1. Tailor Your CV for Each Job

• Customize your CV for the specific role you’re applying to. Highlight key skills, qualifications, and experiences that match the job description. Use relevant keywords to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

2. Use a Clear, Modern Format

• Choose a clean, professional design with clear headings and ample white space. Avoid clutter or overly complex layouts that make it hard to read.

3. Start with a Strong Summary

• Replace the traditional “Objective” with a concise professional summary. This should be a few sentences highlighting your experience, skills, and what makes you a strong fit for the role.

4. Focus on Accomplishments, Not Just Duties

• Emphasize your achievements with quantifiable results. For example, instead of “Managed a sales team,” say “Led a sales team that increased revenue by 20% in 6 months.”

5. Keep it Concise

• Aim for a 1–2 page CV. Keep details relevant and avoid unnecessary information. If you have extensive experience, only include the last 10-15 years unless older experience is highly relevant.

6. Include Keywords

• Many companies use ATS to screen CVs. Use keywords from the job description to make sure your CV passes through this software. However, don’t overstuff or make it unnatural.

7. List Relevant Skills

• Include a skills section that highlights relevant technical or soft skills. Use bullet points for easy readability.

8. Show Career Progression

• If you’ve had a few roles at the same company or industry, show growth by listing promotions or added responsibilities to reflect your career advancement.

9. Use Action Verbs

• Start each bullet point with strong action verbs like “achieved,” “led,” “implemented,” “designed,” and “improved.” This makes your contributions more impactful.

10. Proofread for Errors

• Typos and grammatical errors can be deal-breakers. Make sure to proofread carefully or ask someone else to review it.

11. Include Certifications and Skills

• List any certifications, training, or relevant courses, especially if they’re pertinent to the job. This shows your continuous professional development.

12. Add a LinkedIn Profile

• Include your LinkedIn profile link if it is well-maintained. Make sure your LinkedIn matches your CV in terms of dates and job roles.

By applying these tips, you’ll create a CV that is well-structured, concise, and targeted, improving your chances of landing the job you want.