Whether you're applying for your first job or looking to move up the career ladder, a well-crafted CV is one of the most important tools you have. In the Scottish job market—where employers often sift through hundreds of applications—your CV must be clear, concise, and tailored. It should tell your story in a way that makes employers want to meet you.
Here’s a practical guide to writing a strong, British-standard CV that helps you shine.
1. Start With a Clean, Professional Layout
First impressions matter. Keep your CV tidy, consistent, and easy to scan.
Top layout tips:
- Stick to 1–2 pages.
- Use clear section headings.
- Choose a simple, readable font like Calibri, Arial, or Garamond.
- Avoid over-designing—fancy templates often distract from the content.
2. Add a Clear, Purposeful Personal Profile
A personal profile (or personal statement) is a short paragraph at the top of your CV. It should summarise who you are, what you offer, and what you’re looking for.
Example:
“Enthusiastic marketing graduate with hands-on experience in social media management and content creation. Skilled in data analysis and campaign planning. Seeking a junior marketing role where I can contribute creative ideas and strong communication skills.”
Avoid generic statements like “hard-working team player”—everyone says that. Be specific.
3. Highlight Relevant Work Experience
Your work experience is often the most important section. List roles in reverse chronological order, including:
- Job title
- Employer name
- Location
- Dates
- A few bullet points describing your achievements
Focus on achievements, not just duties. Quantify where possible.
Instead of:
“Responsible for managing social media accounts.”
Try:
“Grew Instagram engagement by 35% over six months through targeted content planning.”
If you have limited experience, include part-time jobs, apprenticships, volunteering, or freelance work. Employers value transferable skills.
4. Showcase Your Skills Strategically
Split your skills into:
- Hard skills (e.g., Excel, SEO, coding, bookkeeping)
- Soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership, teamwork)
Make sure the skills you highlight reflect the job description.
5. Include Education and Qualifications
List your education in reverse order. Include:
- Degree/apprenticeship/course title
- Institution
- Dates
- Relevant modules, projects, or grades (if strong)
Don’t forget professional qualifications (e.g., CIPD, ACCA, Prince2) if relevant.
6. Add Extras That Strengthen Your Application
Depending on your field, you may include:
- Certifications
- Software proficiency
- Languages
- Professional memberships
- Awards
- Publications
- Portfolio links
Only include sections that add real value.
7. Tailor Your CV for Every Application
This is the step most people skip—and it’s where you can really stand out.
Tailoring includes:
- Using keywords from the job description
- Highlighting the most relevant responsibilities
- Adjusting your profile to match the role
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are widely used in Scotland, so using the employer’s language helps your CV get seen.
8. Check for Grammar, Spelling, and Tone
Keep your language professional and consistent with British English, not American (e.g., labour, organise, programme). Proofread carefully or ask someone else to review it.
A good CV isn’t just a record of your history—it’s a marketing tool. It tells employers why you’re the right person for the job before you’ve even met them. By keeping your CV clear, concise, and tailored, you’ll be in a much stronger position to land interviews and unlock new opportunities.