Let’s be real. Hiring managers don’t have time to read your entire life story. They skim. They glance. They look for reasons to toss your CV into the “no” pile.
That’s why structure matters.
A well-organised CV isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s about making it painfully easy for recruiters to see why they should hire you. If they can’t find the right information in seconds, they’re moving on. Simple as that.
So, let’s break this down.
The Key Elements of a Strong CV
1. Header: Your Name in Lights
Your name should be the first thing they see. Bold it. Make it stand out. Beneath that, add your contact info: phone number, email, LinkedIn (if relevant). That’s it. No need for your full address—nobody’s mailing you a job offer.
2. Professional Summary: Your CV’s Hook
Think of this as your 30-second elevator pitch. Who are you? What do you bring to the table? What makes you worth hiring? Keep it short. Keep it strong. This is your first impression, so make it count.
3. Work Experience: The Meat of Your CV
This is where you prove you know your stuff. List jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each job, include:
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Job title
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Company name
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Dates of employment
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Bullet points of your key responsibilities and achievements
And please—don’t just list what you did. Show the impact. Instead of “Managed a team,” try “Led a team of 10 and increased productivity by 25%.” Numbers make a difference.
4. Education: The Credentials That Matter
Same deal as work experience—most recent first. Include:
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Degree
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Institution name
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Year of graduation
If you have relevant certifications, throw them in here too.
5. Skills: Show, Don’t Tell
This section should be job-specific. Tailor it to the role you’re applying for. Use bullet points and keep it clean. No one cares that you’re “detail-oriented” or a “team player.” Show it in your experience.
6. Bonus Sections (If They Add Value)
Got awards? Volunteer experience? Languages? Cool. Add them if they’re relevant. If not, leave them out.
Formatting: How to Make Your CV Look Like a Pro Wrote It
A great CV isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how it looks. Here’s how to keep it clean, professional, and recruiter-friendly.
1. Keep It Simple
Skip the fancy fonts and graphics. You’re not designing an art project. Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, font size 10-12 for the body, and slightly larger for headings.
2. Use Consistent Headings
Pick one font size for section headers and stick with it. Same goes for spacing. Inconsistency makes your CV look messy.
3. Bullet Points Are Your Best Friend
Paragraphs? Too long. Bullet points? Easy to scan. Keep them short. One line per point is best.
4. White Space is Your Secret Weapon
If your CV looks like an overstuffed Word document, fix it. Use margins. Add spacing. Let your content breathe. Cluttered CVs get ignored.
5. Tailor Your CV for Every Job
One-size-fits-all CVs are a waste of time. Adjust yours based on the job description. Highlight the most relevant skills and experience for that specific role.
The Most Common CV Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even smart people make dumb mistakes. Here are some of the worst offenders:
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Inconsistent formatting → Keep fonts, spacing, and bullet styles uniform.
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Tiny margins → Stick to 1-inch margins. Don’t cram everything in.
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Irrelevant personal info → No one cares about your marital status or full address.
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Overly creative designs → Recruiters want clarity, not artistic flair.
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Typos and bad grammar → Proofread. Then proofread again. If in doubt, get someone else to check it.
Final Thoughts
Your CV is your ticket to an interview. If it’s clear, structured, and well-formatted, you’ll stand out. If it’s messy, cluttered, or irrelevant, it’ll end up in the bin.
So, take the time to get it right. Keep it simple. Keep it sharp. And if you need help, you know where to find us.
Now go land that job.
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