be used effectively in acting as a distraction, but it can also be quite a useful tool to help you relax and unwind.
19. Chess:
    Chess is a fun game that will test your strategic abilities along with your mental stamina. It is also a great way of improving your chess skills.
20. Model Making:
    Model Making is an easy hobby to have and it benefits the CV as it shows that you have above average artistic ability.

Getting interested check out our examples of a good CV and free CV builder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways:

• Hobbies are a great way to showcase non-academic interests and skills
• Think about what you enjoy doing and how it can demonstrate your strengths, skills, or personality traits
• Be mindful of the difference between an activity and a hobby; focus on interests that are relevant or interesting to the job you are applying for
• A CV can be made more effective by adding a list of hobbies and interests to attract the attention of a recruiter
• Choose your hobbies wisely! The chances are that you know what will work best for your job application via personal experience.

Recommended Reading:

1. CV personal qualiteis and skills
2. Skills to include on a CV
3. How to write references on a CV
4. How to write achivements on a CV
5. Personal details on a CV
6. Best CV format for freshers

25+ Best CV Personal Profile Examples with Writing Guide

A personal profile is your chance to stand out from the crowd. It’s your opportunity to tell a story about yourself and why you would be an excellent choice for a new job. The good news is that it can be easy with just a little bit of planning and creative thinking.

If you can learn how to write a CV Personal Profile, you’ll never be left wanting in terms of getting a job.

What is a CV personal profile?

A profile is the first page of your CV. It’s an introduction to your personal skills and achievements. It’s incredibly important because it sets the scene for everything that follows, including your experience and education. Although it’s a brief opening remark, you still need to ensure that you’re noted as being someone who is strong-willed, has a positive attitude, and knows how to interact with others. Think of your personal profile as a small monologue. It’s your chance to say who you are and what you want. You’re going to be judged on the content of this page so pay close attention to what you write, even if it only takes a few minutes.

What do I need to share in my personal profile?

First, think about who is this CV for? Is it for an employer or a potential employer? If it’s for an employer, make sure that the information is tailored to them. If it’s for a potential employer, make sure that they know what your skills are and what you want to achieve.

Second, think about the job you’re applying to. Think about cover letters and job advertisements (and the way that they’re used). Make sure that your personal profile is consistent with this.

Third, think about yourself as a person. Once you’ve done this, consider what makes you different from other applicants? What sets you apart? This might be framed in terms of skills or personality or both. If you can answer these questions, it’ll be easier to craft something that is concise and powerful.

How should I lay out my CV Personal Profile?

Try to keep it simple. Focus on the key skills and attributes that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. You can even tell a story about why you’re suitable for the position. This is easy if you have a chronological format (it’s basically a brief version of your CV).

If you have a functional format, it’s still possible to tell a meaningful story. You might start by explaining what you achieved in your previous job or for your degree. Then, describe why you were able to achieve this (your skills and experience). Finally, think about how this relates to the role you’re applying for now.

If you’re starting to get lost, keep it simple, and don’t try to over-think it. What you write will help show that you are friendly, hard-working, and responsible. It will show that you are ambitious and eager to learn.

Here are some tips for writing the CV Personal Profile:

1. Narrow down your skills and experiences to key points. These can all be in a list or bullets towards the end of your personal profile. But keep it simple and don’t bore the reader with too much detail.
2. Speak to your current and former employers/colleagues. Ask them what impressed them most about you, what you did that worked well for them and what they’d like to see more of from you next time around. This helps draw on real-life examples of your skills and experiences.
3. It’s best to be honest about the things that have gone wrong in your past but try not to dwell on the negative ones too much as those won’t help you stand out from the crowd. However, it’s important to be realistic about the kind and the quality of work you achieve.
4. Give a brief summary of why you’re looking for a new job, what skills and experiences you have that make you a good fit for the role, what motivates you to succeed and what your objectives are. Then give links where they can be found.
5. Give details about any other voluntary or paid positions that show a mix of skills and experience. If you have used your skills and expertise to help those less fortunate than yourself then include these as well.
6. Be sure to include some personal details about yourself too, such as your hobbies, interests and any languages you speak fluently. If you have any special training or accreditations then make a note of those too.
7. Check out our examples of good CV template for your reference. Also use our free CV builder.
8. Finally, make sure that includes a little bit of luck and destiny on your side. Tell the reader what made you perfect for the job you’re applying for and why they should hire you.

