How to Create a Winning CV

Keep It Clear and Concise

Recruiters often skim through CVs quickly, so make sure yours is easy to read and to the point.

• Use a clean and professional layout with clear headings.
• Stick to 1-2 pages unless you have extensive experience.
• Avoid long paragraphs—use bullet points for clarity.
• Use simple and professional fonts like Arial, Roboto, or Inter.

Tailor Your CV for Each Job

One-size-fits-all CVs don’t work. Customise your CV to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to each job you apply for.

• Carefully read the job description and match key skills.
• Highlight relevant experience and achievements for that role.
• Use keywords that align with the job posting (helps with Applicant Tracking Systems).

Start With a Strong Summary

Your CV should start with a professional summary—a brief, impactful statement that highlights your key skills and experience.

• Keep it 3-4 sentences long.
• Highlight your key strengths, experience, and career goals.
• Avoid generic statements—make it specific to you.

Example: "Experienced marketing professional with a track record of increasing brand visibility and engagement by 40%. Passionate about data-driven strategies and innovative campaigns."

Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties

Instead of just listing job responsibilities, highlight your achievements to show the impact you made in previous roles.

• Use quantifiable results when possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 30% in six months”).
• Focus on how your work contributed to the company's success.
• Use action verbs like "managed," "developed," "optimised," or "led."

Example: "Led a social media campaign that increased engagement by 60% and generated 5,000 new leads."

Include Key Sections

A great CV should include the following essential sections:

• Contact Information (Full name, phone, email, LinkedIn, portfolio if applicable).
• Professional Summary (Brief introduction about your skills and experience).
• Work Experience (List roles in reverse chronological order).
• Skills (Highlight technical and soft skills relevant to the job).
• Education & Certifications (Only include what’s relevant).

Proofread & Avoid Common Mistakes

Even small errors can cost you a job opportunity. Take the time to proofread your CV before submitting it.

• Have a friend or mentor review your CV.
• Check for inconsistent formatting (spacing, fonts, bullet points).

Tip: Read your CV out loud—it helps catch awkward phrasing.

Final Thoughts

A well-crafted CV is your ticket to more interviews and job offers. Keep it clear, concise, and tailored to the job. Need help creating the perfect CV? Try our CV builder for a polished, professional result in minutes!