What is a CV Builder

A CV builder is an online tool that doesn’t just help you write a CV it also builds it for you as well. In a word, it makes CV writing simple.

It’s a software application into which you type your career summary, work experience, skills and qualifications into readymade fields. These are then automatically inserted into a fully customisable CV template that you can download straight away.

Most builders offer a selection of CV templates, prewritten example and a step-by-step guide as you go through the CV building process. They make is easy to compile and present your strongest and most relevant points to hiring managers in a clear and visually appealing manner. Used properly they can help you highlight your unique skills and experiences in a concise manner.

This page will give you a good idea of what a CV builder is and help you discover how it can help you in your hunt for a job.

By: Iejaz Uddin – 17 August 2024

Why do job seekers use them?

Because they work, are easy to use and take the stress out of writing a CV. With a little bit of effort and a few clicks you can have a CV that looks like it’s been written by a paid professional. In no time you can have a finished document to download and send to job vacancies, recruiters and potential employers.

Writing an effective CV that gives you a competitive edge in your job search is not easy. This is where a good CV builder comes in. Used properly it can simplify the entire process and help you craft a professional, up-to-date CV tailored to your specific requirements.

With every passing year, online CV builders are becoming more advanced, developed and popular. They are constantly being updated with the latest CV trends and industry standards in mind. All this means they are getting better and better as time goes by.

How does a CV Builder work?

As they are designed to simplify the process of creating a good CV, using one is generally straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide on how they work and how to use one.

1. Create an account

Both the free and paid ones require the user to create an account. This means your full name, email address and password. Having an account allows you to save your CV and then access it at a later date for updating and editing.

2. Select a CV template

Virtually all CV builders offer the user a variety of templates with different designs and formats. The first thing you have to do is choose one of these from the previews you are presented with. Aim to pick one that aligns with the role you’re applying for, and which reflects the image you want to get across. Go for a CV layout that has enough room for all your content and which will look good when printed or viewed on a mobile smart phone or tablet.

3. Input your personal information into the CV Builder

Your first task is to enter your details into the designated fields for the contact information, personal summary, work experience, skills and education sections.

If you’re struggling to describe yourself, lost for words and not sure how to explain your key skills or experience then don’t panic. Many CV builders offer 100’s of expertly prewritten phrases and keyword-optimized examples that have been tailored to different job roles. All you have to do is browse through these role-specific duties and skill suggestions and select the ones that best match the position you’re applying for.

4. Preview, review and edit

Now go over what you’ve created to see how it looks in real time. If you’re happy then fine, if not then modify it until you are. If you want to change anything simply follow the on-screen instructions to redraft a section, move things around or correct a spelling mistake.

5. Download your CV

Finally, when you’re satisfied with what you’ve created you can download, print or save the version in commonly used formats such as PDF or MS Word.

More information about CV builders

Free or paid ones

There are two types of CV builders, the free ones and the paid for ones. The free ones do not charge for creating and downloading your CV. The paid ones typically allow you to build and preview your CV, but charge if you want to download it.

Spell checkers

They also tend to have features that automatically check the spelling of words and highlight those that may be misspelt. If a mistake is spotted, you are offered suggestions for the correct spelling.

Helpful prompts

CV builders will often provide the user with helpful prompts and suggestions during the building process. This could be anything from inserting ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly keywords to suggesting  chronological or functional formats.

CB Builders offer templates to choose from

Virtually all CV builders have a selection of pre-designed CV templates with different layouts. Job seekers can choose one that matches their character, the image they want to portray, the industry they work in and the level of experience they have.

CV templates have predesigned structures that come in various shapes and sizes. These allow the user to organize and present their personal and professional information in a clear and aesthetically pleasing way. By using them you can save yourself a lot of time, effort and head scratching. They are also popular with Hiring Managers, because they tend to come in established chronological or functional order, which makes it easier for them to read and find the information they’re looking for.

Using a template can make the process of creating a CV faster and ensure that all essential sections are included. Remember that templates will have text placeholders for key sections such as your contact details, personal summary, work experience, education, skills, and references. All you need to do is fill these in.

Prewritten example sentences

No more struggling with trying to outline your unique selling points. You can get 1000’s of fully adaptable example sentences for 100’s of job titles. Used in the right role they will get you noticed and can create a lasting impression on the reader.

Hiring managers

Remember that recruiters will always appreciate a well-crafted CV that gives a concise and structured summary of a candidate’s most relevant qualifications, experience, and skills. To them it doesn’t matter if your CV was written by a person or a piece of software.

Security & privacy

You can rest assured that your confidential private and personal information is safe and secure in a CV builders database.

Move sections around

Not happy with the way your CV looks? Change it to your hearts content by adding and rearranging sections until your get the look you want.

Matching cover letters

Many builders also have a facility to create a matching cover letter that will introduce you to the recruiter and compliment your CV.

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