How to Create a Professional CV with Dyslexia: Tips to Stand Out and Succeed

Whether you’re pursuing your first job, aiming for a promotion, or embarking on a career change, creating a CV that stands out is essential. A well-prepared CV can unlock transformative opportunities, while a poorly executed one can hold you back. For individuals with dyslexia, the traditional CV format is so reliant on written communication that it can massively impact our career expectations.

This heavy emphasis on written proficiency often creates an unfair glass ceiling, needlessly discouraging many Dyslexics from pursuing roles where strong written skills are prioritised. Not only is this wrong, but it also deprives organisations of exceptional talent. To help our fellow dyslexics overcome these obstacles, we’ve compiled practical strategies to craft a professional CV that will open doors and allow you to demonstrate how amazing you really are.

1. Clarify Your Goals

The foundation of a strong CV begins with knowing what you want to achieve. Take the time to identify your ideal role or career path. Having this clarity allows you to tailor your CV to showcase relevant skills and experiences, presenting a cohesive narrative to potential employers.

Here are a few ways to get started:

• Online tools: Use career assessment tools to identify roles aligned with your skills and interests.

• Vision boards: Visualise your ideal job and the qualities that matter most to you in a role.

• Career advice: Consult with a career advisor to define your path and identify any additional qualifications, tools or skills you may need.

2. Do Your Research

Once you’ve clarified your goals, research is the next crucial step. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for exploring the profiles of professionals in roles similar to the one you’re targeting. Take note of the following:

• Career progression: How have they advanced in their careers?

• Key skills: What skills and qualifications do they highlight?

• Accomplishments: How do they present their achievements?

  
  

Save the profiles that resonate with you, as they can serve as inspiration. This process will also help you identify transferable skills and experiences to emphasise in your CV.

3. Choose the Right Template

Starting with a blank page can feel overwhelming, but using a professional CV template simplifies the process. While basic templates are available in most document software, you may prefer to choose one online that reflects your desired tone and style more.

We recommend downloading our free CV template from the Resource Centre, as it provides a polished, professional appearance and includes a step-by-step guide to help you fill out each section with confidence.

Pro Dyslexic: Resources Centre

4. Write a Compelling CV

Now, it’s time to put everything together. Use the LinkedIn profiles you researched as inspiration for crafting a CV that highlights your unique skills and experiences.

Start with the Bio/About Me section (This can double as a generic Cover Letter):

• Write a concise bio that showcases your key skills and career aspirations.

• Highlight how you’ve utilised these skills to achieve success in your career so far.

• Use professional, clear language inspired by the profiles you admired earlier.

  
  

Move on to the Experience section:

• Focus on highlighting experiences most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

• Emphasise achievements and the skills that demonstrate your value to potential employers.

• Avoid creating lists without context. The employer needs to envisage the value you will add to their team, so make it easy for them.

  
  

Should you declare being dyslexic? We recommend waiting until the interview phase to disclose being Dyslexic, unless the job specifically seeks candidates who are Dyslexic or Neurodiverse, as this allows you to control the narrative surrounding your Dyslexia. Prematurely declaring it on your CV may introduce unconscious bias into the recruitment process. For more on this, read our blog: How to Overcome Interview Nerves: Tips for Confidence and Success. (Available 4th Feb 2025) 

Critical reminder: Drawing inspiration from LinkedIn bios is fine, but your CV must authentically reflect your experiences and abilities. Employers will quickly spot inconsistencies, so don’t be tempted to pass someone else's words or experience off as your own.

5. Perform Final Checks

Before submitting your CV, ensure it’s polished and error-free:

• Run it through Grammarly: This free tool can catch grammar mistakes and suggest improvements. (The premium version offers advanced features.)

• Use AI tools like ChatGPT: Ask it to review your CV for errors, enhance readability, and optimise it for ATS (applicant tracking systems). Remember to specify your native language.

• Get a second opinion: Ask a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to review your CV. They can provide feedback, catch errors, and ensure it represents you accurately and professionally.

  
  

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6. Take Action

With your professional CV ready, you’re well-prepared to begin applying for jobs. If you feel stuck or need further assistance at any stage, we’re here to help.

We offer:

• Free consultations: Get personalised advice and support.

• CV writing services: Let us take care of the writing for you, starting from just £50.

• CV templates: With detailed instructions to guide you every step of the way.

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To book a consultation or learn more, click the link below.

Arrange a Free Consultation

Your dream job is within reach—start with a professional CV that lets your true talents shine!