A good CV should make a recruiter want to know more about you.
The mistake many people make is treating a CV like a record of everything they have ever done. A strong CV is selective. It focuses on what is relevant to the opportunity.
1. Start with a clear profile
Your first few lines should quickly explain who you are, what you do, and what you can offer.
Avoid vague statements like “I am a hardworking and motivated person.”
Be specific about your skills, field, and direction.
2. Tailor your CV to the opportunity
Don’t send exactly the same CV to every employer.
Read the job description and identify the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities they are looking for. Then make the relevant parts of your CV easy to find.
3. Show achievements, not just duties
Instead of writing:
“Responsible for managing social media.”
Try:
“Created and managed social media content that increased page engagement by 30%.”
Whenever possible, show the result of your work.
4. Keep the design clean
Your CV doesn’t need complicated graphics, multiple colours, or decorative fonts.
Use clear headings, consistent formatting, readable fonts, and enough white space.
The employer should be able to find important information quickly.
5. Put relevant skills where they can be seen
Don’t create a huge list of every skill you have ever learned.
Focus on skills that are relevant to the position.
For example, a digital marketing position may value content creation, social media management, Canva, analytics, copywriting, and communication.
6. Include projects if you lack experience
If you’re a student or recent graduate, don’t leave your CV looking empty because you haven’t had a formal job.
Include relevant school projects, personal projects, volunteer work, freelance work, internships, leadership roles, or community activities.
Experience doesn’t always come from employment.
7. Remove unnecessary information
Your CV doesn’t need your entire life story.
Remove information that doesn’t help the employer understand your suitability for the role.
Keep it focused and easy to scan.
8. Proofread before sending
One spelling mistake can make an otherwise good CV look careless.
Check names, dates, phone numbers, email addresses, grammar, formatting, and file name.
Then read it once more before submitting.
Remember: Your CV’s first job is not to get you hired. Its first job is to get you noticed enough to earn the next conversation.
Make every section earn its place.
