1. Start With a Clear Structure

Recruiters often scan CVs quickly, so clarity is key. Use clear section headings such as:

  • Personal Information (Name, contact, LinkedIn link)

  • Professional Summary

  • Work Experience

  • Education

  • Skills

  • Certifications / Achievements

  • References (optional)

Keep formatting consistent: use the same font, bullet styles, and spacing throughout.

2. Write a Strong Professional Summary

The summary at the top of your CV is your elevator pitch. In 3–4 sentences, describe your background, years of experience, and what you specialize in.
Example:

“Results-driven HR professional with over 5 years of experience in recruitment, employee engagement, and talent development. Proven track record of improving hiring efficiency and building strong organizational cultures.”

3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Tasks

When describing your work experience, use action verbs and quantifiable results:

  • Instead of: “Responsible for recruitment.”

  • Say: “Led recruitment campaigns that reduced time-to-hire by 25%.”

Recruiters value measurable impact it shows evidence of success.

4. Tailor Your CV for Each Role

Avoid sending the same CV to every job. Analyze the job description, identify key skills and qualifications, and adjust your CV to reflect those.

Use the same keywords that appear in the posting many employers use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) that scan CVs for keyword matches.

5. Keep It Concise and Relevant

Your CV should ideally be one to two pages long. Include only experience relevant to the job you’re applying for. Remove outdated or unrelated details to maintain focus.

6. Highlight Skills and Tools

In today’s job market, technical and soft skills are equally important. Include:

  • HR systems or recruitment platforms (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors)

  • Communication, leadership, adaptability, and time management skills

7. Design for Readability

Use a simple, professional design with enough white space. Avoid heavy graphics unless you work in a creative field. Save your CV as a PDF to preserve formatting when sending it.

8. Proofread and Get Feedback

Spelling or grammar mistakes can leave a bad impression. Proofread carefully, or ask a colleague or mentor to review your CV before submission.

9. Include a Cover Letter

A well-written cover letter complements your CV by adding context to your achievements and explaining your motivation for the role. Always personalize it for each application.

Final Thoughts

Building a strong CV takes time and reflection. Focus on clarity, relevance, and measurable impact. Remember: your CV is the first impression employers have of you make it count.