Your CV is more than just a list of jobs and dates—it’s your personal marketing document. It’s the first impression you make on an employer, and in many cases, it determines whether you get called in for an interview or not. Writing a good CV requires more than just filling out a template; it requires thought, tailoring, and strategy.
1. Tailor your CV to the job description
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is sending out the same generic CV to every job posting. Recruiters can spot a one-size-fits-all application instantly. Instead, carefully read the job description and align your CV with it. Highlight your responsibilities and achievements that directly match what the employer is looking for.
2. Keep it relevant
Your CV should tell the story of your professional journey, but it doesn’t need to be your entire life history. Employers don’t need to know that you graduated from kindergarten in 1950 or that you won a high school chess trophy. Focus on what’s relevant to the role.
3. Length matters (but there’s no one-size-fits-all)
A common question is, “How long should my CV be?” The answer depends on your level of experience.
- Entry-level candidates: 1–2 pages—short and to the point.
- Mid-level professionals: 2–3 pages, especially with multiple relevant roles.
- Senior-level executives: 3–5 pages—summarizing years of leadership and strategy.
The key is balance: not too short that it undersells you, and not a 12-page autobiography that overwhelms the recruiter.
4. Choose the right format
Your CV should have 4 main sections:
- Personal Profile: This is a summary of your skills and experience to give a first impression to hiring managers and recruiters of who you are, what you do and what you have accomplished in your career, this should be around 2 paragraphs long
- Skills: It’s always useful to highlight your skills separately. Not only are these picked up by keywords when companies are looking to hire, they give a quick insight into your background and systems, products or areas you have exposure to.
- Career History: The most common format is chronological: listing your work experience starting with the most recent. This style works best if you have a steady career path and want to highlight your progression. Other formats (functional or hybrid) can be used in specific cases, but chronological remains the recruiter’s favourite because it’s clear and easy to follow.
- Education: Follow the same path as your career history, start with the most recent and include any certifications you’ve achieved since leaving formal education.
5. Focus on titles and responsibilities
Your job titles matter because they show progression. But don’t just list them—explain the responsibilities that came with each role, especially those that overlap with the job you’re applying for.
6. Mirror LinkedIn formatting
Think of your CV as the polished, printable version of your LinkedIn profile. It should follow the familiar structure: job title, company name, years worked, and a short description of responsibilities and achievements.
Also, ensure that the CV you upload to LinkedIn or submit online is your most updated version. Too many candidates apply with old CVs that don’t reflect their latest achievements.
7. Showcase skills and tools
If the role requires specific software or tools—Salesforce, SAP, AutoCAD, Python, etc.—list them clearly. Include relevant soft skills too, but back them up with real examples rather than generic buzzwords.
8. Make achievements quantifiable
Recruiters love numbers. Instead of saying “responsible for managing budgets,” say “managed a $2M budget and reduced costs by 15% in one year.” Numbers make your impact tangible.
9. Keep it clean and professional
Use professional fonts, consistent formatting, and bullet points instead of long paragraphs. White space makes your CV easier to read, and presentation is often as important as content.
10. Proofread before you send
A single typo can ruin an otherwise excellent CV. Double-check spelling, grammar, and formatting. Then, ask a trusted friend, mentor, or colleague to review it for clarity—you’d be surprised how often a fresh pair of eyes catches something you’ve missed.
Quick CV Submission Checklist
Before you hit submit, ask yourself:
- Does my CV match the job description?
- Is it in chronological format (or the format that best fits my career path)?
- Have I removed irrelevant or outdated details?
- Is the length appropriate for my experience?
- Are my job titles, responsibilities, and achievements clear?
- Did I include all required software, tools, or skills?
- Is this the latest version (and does it match LinkedIn)?
- Is the formatting clean, consistent, and professional?
- Have I proofread for spelling, grammar, and clarity (or asked someone else to review it)?
If you can tick all these boxes, your CV is ready to stand out.
