CV Writing Tips

1. Introduction

Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is one of the most important tools in your job search. It is often the first interaction a potential employer has with you, even before a face-to-face or virtual interview takes place. A well-crafted CV can open doors to job opportunities, while a poorly written one can result in rejection regardless of your qualifications or experience.

A strong CV should clearly present your skills, experience and achievements in a professional and structured manner. It should be easy to read, tailored to the specific role you are applying for and focused on demonstrating the value you can bring to an employer. This guide provides practical CV writing tips to help you stand out in a competitive job market.

2. Structure Your CV Effectively

A well-organized CV allows recruiters to quickly find the information they are looking for. Most employers spend only a few seconds scanning a CV, so clarity and structure are essential.

2.1 Contact Information

Start your CV with your full name, professional email address and phone number. You may also include your city or province but avoid adding your full residential address. If you have a LinkedIn profile or online portfolio relevant to the role, include it. Always ensure your contact details are accurate and up to date.

2.2 Professional Summary or Career Objective

This short section at the top of your CV should summarise who you are professionally. Highlight your key skills, experience and career goals in two to four concise sentences. Tailor this section to the job you are applying for and focus on how you can add value to the organization.

2.3 Work Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each role, include the company name, job title, employment period and key responsibilities. Focus on achievements rather than simply listing duties. Where possible, use measurable results such as percentages, numbers or outcomes to demonstrate impact.

2.4 Education

Include your academic qualifications, institutions attended and completion dates. If you are a recent graduate, you may place the education section above work experience. Mention relevant certifications, short courses or training that support your application.

2.5 Skills

Your skills section should include both hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills refer to technical or job-specific abilities such as computer software, accounting or machinery operation. Soft skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership. Ensure the skills you list are relevant to the role.

2.6 References

References are optional. You can list them if requested or simply state “References available on request.”

3. Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application

One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is submitting the same CV for every job. Employers want to see that you understand the role and have tailored your application accordingly.

Read the job description carefully and identify the key requirements and skills. Adjust your professional summary, skills section and work experience to match what the employer is looking for. Using relevant keywords from the job advert also improves your chances of passing initial screening processes.

4. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties

Employers are more interested in what you have achieved than what your job description was. Instead of writing generic responsibilities, focus on results and contributions.

For example, rather than saying “Responsible for customer service,” you could write “Improved customer satisfaction by resolving client queries efficiently and maintaining a high service standard.” This approach makes your CV more impactful and demonstrates your value.

5. Keep Your CV Clear and Concise

A CV should be long enough to show your experience but short enough to keep the reader’s attention. Ideally, your CV should be one to two pages long. Avoid unnecessary information and long paragraphs.

Use bullet points to improve readability and keep sentences concise. Clear formatting makes your CV easier to scan and more professional.

6. Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

Many candidates are rejected due to avoidable errors. Avoid submitting generic CVs that are not tailored to the role. Do not include irrelevant personal details such as marital status, ID numbers, or photographs unless specifically requested.

Using unprofessional email addresses can also leave a negative impression. Excessive use of colours, graphics, or unusual fonts can distract from the content. Always proofread your CV carefully to eliminate spelling and grammar mistakes.

7. Formatting and Presentation Tips

Presentation plays a major role in how your CV is perceived. Use professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman, and keep font sizes consistent. Ensure sufficient spacing between sections to avoid a cluttered appearance.

Use clear headings and avoid over-designing your CV. A clean, simple layout improves readability and reflects professionalism.

8. Optimizing Your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs before they reach a human recruiter. To improve your chances of being shortlisted, use standard section headings such as “Work Experience” and “Education.”

Avoid using images, tables or graphics that ATS software may not read correctly. Incorporate keywords from the job description naturally throughout your CV, especially in the skills and experience sections.

9. Updating and Reviewing Your CV Regularly

Your CV should be a living document that you update regularly. Add new skills, certifications or achievements as you gain experience. Reviewing your CV periodically ensures it remains current and relevant.

Before submitting your CV, consider asking a trusted friend or professional to review it. A second opinion can help identify areas for improvement and catch errors you may have missed.

10. Conclusion

A strong CV is more than a list of jobs and qualifications; it is a professional marketing document that showcases your skills, experience and potential. By structuring your CV effectively, tailoring it to each role, highlighting achievements and maintaining a clean and professional layout, you significantly improve your chances of standing out to employers.

Taking the time to create a well-written CV can make a meaningful difference in your job search and increase your chances of securing interviews and career opportunities.