CV Writing Basics
Keep It Concise
A well-structured, concise CV is more likely to be read thoroughly by recruiters.
- Limit your CV to 2 pages maximum
- Use clear headings and bullet points for readability
- Choose a professional, easy-to-read font (11-12pt)
- Use white space effectively to avoid clutter
- Tailor your CV for each specific job application
Target Your Content
A targeted CV that aligns with the job description significantly increases your chances.
- Analyze the job description for keywords and requirements
- Mirror the language used in the job posting
- Prioritize relevant experience and skills
- Remove or minimize irrelevant information
- Create multiple versions of your CV for different roles
Highlight Achievements
Focus on accomplishments rather than just listing job duties to stand out.
- Use action verbs to start each bullet point
- Quantify achievements with numbers and percentages
- Focus on results and impact, not just responsibilities
- Include awards, recognitions, and promotions
- Show progression and growth in your career
Essential CV Sections
Personal Details
Your contact information should be clear, professional, and easy to find.
Contact Information
Full name, professional email, phone number, LinkedIn profile URL
Location
City and country (full address not necessary)
Professional Summary
2-3 sentence overview of your experience, skills, and career goals
Professional Experience
This is the core of your CV - structure it to highlight your value.
Reverse Chronological Order
List your most recent position first, working backward
Company Details
Company name, your job title, employment dates
Achievement-focused Bullets
3-5 bullet points highlighting key accomplishments per role
Education & Qualifications
Showcase your academic background and relevant certifications.
Degrees & Certifications
Institution name, qualification, dates, and any honors
Relevant Coursework
Include if you're a recent graduate or changing careers
Professional Development
Workshops, training programs, and ongoing education
Skills & Keywords
Technical Skills
Technical skills are increasingly important across all industries.
- List programming languages and proficiency levels
- Include software, tools, and platforms you're skilled with
- Mention industry-specific technical knowledge
- Separate hard skills from soft skills
- Update regularly as you learn new technologies
Soft Skills
Soft skills demonstrate your ability to work effectively with others.
- Include communication, leadership, and teamwork skills
- Provide examples of how you've used these skills
- Tailor soft skills to match the job requirements
- Show how these skills contributed to past successes
- Consider including languages you speak
Keywords & ATS Optimization
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to screen CVs.
- Identify keywords from the job description
- Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your CV
- Use standard job titles and section headings
- Avoid images, graphics, and complex formatting
- Save your CV as a Word document or PDF
CV Templates & Formats
Choosing the Right Format
Select a CV format that best showcases your experience and career goals.
CV Format Options
Different CV formats serve different career situations and goals.
Chronological
Most common format, emphasizes career progression and work history.
Functional
Focuses on skills and abilities, ideal for career changers or employment gaps.
Combination
Blends chronological and functional formats, highlights both skills and experience.
Targeted
Customized for a specific job, emphasizes relevant qualifications and achievements.
CV Template Examples
Choose a template that matches your industry and personal style.
- Traditional: Conservative layout, ideal for corporate and academic positions
- Modern: Clean design with subtle colors, suitable for most industries
- Creative: Bold design elements, appropriate for design, marketing, and creative roles
- Minimalist: Simple and clean, focuses on content rather than design