There are a few things to remember when writing your personal profile:

1. Don’t be afraid to be creative in telling your story. It might just work to give the reader a little more information about you than they thought possible. If not, then it could just make you stand out from the crowd.
2. Be honest. Be truthful about your abilities and your past work. Don’t try to cover up the things that haven’t gone well or that you might not want to flaunt. If you’re willing to take risks then this could just make you stand out from the crowd.
3. Be confident. Think about what makes you a great person and why others would want to be around you when they read your personal profile. Tell your story with conviction.

How long should my profile statement be?

If you’re using a functional format, then it should be 1-2 pages (although it might be shorter if you’re applying to a role that doesn’t require much detail). If you’re using a chronological format, then it should be the same length as your CV.

What is a CV Profile Statement?

A CV profile statement is a short statement that explains why you are applying for the role. The main purpose of a CV profile statement is to show the employer why you’re especially qualified or skilled for the position. While your CV provides information about your work experience, education and training, and skills, your profile statement emphasizes the most important aspects of who you are as a person.

What should I avoid when I write a CV Personal Profile?

Don’t ramble on in your personal profile about the job or the company or anything else unrelated to them. This will make you look confused and irrelevant. It will also make you seem arrogant or even disinterested.

It’s also important not to try too hard to be something that you’re not. If you’re applying for a highly skilled position then put yourself forward as being highly skilled. Don’t make it about things that are unimportant (like your nationality or your religious beliefs). Generally speaking, try to stick to the facts and avoid too much embellishment or exaggeration. Be honest and realistic above all else.

What else should I know?

One final thing to remember is that you can’t change your personal profile once it’s published. Make sure you are completely happy with what you write. That way, you can avoid a lot of stress and anxiety further down the line. This will ensure that you can then focus on the more important things (like actually getting the job).

If your CV template is well-written and your personal profile is well-crafted, then getting a job should be a relatively smooth process. It’ll be a positive experience overall because you have proven to yourself and your new employer that you can do a great job. Good luck with the job hunt!

Check our absolutely free CV examples for your reference.

25+ Best CV Profile Examples:

Here is the list of best job-winning personal CV profile examples for your reference.

1. Student CV profile

Enthusiastic and hardworking freshly graduated accounting student with proven organizational and communication skills, who is able to take on any required task and adapt to changing conditions with a resourceful and hard-working mindset. My professionalism and accuracy are proven in numerous assignments and group projects throughout undergraduate courses and activities.

2. Customer service representative CV profile

Hello, good day! my name is Intan Ryan and I’m 26 years old. I’m about to finish my bachelor’s degree journey in November 2019 and am about to seek a new job to gain experience. I am visionary, intuitive, emphatic, and creative. I have experience in retail sales and teaching experience during my internship. I hope my personality and experience fulfill the company criteria and love to see them during the interview. Thank you very much for spending time reading my humble introduction.

3. Customer success manager CV profile

Highly motivated Telco professional with excellent client oversight, issue resolution, and relationship-building skills. Seeking a career that is challenging & interesting and lets me work on the leading areas of technology, a job that gives me opportunities to learn, innovate and enhance my skills and strength in conjunction with company goals & objectives.

4. Human resource CV profile

I am highly motivated and goal-driven, competitive, flexible, resilient, focused on customer needs, team player with a proactive attitude. I’m looking for a next challenge in the field of Human Resources with scope for professional development.

5. IT CV profile

I’m a high-potential and high-achiever. I’m a fast learner and a motivated worker. I enjoy working autonomously and always produce the best possible work. I take on challenges head-on, challenge them first and then implement the solution. I am always able to make quick decisions in emergency situations.

6. Manager CV profile

I’m a hardworking leader who looks for opportunities to create more and better results, with creativity and teamwork. I’m passionate about my role as a leader and committed to providing high-quality support to my team. I’ve worked in many different roles across multiple sectors covering the full range of HR functions including recruiting, people, training and development, etc.

7. Sales CV profile

As a marketer, I’m able to create an authentic connection with my customers. I’m able to make them feel confident in my product and up-sell it in ways they didn’t expect. As a sales professional, I am trained in the art of sales, negotiations, and problem-solving. I am also very determined; when there is a customer that requires help or assistance, I will find the best possible way to do it.

8. Accountant CV profile

I am a practicing accountant who has been working for many years in finance and taxation. I specialize in general accounting, taxation, payroll, and corporate accounting. I am a hardworking individual who is motivated to succeed. I have comprehensive knowledge and expertise in tax computation, accounting, bookkeeping, and reporting.

9. Marketing CV profile

I am an experienced and well-trained marketing professional. I am able to perform a variety of tasks in the marketing department including SEO, social media, advertising, copywriting, emailing, and so on. I have a wide range of skills from my experience and I’m looking to use them in a new role.

