CV Checklist: Everything a CV Needs Before You Send It

Crafting the perfect CV can be a daunting and time-consuming task. It’s not just about listing your qualifications and experiences; it’s about presenting them in a way that makes you stand out to potential employers. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, ensuring your CV meets the highest standards is crucial. In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed checklist for your CV to help you maximise your chances of landing that interview.

11 Things to Check Before You Send Your CV

1. Start with the Right Format

The format of a professional CV is the first thing that will catch the recruiter’s eye. A well-structured CV is easy to read and highlights your strengths effectively.

a. Choose the Correct Layout

• Chronological: This format lists your work history in reverse chronological order. It’s ideal for those with a solid work history in the same field.
• Functional: This format focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological work history. It’s suitable for career changers or those with gaps in employment.
• Combination: This format merges both chronological and functional elements, showcasing your skills while providing a timeline of your work history.

b. Keep It Clean and Simple

• Font: Use professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Font size should be between 10-12 points.
• Spacing: Ensure there is enough white space to make your CV easy to read. Use 1-inch margins and consistent line spacing.
• Sections: Clearly divide sections with headings and bullet points.

2. Contact Information

Your contact information should be prominently displayed at the top of your CV.

• Full Name: Use your full name as it appears on official documents.
• Phone Number: Ensure it’s your primary contact number.
• Email Address: Use a professional email address, preferably one that includes your name.
• LinkedIn Profile: Include a link to your LinkedIn profile, ensuring it’s up to date and aligns with your CV.
• Address: While not always necessary, including your city and postcode can be helpful.

3. Personal Profile

A personal profile in your CV can make a strong impression. This section provides a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table.

• Concise Summary: Keep it between 50-150 words.
• Tailor to the Job: Highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the position.
• Showcase Achievements: Mention key achievements that make you stand out.

Personal Profile CV Example for a UK Job Advert

As a highly motivated and results-driven marketing professional with over five years of experience in digital marketing and brand management, I have a proven track record of developing innovative campaigns that drive brand awareness and revenue growth. My expertise lies in leveraging data analytics to inform strategic decisions and optimise marketing efforts, ensuring measurable outcomes and high ROI. Possessing strong communication and interpersonal skills, I excel in collaborative environments and thrive in fast-paced settings. I am adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously and have a keen eye for detail, ensuring that all deliverables meet the highest standards. 

4. Professional Experience

This section should detail your work history and achievements in a clear and compelling manner.

a. Job Title, Company, and Dates

• Job Title: Make sure your job titles accurately reflect your roles.
• Company Name: Include the full name of the company.
• Dates of Employment: Use the format Month/Year to Month/Year.

b. Key Responsibilities and Achievements

• Responsibilities: List your main duties and responsibilities in bullet points.
• Achievements: Highlight specific achievements using metrics where possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”).

5. Education

Detail your academic background, starting with the most recent qualification.

• Degree and Major: Include the type of degree and your major.
• Institution Name: Provide the full name of the educational institution.
• Graduation Date: Use the format Month/Year to Month/Year.
• Honours and Awards: Mention any honours or awards received.

6. Skills

Highlighting the right skills to put into a CV is crucial. These can be divided into hard and soft skills.

• Hard Skills: Specific, teachable skills such as software proficiency, languages, or technical abilities.
• Soft Skills: Personal attributes such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Tailored to the Job: Make sure the skills listed are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

7. Certifications and Courses

Include any relevant certifications and professional development courses.

• Certification Name: Include the full name of the certification.
• Issuing Organisation: Mention the organisation that issued the certification.
• Date Earned: Use the format Month/Year to Month/Year.

8. Projects and Publications

If applicable, list significant projects and publications that demonstrate your expertise and contributions to your field.

• Projects: Provide a brief description, your role, and the outcome.
• Publications: Include the title, publication name, and date.

9. Professional Affiliations

Mention any memberships or affiliations with professional bodies.

• Organisation Name: Include the full name of the organisation.
• Role: Specify if you hold any roles within the organisation.
• Duration: Use the format Month/Year to Month/Year.

10. Languages

If you speak multiple languages, include a section for languages.

• Language: List each language.
• Proficiency Level: Indicate your proficiency level (e.g., fluent, conversational).

11. Proofreading and Final Checks

Before sending your CV, ensure it is free of errors. Here’s a checklist for your CV final proofread:

• Grammar and Spelling: Proofread it to catch any mistakes; use editing tools to make the process quicker.
• Consistency: Ensure consistency in formatting, fonts, and headings.
• Accuracy: Double-check all dates, names, and details for accuracy.
• Readability: Have someone else review your CV to ensure it’s clear and easy to read.

Read Also: How to Write a CV

Final Thoughts

Crafting a perfect CV requires attention to detail and a strategic approach. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can create a CV that not only showcases your qualifications and experiences but also stands out to potential employers. Remember, your CV is often the first impression you make, so it’s worth investing the time to get it right.

Need help perfecting your CV? Our professional CV editing services can boost your chances of getting interviews. We offer expert advice on format, content, and style to ensure your CV stands out. Get a bespoke quote today and take the next step towards your dream job.