How to write a stylish CV
Everyone has opinions about CVs, perhaps you’ve noticed?
If you listen to too many opinions you’ll end up with something which is garbled and unfocused. Chances are if your CV is confused, you are too.
Your CV should be curated and styled like an elegant shop window, not like a pick-and-mix counter or a jumbled TK Maxx clothes rail.
If you missed it, I’ve shared my advice on ‘How to write a CV that a recruiter will want to read’ which is based on my experience and opinion.
In this blog, I share how to create and finesse a stylish marketing tool for your career.
What do you want your CV to say about you?
Let’s start with you.
What are your goals?
What do you want your CV to say about you?
What do you want people to think and feel when they read yours?
Everyone has an opinion and mine is that you start with your intentions, when you get your CV right the rest falls into place.
Does your CV lack personality?
If so, I’ve got some suggestions on how to turn a dull, dry, boring document into something that you’ll feel proud to share.
Let’s get creative
Your CV is a shop window
One way to approach your CV is to think of it as a well-designed, eye-catching and clean shop window. It must have the best product, no fluff balls and easy to read signage.
Think about fashion houses, showcasing statement and catwalk pieces and eye-catching displays which grab our attention and draw us into the store.
What do you want people to notice on your CV?
Take a minimalist approach
When CVs are uncluttered and simple, it's easier to signpost your unique experience and expertise.
If your CV is cluttered it could be holding you back.
I like the Marie Kondo approach – if your CV isn’t sparking joy it’s time to get to work on it.
Your CV should be curated and styled
By the time you’ve got 20+ years' experience, you need to be ruthlessly selective about what takes up valuable CV real estate.
Approach your CV like a VIP personal shopping experience. As the stylist, your job is to pull together the best pieces – a combination of statement and essential items.
You need to be part creative director and part strategist with this important marketing tool.
How to create a stylish document
Whilst your CV is a summary of your career history it is an important marketing tool and a sales document. Think of it as a business document or presentation
Don’t copy and paste chunks of your job description. It looks lazy and shows a lack of understanding of what’s expected at an executive level
Highlight the key responsibilities and why you were hired, but focus on results and your achievements
Avoid waffle, clichés, corporate jargon and fluff
One size doesn’t fit all. Consider creating a general CV and one that is tailored for a particular role or to market your unique expertise/niche
If you’re procrastinating a professionally written CV may save you time and the faff of formatting but do find someone who knows your sector and is experienced at writing CVs at your level
Create a one-pager summary (the ultimate teaser – used by headhunters) to promote your expertise
Ready to start?
Having an updated CV ready to fire off is the sign of a true professional
Find a friend or two to join you for a bit of motivation and accountability
Allocate a good few hours for content creation and editing
Starting from scratch is daunting, find a simple, easy-to-use CV template then focus on great content. Use your current CV for reference
Add a brief description of each company (size, location, public, private, P.E backed, start-up, global, channels)
Details of your college and university education can go at the back (high school exam results aren’t necessary)
Add your current interests. It gives insight into the real you plus – someone may be looking for a film, wine, or art buff
Mention languages, awards & philanthropic ventures
Ready to edit?
Spell check, re-read, edit, edit and edit again
Swop your CV with one of those friends –ask them to read it for meaning
Print it off to see how it looks, when you’re happy, save it in PDF format
Does your CV help you to sell yourself?
One client, let’s call her Jess, had a disjointed CV – her career had taken some interesting twists and turns through corporate and consultancy roles. She was conscious that on paper she looked like a job hopper and so in every interview she fell into the trap of ‘justifying’ and over-explaining all her moves.
Working together I helped her to see the underlying story and theme, then join the dots, and position her skills and career story without the angst. This gave her story an angle and a bit of an edge, which gave her confidence and credibility. She said that I made her CV sing, I didn’t, I helped her to sing her CV.
“I’ve found working with Tracy very beneficial. Having not actively job hunted for many years, working with her has given me enormous confidence. Not only has Tracy helped me draw out imperative elements from my past careers to make my CV sing, but she has really helped me prepare for the interview process. Learning how to think about structuring my rather diverse past into a coherent story that potential employers can buy in to has also been invaluable. Thank you Tracy!”
Business & Finance Consultant, Luxury Fashion
Need help creating your stylish CV?
Get in touch to discover how I can help you, your CV and your career.
ABOUT ME
I’m Tracy, Career Consultant, former Executive Headhunter and I help senior executives and leaders to land great jobs and be successful at work through 1:1 coaching.
I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.
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