10. Doctor CV profile

I am a medical professional with vast experience in nursing, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. I have over 3 years of working experience and have gained valuable expertise. I have worked in various regions including London, Manchester, Lancaster, and Durham.

11. Nurse CV profile

I am a committed and hardworking Registered Nurse with over 5 years of professional experience. I possess extensive knowledge of general nursing, clinical procedure, medical terminology, medical conditions, etc. I have numerous transferable skills from my work experiences and a variety of responsibilities.

12. Accounts Payroll CV profile

I’m a qualified accountant with over 15 years of practical experience in personal, company, and corporation accounts. I work with financial institutions and private clients as the main accountancy officer. I have multiple transferable skills such as creating balance sheets, profit-loss statements, tax calculations, etc.

13. Finance CV profile

I’m a trained professional in financial planning and financial investing. I’ve spent many years working in the finance field, gaining experience and being trusted by clients with my financial knowledge. I’m passionate about my job and look forward to doing more work.

14. Sales Executive CV profile

I am a committed and hardworking professional who has acquired practical experience in multiple roles such as retail, selling, B2B, and so on. I have a strong sense of communication skills and have the ability to present myself as open, friendly, and sincere; in other words, I can demonstrate my expertise in sales

15. Scrum Master CV profile

I am experienced in the field of scrum development and I have completed a task. I possess excellent judgment and analytical skills. I understand the role of a scrum master well and can demonstrate my knowledge through my work.

16. Digital Marketing CV profile

I am an experienced professional in digital marketing. I have a wide knowledge of SEO, SMM, PPC, and email marketing. I’m an expert at running affiliate campaigns and can handle a variety of tasks with ease.

17. School teacher CV profile

I am a top-notch graduate. I am passionate about teaching and believe that education is very important. I always try my best to deliver the highest quality of learning to my students.

18. Software engineer CV profile

I am an experienced developer with years of experience in web development; from front end to back end. My technical skills are strong; I’m able to create amazing and cutting-edge websites with ease

19. Web Developer CV Profile

I’m a Web Developer and I have the ability to create a variety of websites for all types of clients. I am an expert in front-end development, back-end development, user experience, design, and marketing.

20. Programmer CV Profile

I am a senior programmer with over 20 years of experience in the programming field. I’ve worked with many different languages including C/C++, Java, and JavaScript. I’m also experienced in MySQL, HTML5, and CSS3.

21. Data analyst CV profile

I am a professional data analyst. I have gained extensive experience in data mining, predictive modeling, and statistical reporting. I have a background in applied mathematics and statistics.

22. Server administrator CV profile

I am an experienced server administrator with over 15 years of experience. I have the ability to install and configure servers, networks, and other IT equipment such as switches, routers, and firewalls. I’m able to follow procedures, set up security policies, and maintain network settings.

23. System architect CV Profile

I’m an experienced program manager with a vast understanding of IT architecture. I’ve worked in multiple projects which required me to manage and administer complex systems”; from security policies, user authentication, data definition and archive, configuration management, configuration synchronization, and many others.

24. IT manager CV Profile

I am an experienced IT manager with over 15 years of experience. I have worked in various countries and have gained valuable knowledge; from the IT sector, business management sector, and the human resource sector. I have multiple transferable skills such as leadership, communication skills, and teamwork

25. Business analyst CV Profile

I am a highly targeted and dedicated professional. I work hard to fulfill all my duties with ease. I take pride in my work, I understand the importance of my position and I maintain a positive attitude all the time

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways:

• Write a polished professional profile
• Review your accomplishments and experience
• Add keywords to demonstrate your skills, expertise, and areas of expertise
• Use formatting features for an eye catching resume
• Make sure to include the name, address, and phone number
• Make sure to provide a cover letter with your resume
• Tweak or edit the resume throughout the review process – you only have one chance!

CV Format Guide With 18+ Examples and Tips

Writing a CV becoming more and more crucial with each passing day, it’s no surprise that there is so much information to be found online about what goes where in the modern-day CV. With this lack of direct instruction and guidance, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide so that you can get started on your dream job as soon as possible.

If you need to write a CV in the best format, there are a few things that you’ll need to keep in mind. The layout is really important as it should be easy to read and follow and your information should be concise and clear. You also need to make sure that you make good use of the white space on the page, and that your design is visually appealing.

What is a curriculum vitae?

A curriculum vitae, or CV, is a document that contains your personal information, education and employment experience, awards and recognitions as well as any research work you may have done. It can be used in order to help an individual land an interview with potential employers or to provide references when asked.

