How to Write a Killer CV [+ Free Resume Template]

Looking to enter the job market, change jobs or start a new career? Stand out to hiring managers with this guide on crafting a perfect New Zealand-style CV.

A CV, or curriculum vitae, provides a summary of your skills and experience to employers, and are submitted as part of the job application process. When it comes to crafting a strong CV, there are a few simple steps you need to bear in mind.

1. Stick to a simple, clean layout

While you may feel tempted to jazz up your CV, it’s important to take a more minimalistic route. CVs with too many graphics or columns probably won’t get through the Applicant Tracking System that is used to process your application form.

Instead, keep things simple by using a clean layout and bullet points to highlight the most important points. Remember that recruiters spend an average of just 6 seconds reviewing a resume, meaning you have to sell yourself effectively!

2. Put your name and contact details at the top

Because the most important information should be easy to glean at a glance, make sure to use a slightly larger font for your name at the top. Also provide your phone number, email address and location at the top so potential employers can quickly note if you are based in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington or another area.

3. Include a brief personal statement

Your personal statement allows you to tailor your CV to the specific role you are applying for. Simply paint a picture of who you are, why you are a good fit for the role and what your career aspirations are. Make sure to keep this to just three or four sentences.

4. Highlight your key skills

Your core capabilities should also be easily identifiable in a few bullet points. Touch on points that are mentioned in the job description so that your compatibility to the role is made abundantly clear.

5. Add a section for your education and training

The name of your course and institution and the years you were undertaking your studies should also be included. If you’re still studying, just make note of this on the CV too. If you have several qualifications, list your most recent one first.

6. Detail your professional experience

Include all relevant roles you’ve done, with the most recent role being first. The position should be mentioned first, then the organisation and the time you worked there. Write a brief summary of what the position entailed, your responsibilities and any achievements worth highlighting. If you can give a clear example of the results you delivered, definitely make sure to highlight this.

If you can avoid it, don’t include unrelated casual jobs that you may have had. If you don’t have much work experience, consider doing a summer internship or identifying any transferable skills gained through volunteering or extracurricular experiences.

7. Mention any professional memberships and affiliations

If you’re a member of a professional body or even a charity, it’s well worth mentioning on your CV. This gives a little insight into your life outside of work, and any transferable skills you could bring to the role.

8. Don’t forget your references

One of the most important details you should have on your CV is a few personal or professional references. Most New Zealand employers will want to contact two or three references. Make sure to ask these references for permission, include up-to-date contact details and maybe even provide them with a copy of your CV so that they have some good talking points.

9. Some don’ts

Contrary to what some people might think, your CV doesn’t need to include your birth year or a photo of yourself. After all, employers shouldn’t be considering your appearance or age when hiring – it should all be about your abilities!

To make writing a CV easier than ever, make sure to use our CV template. Also, put in a little bit of extra effort by writing a cover letter that is tailored to each job application.