A strong CV is concise, targeted, and easy to skim, while clearly communicating the value offered to a potential employer. Here’s a practical, evidence-based guide to crafting a good CV.
Core elements
- Contact details: name, phone, professional email, LinkedIn (optional but recommended).
- Personal profile or summary: 2–4 sentences highlighting your career goals, key strengths, and what you bring to the role.
- Experience: list roles in reverse-chronological order with clear bullets focused on achievements, not just duties. Start each bullet with an action verb and quantify impact where possible (e.g., “increased sales by 20%,” “reduced processing time by 30%”).
- Education: degrees, institutions, and dates. Include relevant coursework or projects if early in your career.
- Skills: a concise list of hard and soft skills tailored to the job (e.g., programming languages, software, communication, teamwork).
- Certifications and awards: relevant credentials that enhance your candidacy.
- Additional sections (if relevant): publications, projects, languages, volunteer work, professional affiliations.
Formatting and style
- Length: typically 1–2 pages. One page if you’re early in your career; two pages can be acceptable for more experienced candidates.
- Layout: clean, readable font (e.g., 10–12 pt), consistent margins, ample white space. Use bullet points for readability.
- CV type: choose between a traditional chronological CV or a skills-based (functional) CV based on your history and the job. For most roles, a chronological CV is preferred.
- File format: save as a PDF to preserve formatting, unless the employer specifies otherwise.
Content tips
- Tailor every application: adjust the summary, skills, and bullet points to match the job description and keywords.
- Use concrete metrics: whenever possible, include numbers that demonstrate impact (percentages, revenue, time saved).
- Action-oriented language: begin bullets with strong verbs (led, designed, implemented, etc.).
- Keep it factual and accurate: avoid exaggeration or false claims; be prepared to discuss any item in an interview.
- Proofread meticulously: check for grammar, punctuation, and consistent tense (past tense for previous roles, present tense for current role).
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Overloading with irrelevant details: remove unrelated coursework, hobbies, or outdated experiences that don’t add value.
- Gaps without explanation: consider a brief note in the cover letter or a short descriptor in the CV if needed.
- Inconsistent formatting: use a single template, uniform bullet styles, and consistent date formats.
- Personal information: omit sensitive data such as age, marital status, or a full home address unless specifically requested.
Quick starters
- For a strong short profile: “Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience delivering data-backed campaigns. Demonstrated ability to grow engagement by X% and optimize budgets to achieve Y results. Seeking to apply strategic thinking and creative execution at [target company].”
- Example bullet: “Led cross-functional team to launch a new product, achieving a 12% increase in quarterly revenue within six months.”
If you’d like, share your current CV contents or a target job description, and a tailored, step-by-step outline can be created to optimize your CV for that role.
