The Foundation of a Great CV
Your CV is your personal marketing document - it's the first impression you make on potential employers. A well-crafted CV can open doors, while a poorly written one can get you rejected before you even get a chance to interview.
Essential Sections Every CV Needs
1. Contact Information
Include your full name, professional email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile. Make sure these details are current and professional.
2. Professional Summary
A 3-4 sentence overview of your career highlights, skills, and what you bring to the table. Tailor this to each job application.
3. Work Experience
List your roles in reverse chronological order. For each position, include:
- Job title and company name
- Dates of employment
- 3-5 bullet points highlighting achievements (use action verbs and metrics)
4. Education
Include degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework. New graduates can place this section above work experience.
5. Skills
Highlight both technical and soft skills relevant to the position. Include programming languages, tools, and methodologies you're proficient with.
Pro Tips to Make Your CV Stand Out
Expert Advice from Hiring Managers
- ✓Tailor your CV for each application - Mirror the language from the job description
- ✓Quantify achievements - "Increased sales by 30%" is more impactful than "Responsible for sales"
- ✓Keep it concise - Ideally 1-2 pages maximum for most professionals
- ✓Use a clean, professional design - Our CV templates ensure proper formatting
Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Spelling and Grammar Errors
Typos suggest carelessness. Always proofread and use tools like Grammarly.
❌ Irrelevant Information
Leave out hobbies unless directly relevant to the job.
❌ Overly Creative Designs
Unless you're in a creative field, stick to professional templates.
❌ Unexplained Employment Gaps
Briefly address gaps in your cover letter or interview.
Ready to Create Your Perfect CV?
Now that you know what makes a great CV, use our professional templates to create one that stands out.
Browse CV Templates