How do I write a good CV?

To have a productive and successful career in most fields of employment requires that you enter the world with an impressive resume. When writing your CV, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before going any further.

First and foremost, make sure that all of the information you are providing makes sense in a logical order. For example, if you have worked for two different organizations in which you have learned firsthand about quality assurance, then this experience should be listed first and it should be placed right before the latest position you have held.

Second, always include contact information. [This can include] a phone number, a website address, and/or an email address. This will allow employers to get in touch with you if they have any questions or concerns regarding your resume.

Third, try to keep your CV under one page long with one-half-inch margins on all sides.

And finally, be true to yourself and tailor every aspect of your CV to the individual prospective employer.

What is the difference between a resume and a CV?

A resume is a document that contains your professional experience. It states what you did during your time in the workforce and where you did it. It can also explain the skills and abilities you possess. A CV, on the other hand, is a document that contains your personal information, education and employment experience, awards and recognitions as well as any research work you may have done. It can be used in order to help an individual land an interview with potential employers or to provide references when asked.

What to include on a CV:

Your CV should include the following items:

1. Personal Statement:
   This is the short summary of yourself. This should include your academic and career history, education and achievements. Additionally, it should explain what you want from your career. It should also address why your potential employer should hire you for the position and how you plan to make a difference for their organization.
2. Contact Information:
   Always include your contact information at the top of your resume. This can include a phone number, an email address and/or a website address. This will allow employers to get in touch with you if they have any questions or concerns regarding your CV.
3. Professional Experience:
   Include the job titles you have held, as well as a description for each. Also include your dates of employment and company name.
4. Education:
   Include the degree(s) you received and every class you have taken throughout your academic career. Remember, it’s better to first list every single class you have taken than fail to include all of them. If you have taken a few classes and they don’t contribute to your career field, then this should be noted with a note explaining why the class was taken.
5. Professional Skills:
   This section should include skills that could help you in the specific job for which you are applying. This can include computer programs that you are familiar with, languages you speak and any special licenses or certifications. Keep in mind that your CV is meant to highlight all of your strengths so don’t be afraid to boast a little bit.
6. Education Qualifications:
   If you’re a recent graduate, make sure to include your educational background and degrees. This can also include any courses you have taken that are related to the position for which you are applying for. If you are further along in your career, you may want to list the number of years of experience in your previous positions as well as any special certifications you may have.
7. Awards and Achievements:
   Include any awards and achievements you may have received throughout your academic and professional career. These can include, but are not limited to: grants, scholarships or awards for academic, research or professional achievements. Remember to list any projects you may have worked on along with the name of the project as well as the company name where you worked.
8. The References Section:
   This is what employers usually ask for when they receive a resume. This section will allow them to get in touch with your previous employers and learn more about your background. Employers usually want to know as much information about your experience as possible, so make sure you are providing as much detail about each position you have held.
9. Publications:
   If you have written any published works or papers, it’s important to list them here along with information about the publisher, year and name of the article (if applicable).
10. Licenses and Certifications:
    If you have certification or professional licenses, make sure to list them here along with the expiration date. Also, keep in mind that employers can request verification of your credentials if they are unsure of your experience.
11. Languages:
    If you are bilingual, include the languages in which you are fluent along with the date(s) you spoke each language in and your name(s) when speaking both languages. If you speak a different language other than English and Spanish, list the two most commonly used languages that make up your first language.
12. Interests or Hobbies:
    This section is usually not included on a CV, but it is usually a standard practice for resumes. Employers like to know what your interests are and how they can connect with you outside of work. Feel free to list any clubs or organizations that you may belong to, along with the name of the club and your title as well as any volunteer activities or involvements that coincide with your career field.
13. Additional Information:
    In addition to the sections listed above, you may also want to include any additional information that is pertinent to your career. For example, if you are applying for a job in finance, your CV can include how well you can handle numbers or formally learn about financial concepts. You may also want to include information about your volunteer work or extracurricular activities if they have any connection with the position for which you are applying.

