Write it once, write it well
The template handles the look. These five rules handle the words.
01
Lead every bullet with the result
Recruiters scan for outcomes. Put the number first, then the action. Cut support tickets by 41 percent beats Responsible for support tickets.
02
Keep it to one or two pages
One page for under five years of experience, two for anything beyond. If a role is older than ten years, one line is plenty.
03
Mirror the words in the job ad
Many employers filter CVs by keyword before a human sees them. Use the exact job title and tool names from the posting where they are honest.
04
Write a summary, not an objective
Three sentences: what you do, the kind of problem you solve, and the scale you have worked at. Skip the phrase hard working team player.
05
Make it readable at a glance
Consistent dates, one accent colour, no photo unless your market expects it, and never smaller than ten point body text.
Before you hit send
- Name, email, phone and location are correct and current
- Every date range is formatted the same way
- No typos in company names or job titles
- File is named firstname-lastname-cv.pdf
- PDF opens cleanly and text is not cut off at the margin