
The best way to write a CV for a job in 2026 is to focus on measurable achievements rather than just listing duties. A strong CV should be a targeted marketing document, not a biography. I always start with a clear professional summary that immediately states my value proposition, followed by a core skills section that matches the job description. For each role, I use bullet points that start with action verbs and include quantifiable results – for example, "Increased sales by 22% within six months" rather than "Responsible for sales."
I structure my CV with a reverse-chronological format because it is the most common and preferred by recruiters. The key sections are: contact information, professional summary, core competencies, professional experience, education, and certifications. I keep it to two pages maximum, using a clean, ATS-friendly layout without fancy graphics or columns.
Here is a sample structure I use for a mid-level marketing role:
| Section | Content Example |
|---|---|
| Professional Summary | Data-driven marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in B2B campaigns. Increased lead generation by 35% year-over-year through targeted SEO strategies. |
| Core Competencies | SEO, PPC, Content Strategy, A/B Testing, Google Analytics, HubSpot |
| Professional Experience | Marketing Manager, XYZ Corp (2020-2025) – Launched 15+ campaigns achieving 4.5% average conversion rate |
| Education | MBA, University of Manchester, 2020 |
| Certifications | Google Analytics Individual Qualification, HubSpot Inbound Marketing |
I always tailor the CV for each application by aligning keywords from the job description into my skills and experience sections. This is crucial because many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before a human sees them. I also include a "Key Achievements" subsection for each role to highlight standout results. Finally, I proofread meticulously and ask a friend to review it – one typo can cost you an interview. Remember, a CV is your first impression, so it must be flawless and compelling.

I keep my CV short and punchy – one page, no fluff. I use a simple template with clear headings and bullet points. My professional summary is three lines max: who I am, what I do, and what I’ve achieved. Under each job, I list only the top 3-4 achievements with numbers. I skip the "objective" statement – it’s outdated. Instead, I lead with a headline like "Operations Manager | 15% Cost Reduction Specialist." I also add a small table for hard skills at the top, like "Project Management: Advanced | Excel: Expert | Python: Intermediate." This makes scanning easy for recruiters.

For a senior role, I emphasize leadership impact and strategic vision. My CV starts with a powerful executive summary that highlights board-level contributions and revenue growth. I avoid listing day-to-day tasks. Instead, I describe transformation initiatives, such as "Led a merger integration that improved operational efficiency by 40%." I use a "Career Timeline" format with major milestones and companies, then a separate "Key Accomplishments" section with quantified results. I keep it to two pages, with a clean serif font and generous white space – it conveys confidence and authority.

I’m changing careers, so my CV focuses on transferable skills and projects, not job titles. I use a functional hybrid format: a skills summary at the top, then a brief reverse-chronological work history, and finally a "Relevant Projects" section. For example, I highlight "Led cross-functional teams" from my retail management background when applying for a project management role. I also include a "Career Objective" that clearly states my pivot and why I am a strong fit. I add a "Certifications" section for any new courses I’ve completed to show commitment to the new field.

As someone who reviews CVs regularly, I look for clarity and relevance. I scan the top third of the page first – if I don’t see a clear match for the role, I move on. I want to see the candidate’s name, contact info, a professional summary containing keywords from the job description, and a core skills list with proficiency levels. I hate generic phrases like "hardworking" or "team player" – they mean nothing. Instead, show me a table of your technical skills or a bullet list of key achievements per role. A CV that is easy