How to write a CV

1. Choose the right font type and size:
   When choosing the font, keep in mind that it should not be too large or too small. You do not want to use a font that is so small that the reader can’t read it.
2. Keep paragraphs short and simple:
   You will need to break up your CV into different sections so that your reader can easily find what they are looking for and understand how your experience relates to an area they may be interested in.
3. Keep it to one page:
   You need to present your information in a concise way so that the reader is able to get a good feel for who you are and what you have to offer. If you exceed this page limit, then it may make you look disorganized or unfocused.
4. Use action words:
   While you don’t want to use too many bold words or exclamation marks, you do want to show enthusiasm in your document. Using active verbs allows you to do this without coming off as unprofessional.
5. Make sure that all of the information is up to date:
   Any time that you make a significant change in your life, such as changing jobs, getting married, having a baby or buying a new house, it is important that you make sure your CV reflects those changes.
6. Proofread:
   Check your document for spelling and grammatical errors. You may even consider having friends or family members look it over before you send it to a potential employer. If you have any concerns, then contact the HR department at your potential employer to let them know before you submit your CV. While this may seem like common sense, many people will overlook this part of the process in their rush to get something out. A CV is an important document in your career and should reflect that.
7. Make a copy:
   Update your resume and send a copy to every prospective employer you have on your contact list. This will allow you to keep in touch with them as they consider your application and will allow them to see how committed you are and whether or not they think you would be a good fit for the job.
8. Don’t use all caps:
   Using all caps is considered poor form and is generally frowned upon by employers. Using normal, eye-readable font types will prevent your resume from being overlooked.
9. Be honest:
   Make sure that everything you write in your CV—and your interview—is true to yourself. If you have misrepresented yourself, then you could be looking for a job that no longer exists or a place where they won’t hire you based on the information you provided.

Tips for writing a CV:

1. Read through the job description for each position you are applying to and make sure that you include the qualifications they are looking for.
2. Be specific: If you have had any affiliation with an organization, such as the Rotary Club or a university club, then indicate what role you played in it if it is relevant to the job for which you are applying.
3. Create a narrative: Instead of just listing your experience in chronological order, try writing your CV as if describing an event or story. This will make your resume more dynamic and will keep things interesting for your reader.
4. Use action words: When writing your CV, use words that show your enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. This will help you capture the attention of the reader as well as make it more likely that they will contact you if they are interested in an interview.
5. Proofread: You need to proofread everything you send out any time that you are sending a document directly to someone—especially a potential employer. If there are any mistakes, then you can be sure that the reader will catch them and they will want to contact you for clarification.
6. Be professional: Always use proper punctuation, grammar and spelling when writing your resume and CV. If you do this, then it will show that you have good writing skills and are someone worthy of the position you are applying for.
7. Keep it short: You don’t need to include every single detail of your life in one document—keep it to one page at most. If you feel like you need more space, then divide it into a few pages.
8. Don’t use all caps: While it may seem appropriate to use all capitals in your CV, it is considered poor form and does not look good. Using only normal-sized letters and doing things properly will help you stand out from the other candidates who may be applying for the same position as well as from previous employers who have sent your CV on to new companies looking for employees.
9. Be honest: If you have misrepresented yourself or made anything up, then you may not get the job or find yourself in a situation that is completely different from what you had hoped for.
10. Avoid the overuse of acronyms: If you use acronyms, then make sure that they are easily understood by each reader that receives the document. It is impossible for someone to know what you are referring to if you do not include the meaning of the letters used right next to them.
11. Stick to the facts: While you want to make your resume and CV different than everyone else’s when possible, you will need to stick to the facts. Don’t embellish or make up any part of your experience, because if someone does find out they will know that you have lied on your application.
12. Write about accomplishments: If there is something specific that you did during your job that is relevant to the position for which you are applying, then include it in your CV and highlight it.

How long should my CV be?

A CV should be one page long, single-spaced, with .5″ margins on all sides. Do not make a second page unless you must because it is easy for a potential employer to skim over unnecessary information. If you can honestly and succinctly summarize your career and personal life experience into a single page, then you are more likely to have success in the job market. If you have a lot to say about your life and career, then consider writing a concise summary upfront and including an extended version of your life story in your cover letter.

CV Format Example Templates:

Here is the list of best CV format example templates for your reference. Please feel free to customize and download in PDF file format.

Manager CV Example

Data Officer CV Example

Business Consultant CV Example

Program Manager CV Example

Accounts Executive CV Example

Business Development Consultant CV Example

Customer Service CV Example

Registered Nurse CV Example

Data Analyst CV Example

Engineer Controls CV Example

Portfolio Manager CV Example

Marketer CV Example

Financial Controller CV Example

Finance Director CV Example

Instructional Designer CV Example

logistics Manager CV Example

Account Manager CV Example

Computer Scientist CV Example

How do I make my CV unique?

