How to write a CV!

Here are some topics to include in a CV and some template resources!

A list of topics to include are:
-a photo of yourself that is appropriate
-your name
-mobile number
-email
-Address
-linked in (I like to create a free QR code to send you straight to my linked in page)
-a professional summary
-education history
-relevant experience (for the industry you are looking into)
-additional work experience (jobs like babysitting, waitressing- any job that is not related to the desired industry)
-skills (e.g. organisation, teamwork, work ethic…)
-activities (e.g. driving licence, certificates/awards)

Extras to add
-icons for contact details
-consistent colour theme
-titles for each section (e.g. professional summary, education)
-years of experience (e.g. ‘2022-present’)
-title of work experience, year underneath, establishment underneath that, then small summary for each experience)
-grades next to education

Try to keep your CV all to one page. If it is over one page, then only keep the information you really need and summarise where possible. Leave everything as a readable font- top tip is to print your CV and to see if you can read it as possible employers would most likely have a paper copy. Double check over everything, spell check over and over again and make sure everything works if you are using a QR code or links.

I have found that Microsoft word or Canva are the best websites for CV templates. Word has more basic but effective templates where as Canva is more aesthetic but pitched to industries that are more creative compared to industries such as banking. Canva is free, so worth having a look and testing out different colour variations. It is a super easy app/website to edit the template if you want to remove certain aspects of the design. You can write your CV straight into the template and within the website it offers icons to use such as contact detail icons and you are able to upload your own images. It is very easy to upload your CV straight into a PDF to send off to employers. It is free to create an account so everything you create is automatically saved so you will never lose any of your work.

Please write below if you have anything to add or any questions! Good luck!

Yasmin (BA Design Marketing)

Reply 1

gjd800

Photo is not a great idea in the UK. Most recruiters don't like it because having one opens them up to potential discrimination claims. In any case, the vast majority of the time, appearance has no bearing on your suitability for or ability to do a job.

Next to no professional service in the UK recommends adding a picture unless applying for modelling stuff or acting stuff (or posh hotels for front of house).

Kingston University

Kingston upon Thames

Reply 2

Emily_Maguire

Definitely no to a photo, unless it's an acting cv, which has a completely different structure and content. Again media CVs for tv and film jobs also differ. Here is a blog post which details the structure of tv and film CVs with advice and guidance. Best of luck with your job searches.

https://www.reflectionscareercoaching.co.uk/post/how-to-write-a-cv-for-the-tv-and-film-industry