CV Writing Tips
Create a standout CV that gets you noticed by employers and lands you interviews.
Your CV is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. A well-crafted CV can open doors to interviews, while a poorly written one can end your job search before it even begins.
In this guide, we'll share expert tips and best practices to help you create a CV that stands out from the competition and showcases your unique value to employers.
Essential CV Writing Tips
Tailor for Each Job
Customize your CV for each position you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role.
Focus on Achievements
Don't just list job duties. Highlight your accomplishments with quantifiable results whenever possible to demonstrate impact.
Use Keywords
Incorporate keywords from the job description to help your CV get past applicant tracking systems and catch the recruiter's eye.
Keep It Concise
Aim for 1-2 pages maximum. Recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds reviewing a CV, so make every word count and remove fluff.
Professional Design
Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings and plenty of white space. Avoid overly creative designs unless you're in a creative field.
Proofread Thoroughly
Typos and grammatical errors can instantly disqualify you. Have someone else review your CV before sending it out to catch mistakes you might miss.
CV Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Keep your CV to 1-2 pages maximum
- Use a professional, easy-to-read font
- Include quantifiable achievements
- Tailor your CV for each application
- Use bullet points for readability
- Include relevant keywords
- Proofread multiple times
- Save as a PDF unless otherwise specified
Don't
- Include irrelevant personal information
- Use unprofessional email addresses
- Lie or exaggerate your experience
- Include photos (unless requested)
- Use overly creative designs for corporate roles
- Include references on your CV
- Use clichés like "hard worker" or "team player"
- Submit without customizing for the role
CV Structure & Sections
Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL. You may also include your city/state, but full address is not necessary.
Example:
- John Smith
- (555) 123-4567
- john.smith@email.com
- linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
A 2-3 sentence overview of your professional background, key skills, and career objectives. Tailor this section to each specific job application.
Example:
"Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital campaign management. Specialized in SEO, content strategy, and social media marketing. Seeking to leverage expertise to drive growth at a dynamic tech company."
List your work history in reverse chronological order. For each position, include your job title, company name, dates of employment, and 3-5 bullet points highlighting your key responsibilities and achievements.
Example:
- Increased website traffic by 45% through implementation of new SEO strategies
- Managed social media campaigns that grew follower base by 20,000+ in 6 months
- Developed content calendar that improved engagement by 30%
List your educational background, including degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework. Include the institution name, degree/certification, and dates attended.
Example:
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing - University of Example (2015-2019)
- Google Analytics Certification - Google (2020)
- Digital Marketing Specialist Certification - American Marketing Association (2021)
Include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (personal attributes). Group related skills together for better organization.
Example:
Technical Skills:
- SEO/SEM
- Google Analytics
- HTML/CSS
- Adobe Creative Suite
Professional Skills:
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Team Leadership
- Client Relations
Ready to Apply Your New CV?
Now that you've learned how to create a standout CV, put it to use by applying to exciting job opportunities