How to Write a CV That Gets Noticed

01

Start with a Strong Summary

Your CV summary is the first thing recruiters see. Make it compelling by highlighting your key skills and career achievements in 3-4 sentences.

Example: "Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital strategy, brand management, and team leadership."

02

Tailor Your CV to Each Job

Customize your CV for every application. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the role.

Example: "Tailored CVs are 2x more likely to get an interview than generic ones."

03

Quantify Your Achievements

Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate your impact. Instead of saying "increased sales," say "increased sales by 30% in 12 months."

Example: "Led a team of 10 to achieve 150% of annual revenue target, generating $2.5M in new business."

04

Keep It Concise

Recruiters spend an average of 6-8 seconds reviewing a CV. Keep yours clear, concise, and easy to scan. Aim for 1-2 pages maximum.

Tip: Use bullet points and bold text to highlight key information for quick scanning.

05

Use Keywords from the Job Posting

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. Include keywords from the job description to ensure your CV passes the initial screening.

Tip: Match your skills and experience to the keywords in the job posting.

06

Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties

Instead of listing job duties, focus on what you achieved in each role. Employers want to see the impact you made.

Example: "Managed social media accounts" vs "Grew social media following by 200% in 6 months."

07

Proofread Carefully

Spelling and grammar mistakes can cost you the job. Proofread your CV multiple times, and ask someone else to review it as well.

Tip: Read your CV out loud to catch errors you might miss when reading silently.

08

Use a Professional Format

Use a clean, professional format with consistent fonts, headings, and spacing. Save your CV as a PDF to ensure the formatting stays intact.

Tip: Use a modern, professional template that is easy to read and visually appealing.

09

Add a Skills Section

Include a dedicated skills section to highlight your key competencies. This makes it easy for recruiters to quickly assess your fit for the role.

Example: "Skills: Project Management, JavaScript, Data Analysis, Team Leadership, Public Speaking."

10

Keep It Updated

Your CV should be a living document. Update it regularly with new skills, achievements, and experiences so it's always ready for new opportunities.

Tip: Review and update your CV every 3-6 months, even if you're not actively job searching.

CV Writing Tips