What is a CV?
A CV (curriculum vitae) is a structured summary of your education, experience, and skills. It gives employers a clear snapshot of your qualifications and demonstrates your suitability for a role. A well-crafted CV makes it easier for hiring managers to evaluate your profile and increases your chances of being shortlisted.
Why Does It Matter?
Your CV is often your first introduction to potential employers. It highlights your achievements and expertise, showing why you are a strong fit. Tailoring it to each application helps you:
- Showcase your most relevant strengths.
- Improve visibility in applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Maximize your chances of securing an interview.
How to Write a Professional CV
- Choose the right format (Chronological, Functional, or Combination) to best present your career story.
- Add clear contact details at the top: full name, phone number, professional email, city, and LinkedIn or portfolio link.
- Write a tailored professional summary (2–4 lines) highlighting your role, years of experience, core strengths, and value proposition.
- Detail work experience in reverse order: include job title, company, location, dates, and 3–6 bullet points per role with strong action verbs and measurable results.
- List education in reverse order: degree/certification, institution, and graduation year. Recent graduates can add relevant courses or projects.
- Highlight key skills (technical and soft), focusing on those most relevant to the role and supported by evidence.
- Include relevant extras such as certifications, projects, publications, awards, languages, or professional memberships.
- References: simply state “Available upon request.” Always confirm referees’ permission before sharing contact details.
- Tailor for each job by aligning language and keywords with the job description to improve ATS compatibility.
- Proofread and format consistently—check grammar, spelling, spacing, and overall readability. Ask a trusted colleague to review.
CV Length Guidelines
- Early-career candidates: Aim for 1 page.
- Experienced professionals: Up to 2 pages if necessary.
Clarity and relevance are key—avoid unnecessary details.
How Often Should You Update?
Review and update your CV every 6–12 months, or whenever you achieve something significant (promotion, new skill, major project). A current CV ensures you’re always ready for new opportunities.
What’s Next?
Once your CV is complete, put it to use. Upload it to our platform so our recruitment team can review your profile and connect you with suitable opportunities. Remember: a strong CV opens the door, but how you use it determines where it takes you.