How to Write a Good CV
Rebecca Crowther • 9 January 2019
Can you write a good CV?
When you apply for a job, the first and maybe only thing that a hiring manager or recruitment professional is going to see from you is your CV. Therefore, this is your chance to tell them who you are, what you’ve done before and what you can do for them – so the question is can you write a good CV?
Did you know that the average amount of time spent reviewing a CV is less than 10 seconds?
It makes sense to maximise on this document and here’s a really simple way to do just that! Write out your CV as you would anyway, then take what you have and put it into three distinct sections: About you, your work history and your education and skills.
To find out if you can write a good CV follow our simple CV structure below and we’re sure the answer will be yes!
About you
- Have you put your name and not ‘CV’ as the title of your CV?
- Are all your contact details clear?
- Have you written a short personal statement?
- Does it use keywords about your skills and experience?
Your work history
- Have you put it in reverse chronological order?
- Is the job title clear?
- Did you make it obvious exactly how long you worked there? Include the month!
- Describing your responsibilities is great but have you listed your achievements?
Your education and skills
- Is your education listed in the order of highest award first?
- Have you grouped together school-level qualifications? (But specify English, Maths and Science!)
- Have you included non-academic qualifications or skills? Languages? First aid?
- If they show genuine achievements or responsibilities have you included hobbies/interests?
Finally, if you can make sure you’ve done all these things then you’ll have a CV that’s ready to be put in front of even the most experienced eyes. When you’re ready to go, follow these extra top tips:
- Get someone else to read it and ask for their opinion!
- Spell check won’t show you when the word is spelled correctly but not the right word (in/inn, of/off or to/too)
- Have you thought about the appearance? Use bullet points and spacing to highlight what’s important!
- Use one, professional font in one size throughout – and not comic sans!
Don’t forget to search through our jobs and send us your CV so we can contact you with the latest job opportunities that match what you are looking for.
Rebecca Crowther is a Marketing Executive for ASC Connections. Her love for writing started when she was young. In her current role, she loves creating content to support candidates on their career journey and help clients hire talented individuals.
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Let’s face it—no one enjoys writing cover letters. Most people would rather sit through a PowerPoint on GDPR compliance. Twice. But here’s the deal: a well-written cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and landing in the “no” pile. In a world where CVs are scanned faster than a barcode at checkout, your cover letter is your chance to humanise your application. It’s where you get to say, “Hey, I’m not just a list of skills—I’m someone who gets what you need and knows how to deliver it.” So, whether you're applying for a permanent role or a temporary gig that could open bigger doors, here are our no-nonsense cover letter tips to help you stand out. 1. Don’t Repeat Your CV – Add Context Your CV says what you did. Your cover letter should say why it mattered. It’s not about regurgitating your bullet points—it's about adding the story behind them. Instead of: “Managed a team of 10 customer service agents.” Try: “I led a customer service team through a 30% spike in demand during peak season, maintaining our response times and boosting CSAT scores by 12%.” Context is what turns a job into an achievement. 2. Tailor It—Seriously No, “Dear Hiring Manager” and a copy-paste job won’t cut it. If you’re applying for a job, show you actually want it. Mention the company name. Reference the job title. Say why it interests you. Hiring managers know when you’ve sent the same letter to 30 companies. Spoiler: they hate it. 3. Keep It Short. Keep It Smart. You’re not writing War and Peace. One page max—three to four punchy paragraphs is perfect. Intro – Why you’re applying. Middle – Why you’re a great fit. Outro – What you’ll bring and how to connect. And if you can’t say it in 300 words? Edit until you can. Recruiters and hiring managers are busy humans, not novel enthusiasts. 4. Show Some Personality (But Don’t Overdo It) Yes, be professional. But also be you. If the job calls for someone dynamic, enthusiastic and resourceful, don’t write like a 1997 fax. “I thrive in fast-paced environments, love solving problems under pressure and bring a can-do attitude even when the coffee machine’s broken.” That’s better than: “I am a hardworking, detail-oriented professional with excellent communication skills.” 5. Address the Gaps, if You Need To Got a gap in your CV? Switched industries? Relocated? Don’t ignore the elephant in the room—tame it. Use the cover letter to explain transitions positively and proactively: “After relocating to Manchester to support a family move, I’m now eager to rejoin a customer-focused sales team in a fast-moving environment.” Own your story. Employers appreciate honesty and context over silence and mystery. 6. End with Purpose Don’t just end with “Thanks for your time.” You’re not sending a postcard. Wrap it up with intention. Try: "I’d love the chance to bring my experience in [insert skill] to your team and help [insert company] drive [insert relevant goal]. Looking forward to speaking further.” Be polite. Be confident. And make it clear you want to take the next step. Final Word: It’s Not About Being Perfect—It’s About Being Relevant We’re not asking for the next Booker Prize winner here. We’re asking for clarity, intent and a bit of personality. Think of your cover letter as a handshake before the handshake. It’s your opener. Make it count. And if you’re applying through an agency like us? Use your recruiter. We know what hiring managers want, what they ignore and how to help you fine-tune your pitch so it actually lands. Ready to make your next job move with a killer cover letter and a CV to match? Get in touch . We’ll help you cut through the noise.
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