The Foundation of a Great CV
Your CV is more than just a document—it's your personal marketing tool. In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted CV can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. Here are 10 essential tips to help you create a CV that stands out.
Start with a Strong Summary
Your professional summary is the first thing recruiters read. Make it count with a compelling 2-3 sentence overview that highlights your key strengths and career objectives.
✅ Good Example:
"Results-driven Marketing Manager with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing and campaign management. Proven track record of increasing brand awareness by 40% and driving 25% growth in lead generation."
Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers speak louder than words. Use specific metrics, percentages, and dollar amounts to demonstrate your impact.
❌ Weak:
"Improved sales performance"
✅ Strong:
"Increased sales by 35% ($2.3M revenue) in Q3 2025"
Use Action Verbs
Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to create impact and show initiative.
Leadership
Led, Managed, Directed, Coordinated
Achievement
Achieved, Delivered, Exceeded, Improved
Innovation
Developed, Created, Designed, Implemented
Tailor for Each Application
Customize your CV for each job by incorporating keywords from the job description and emphasizing relevant experience.
💡 Pro Tip:
Create a master CV with all your experience, then create tailored versions for different roles or industries.
Keep It Concise
Aim for 1-2 pages maximum. Recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds scanning a CV, so every word must count.
Entry Level:
1 page maximum
Experienced:
1-2 pages maximum
Professional Formatting
Use consistent fonts, bullet points, and spacing. Avoid fancy graphics that might confuse ATS systems.
Include Relevant Skills
List both technical and soft skills that match the job requirements. Be specific about your proficiency level.
Proofread Thoroughly
Check for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Consider using tools like Grammarly or asking a friend to review.
Update Regularly
Keep your CV current with new skills, achievements, and experiences. Review and update every 6 months.
Include Contact Information
Make it easy for employers to reach you with clear, professional contact details.
✅ Include:
- • Full name
- • Professional email
- • Phone number
- • LinkedIn profile
- • Location (city, state)
❌ Avoid:
- • Unprofessional email addresses
- • Personal social media
- • Full home address
- • Age or date of birth
- • Marital status
Ready to Perfect Your CV?
Let our experts help you create a CV that gets results. Professional optimization that makes you stand out.