While it is important to include the standard information that employers are looking for in your CV, it is also important to stand out from other applicants and show a potential employer why you would be a good fit for their company. How can you accomplish this? There are several different ways:

1. Use target keywords: If there are some keywords specific to a job that you want, then add them in your resume and cover letter as appropriate.
2. Make your CV interesting: You want to make sure that the reader will be interested in reading more of what you have to say. If you can find a unique angle or angle that they haven’t seen before, then include it.
3. Add accomplishments: If there is something specific that you did during your job that is relevant to the position for which you are applying, then include it in your CV and highlight it.
4. Include outside activities: If you have participated in outside activities such as sports or community service organizations, then include these certificates and awards in your CV so that you can stand out from other applicants who may not have done the same things.
5. Include personal information: If you have a disability or an illness that could affect the way you perform a job, then mention that at the bottom of your CV in a separate section.
6. Sign your CV: Before you send out any documents with your name on them, make sure that it is correct and that you have verified the information is accurate by double-checking it. At the very least, make sure that the contact information (phone number and email address) are correct.
7. Create a timeline: A timeline will help you stay organized when writing your CV and help you prioritize what information to include and what information to leave out. Write down every job that you have had, any certificates or awards that you have received, any hobbies or interests that you have had, and anything else that will help a potential employer learn about you as an individual.
8. Use a CV template: There are many different templates for resumes and CVs available online. These templates will help provide a structure for writing your CV and will provide you with some of the most common information that needs to be included in your CV.
9. Use the best CV builder to get every thing set professonaly.
10. Get feedback: If you don’t know how to create a good CV or whether you are including all the information necessary, then ask someone else for help. If you are still in school, then ask a teacher or counselor for help. You can also seek out feedback from friends who are looking for work to find out how they would like their CV to be written.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways:

• Identify your purpose for creating the CV format.
• Use black font with a font size of 11 or 12.
• Use at least 2 line spacing.
• Avoid using bold font in your CV.
• List the most relevant experience first and then the less relevant ones nearby.
• Avoid using graphics and images in your CV unless necessary.
• Avoid using many font sizes and colors.
• Use headings to structure your CV.
• Use lists to provide additional information that is not covered by the other sections of your CV.

50+ Good CV Examples with Writing Guide

Here you can learn how to write the best CV. There are plenty of examples of a good CV out here to help you write your perfect one. It will help you get the job you want, put your best foot forward while interviewing, and get more opportunities in your field of study and profession.

Good CV vs Bad CV:

A good CV is more than just good grammar, it is also about your life story. You have to tell the employer why you are a perfect match for the job and how you can help the company succeed. It should be as short as possible, but still informative enough to give employers a run-down of your career, education, and your personality.

A bad CV is either too long or too short to understand who you are. Bad spelling and bad grammar will cost you points during the interview process. The employer will often ask if you can write a better one.

CV Structure:

A CV should always start with header information. This will be your name, address, and phone number. Then you should include a description of yourself called a summary or objective. This gives the employer an idea of what you are doing and where you want to go in life. Some people call it a career synopsis but don’t get too detailed when writing it. Just give a short run-down of what you have done so far in your job search, education, and life experiences like hobbies and volunteer work.

1. Personal Profile:

This is the section that tells why you are a good candidate for the job. This is perhaps one of the most important sections of your CV Template because it gives the employer an idea of why they should hire you.

2. Skills:

This is where you put all of your skills and qualifications into the field you are applying for. If you are applying for a job in finance, it would be best to put your financial skills in this section. You should also include specific skills that show that you are capable of doing the job. Don’t just put “accounting” on your CV because that could cover everything. Make sure it shows the employer what you can do specifically and then cut out anything else.

3. Experience:

This section is for work experience, volunteer work, and any other experience you had that shows off your abilities. The order of the things you list in this section may vary depending on what looks better for the job you are applying to.

4. Education:

This is one of the most important parts of your CV and it should be listed in reverse chronological order. Include the university or college you graduated from, the type and major of your degree or diploma, and any awards you received while there.

5. Other Information:

This section is optional but can be of great help if you have any certifications or computer skills to add to your CV. If you have not obtained any of these, don’t worry about it.

6. References:

Make sure you have included the reference section with your CV when applying for a job. If you have never used it before, don’t worry about it and leave it out to start with. It will hurt you more than help if you put this on your first CV.

What makes good CV effective?

• It is short and to the point
• It uses correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation
• It explains what you have done in life so far in a way that the employer can understand why you are a good fit for their job role.
• You must show that you have experience doing the type of role they need, but also show that you can do it well. This shows confidence and talent.
• Shows your skills and qualifications related to the job role and industry or company they will be working in.
• It is easy to read and understand, as it is short.

