CV Writing Tips: How to Create a Strong CV That Gets Noticed
This article will give you the best tips on writing a stand-out CV.
A well-written CV is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on employers. Whether you are applying for NHS jobs in Surrey or other health and social care roles, these CV writing tips will help you present your skills, experience, and achievements clearly.
- Choose the right CV format
- Start with a strong personal summary
- Highlight your key achievements
- Use strong action verbs
- Prioritise the most important information
- Include a clear skills section
- Use visual elements sparingly
- Keep your CV concise and well structured
- Get CV support from Surrey Talent Hub
Table of Contents
Choose the right CV format
Start with a clean, professional CV layout that is easy to read and navigate. Avoid overly elaborate designs or heavy graphics that can distract from your content. Simple, well-structured CVs are often the most effective, especially for health and social care roles.Start with a strong personal summary
Begin your CV with a short personal summary or objective statement. This section should highlight your key skills, experience, and career goals in a few sentences. It helps employers quickly understand what you can offer. Example:
Compassionate Healthcare Support Worker with experience supporting patients in hospital and community settings. Skilled in personal care, mobility assistance, and working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred care and seeking opportunities within the NHS in Surrey.
Highlight your key achievements
Rather than listing responsibilities, focus on what you have achieved in each role. Use bullet points to show how you made an impact and include measurable results where possible.
This approach is especially important when applying for competitive NHS and care roles in Surrey. Example:
- Supported up to 12 patients per shift with personal care, nutrition, and mobility
- Contributed to improved patient comfort by following individual care plans
- Recognised by senior staff for reliable shift cover and teamwork
Use strong action verbs
Start each bullet point with an action verb to clearly show your contribution. Words such as achieved, led, implemented, and improved help your experience sound confident and proactive.Prioritise the most important information
Employers often scan CVs quickly, so place your most recent and relevant experience near the top. Focus on roles and skills that match the job you are applying for.
Include a clear skills section
A dedicated skills section makes it easier for employers to assess your suitability. This can include:
- technical and role-specific skills
- soft skills such as communication and teamwork
- certifications and training
- languages
Use visual elements sparingly
Visual elements such as subtle lines, spacing, or icons can improve readability, but they should be used carefully. Avoid clutter and ensure your CV remains professional and accessible.
Keep your CV concise and proofread
Aim for a CV length of one to two pages, depending on your experience. Be concise and focus on information that is relevant to the role. Always proofread your CV to check for spelling and grammar errors.
Get CV support from Surrey Talent Hub
At Surrey Talent Hub, we support candidates with CV guidance, application advice, and access to health and social care jobs in Surrey.
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