The best way to write a CV for a job is to tailor every section to the specific role you are applying for, rather than sending a generic document. Start with a strong professional summary that highlights your most relevant experience and skills. Follow that with a work experience section that uses bullet points to show achievements, not just responsibilities. For example, instead of “Managed a team,” write “Led a team of five to exceed quarterly sales targets by 20%.” Use action verbs like “developed,” “implemented,” and “optimized” to make each line impactful.
Include a skills section that matches keywords from the job description—this is critical for passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). If you lack direct experience, add a projects or volunteer work section to demonstrate transferable skills. Format your CV with a clean, professional layout: use a standard font like Arial or Calibri, keep it to one or two pages, and save it as a PDF unless the employer requests Word.
Here is a quick reference for common CV sections and their order:
| Section | Purpose | Order |
|---|
| Contact Info | Name, phone, email, LinkedIn | 1 |
| Professional Summary | 2-3 line overview | 2 |
| Work Experience | Chronological, with achievements | 3 |
| Education | Degrees, certifications | 4 |
| Skills | Hard and soft skills, keywords | 5 |
| Additional | Languages, awards, hobbies | 6 |
Finally, proofread three times and ask a friend to review it. A single typo can cost you an interview. Keep your CV focused on what you can do for the employer, not what you want from them.