What makes bad CV ineffective?

• It is long, too much information
• It uses incorrect English grammar, spelling and punctuation
• It explains what you have done in life so far in a way that the employer can ignore why you are a good fit for their job role.
• You must show that you have experience doing the type of role they need, but also show that you can do it well. This shows doubt and lazyness.
• Shows little skills and qualifications related to the job role and industry or company they will be working in.

Good CV Section with Writing Tips:

1. CV Personal details:

A personal details section is where you tell about your skills, education, and other information about yourself. The things you put here will depend on what they are asking for. If they ask for experience, then list your experiences first and then your skills and qualifications. If they ask for age, then put that first then the work experience or qualifications you have acquired in the past. Some things in the personal details section should be included if there is room:

Tips:

• Check your spelling and grammar.
• Stick to the basic 4-6 spaces on the lines for each section of your CV.
• Try not to use a lot of big words, because this might confuse employers.
• Keep it short and focused on the areas that are important for the job role you have chosen.

2. Personal Profile Statement:

This should be a short paragraph that you write about yourself. It should give an introduction to your CV and tell the employer something about you like your career or education goals, why you want to work in their company and what unique skills you have that will help them. You can use bullet points for this section but don’t go over more than 3 or 4 points because it could look like a list and not something written by a person.

Tips:

• Use correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Don’t be sarcastic or rude about your previous job or working experience.
• Keep it short and focused on the areas that are important for the job role you have chosen.
• Tell them why you would be perfect for their company, but don’t lie. Tell them what your goals are, so they can see that you will be able to become successful in their company.

3. CV Education:

This is where you list your education, the type and the degree or diploma you received. You should also tell them any awards received while attending university or school. Use bullet points to make this section easy to read because you may need to put a lot of information here about your education and other achievements in life.

Tips:

• Use correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Don’t make it look like you are expecting a job for college credits.
• Make it clear and not too complicated to read.
• List it in order of age or the most recent first.
• Use bullet points to separate your education from your work experience.

4. CV Work Experience:

This is where you list your work experience, volunteer experience, or any jobs you have had before in a clear bullet point list by year. You should also explain when they were and what your position was and if it went well how you handled problems with that job. You can use bullet points for this section but it doesn’t have to be written in the same way as the education section.

Tips:

• Use correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Speak about your experiences like you would speak about work to your friends.
• Check how well you are using words like “I”, “me” and “my”.
• Check how you are explaining what you did at each job so they get a clear and understandable picture of your work history.

5. CV Skills:

If you have any special skills or certificates related to a job they are hiring for, then this is the section to mention it in. You can use bullets or numbers but don’t list too many things here. Just put the things that are important for them and that show that you know how to do their job well and that you can quickly learn this new skill/s or show them how good of a worker you could be.

Tips:

• Use short and easy to understand bullet points.
• Check your spelling and grammar.
• Use what they are asking for as an example and then put your own skills into that category.
• Use numbers if you are comfortable with them, but using too many numbers can make it look like a list of items being thrown at them.
• If you have to use a lot of bullet points to explain your skills, then you should probably write a separate document or add something more to one of the other sections on your CV.

6. CV Contact Details:

This is an optional section that you can add if you have any other contact details that employers may require from you. You shouldn’t put a phone number here unless it is a real job that requires it, because they will soon find out if they call your phone number and get your voicemail or leave a message that is never returned or get no answer when calling your mobile. You are much better off using the contact details section on your website or social media profile sites to send them an email to tell them who you are and what position they want you for. It is also a good idea to put your email address here, so they can get in touch with you if necessary.

Tips:

• Use short and easy to understand bullet points.
• Check your spelling and grammar.
• If you have a phone number, put it in correctly here without all the extra spaces at the beginning.
• If you don’t have a mobile number and landline number, then remove it from here.
• If you do have a mobile number, then put it correctly here without all the extra spaces at the beginning.

7. CV Hobbies and interests:

This section is an optional section that you can add if you have any hobbies or interests. Usually you can use bullet points to list these things here but you may also include it in a separate section on your CV, if necessary.

Tips:

• Use shorter and easy to understand bullet points.
• Check your spelling and grammar.
• Make it clear and not too complicated to read.
  Tips for Improvement:
• Don’t put something too complicated here like a political statement or controversial topic.

8. CV References:

This is an optional section that you can add if you have a reference list of people who have agreed to be your referees. You should put their names and contact details on another separate sheet of paper because if there are too many names, it will look bad on your CV. You should also tell them that these are your referees and after they are finished reading it, to pass it on to them.

Tips:

• Use short and easy to understand bullet points.
• Check your spelling and grammar.
• Make it clear and not too complicated to read.
• You do not have to put them in a separate sheet but it looks better if you do.
• You should always check how your name is written on your CV before you send it off. Make sure they can be sure that they are writing down the right person’s details. Any wrong spelling or names will mean that the referees will not give an approval.

9. CV Other Information:

This is an optional section that you can add if you have any certifications or computer skills to add to your CV. If you have not obtained any of these, don’t worry about it and leave it out to start with. It will hurt you more than help if you put this on your job application when your CV is not yet ready.

Tips:

• Use short and easy to understand bullet points.
• Don’t use more than 4 or 5 bullet points maximum.
• Check how well you write about computer skills, this is an important section for some jobs.
• Check your spelling and grammar.
• This is a good place to add information about your hobbies, if you do not put them in another section.

CV Format:

The best way to make sure your CV looks good is to make it look like a list of items and then highlight the important parts in bold or different colors. You can also use bullet points to separate each section if you are not sure which one is more important than others for your CV.

Another way of making sure your CV looks good on paper is to add an action plan for the job you are applying for. This will help the recruiter or employer to understand how much effort is needed and what you can do for this position in addition to write a detailed explanation about all of your skills and qualifications.

CV Writing Tips:

1. Make it easy for the reader to see what makes you a good candidate for the position by writing a clear, concise summary of your background, work experience and education.
2. Use a functional layout that emphasizes skills and accomplishments instead of jobs and dates of employment.
3. Include details about relevant work experience, including descriptions of your achievements or contributions at each job, specific skills and knowledge you gained in each role, and any awards received or professional affiliations held during employment.
4. Use active voice and verbs with the correct past tense.
5. Use active language: “I” instead of “we” or “us.”
6. Begin each paragraph with an action verb.
7. Draw your reader’s attention to key skills and accomplishments you learned rather than to what you did or employer’s name you worked for.
8. List your skills or accomplishments in a specific order.
9. Use bullets (preferably numbered) to group items under related headings.
10. Detail steps in the job that you performed and list the tasks or responsibilities assigned to you (avoid “a” for “an”).
11. Give 5-10 facts about each accomplishment; no more than 3-5 points are better, as it makes the person sound superficial or too conceited when he/she talks excessively about their “accomplishments.”
12. If the duties of a previous job were different, list your primary responsibility/role (job title), how often you performed the task and a consequence of how it helped or hurt the company.
13. Include examples of tangible results produced in your previous work experience and accomplishments, both positive and negative.
14. Use the best CV builder to get every thing set professonaly

Examples of a Good CV:

Here is an example of a good CV list that may get you interviews but not the job.

When you are writing your CV, look at the examples below and follow them as closely as possible. However, it is important that you spend enough time preparing your CV to make sure that it is perfect for the position you are applying for. You should post your CV on Monster and LinkedIn, where there are many opportunities in different positions of companies.

Student CV Example

Customer Success Manager CV Example

Scrum Master CV Example

Retail CV Example

Technical Designer CV Example

Translator CV Example

Data Scientist CV Example

Project Manager CV Example

Sales Executive CV Example

QA CV Example

Training Instructor CV Example

Software Testing CV Example

Intern CV Example

Customer ManagerCV Example

Graduate CV Example

Chemist CV Example

Sound Manager CV Example

Administrative Manager CV Example

Physical Therapist CV Example

Journalist CV Example

Consultant CV Example

Application Specialist CV Example

UX Designer CV Example

Relationship Manager CV Example

Web Developer CV Example

Civil Engineer CV Example

Nurse CV Example

Personal Assistant CV Example

Insurance Advisor CV Example

Sales Specialist CV Example

Marketing CV Example

Interpreter CV Example

Risk Manager CV Example

Data Officer CV Example

Business Consultant CV Example

Program Manager CV Example

Accounts Executive CV Example

Business Development Consultant CV Example

Customer Service CV Example

Registered Nurse CV Example

Data Analyst CV Example

Engineer Controls CV Example

Portfolio Manager CV Example

Marketer CV Example

Financial Controller CV Example

Finance Director CV Example

Instructional Designer CV Example

logistics Manager CV Example

Account Manager CV Example

Computer Scientist CV Example

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you like the above Good cv examples for your next job interview.

Recommended Reading:

• What is a cover letter
• How to start a cover letter
• Best CV format for freshers
• Personal details on a CV
• CV personal qualities and skills
• How to write achievements on a CV
• Hobbies and Interests to put on a CV