Your CV has one job: to earn you an interview. Recruiters and hiring managers often spend less than a minute on a first pass, so every section needs to work hard. Here’s how to make sure yours does.

Lead With a Strong Professional Summary

Skip the outdated “objective” statement. Instead, open with a three- to four-line professional summary that states who you are, your years of experience, your key strengths, and the value you bring. Think of it as your elevator pitch in writing.

**Example:** ”

Results-driven marketing coordinator with 4+ years’ experience delivering multi-channel campaigns for FMCG brands. Skilled in content strategy, stakeholder management, and data-led decision making. Proven track record of growing engagement and driving measurable revenue impact.”

Tailor Your CV to Every Role

Generic CVs get generic results. Before you apply, read the job description carefully and mirror the language it uses for key skills and responsibilities. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for keywords before a human ever sees your application — if your CV doesn’t reflect the terminology in the ad, it may never reach a recruiter’s desk.

Quantify Your Achievements

“Responsible for managing a team” tells a hiring manager very little. “Led a team of 6 to deliver a 20% increase in quarterly sales” tells them exactly what you can do. Wherever possible, attach numbers to your accomplishments — revenue, percentages, time saved, team size, budget managed.

Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties

List what you *achieved* in each role, not just what you were responsible for. Use action verbs (led, delivered, improved, streamlined, launched) and structure bullet points around outcomes rather than task lists.

Keep the Format Clean and Scannable

– Stick to two pages maximum for most roles
– Use a simple, consistent font and clear headings
– Avoid photos, graphics, or unusual layouts unless you’re in a creative field — these can confuse ATS software
– Save and send as a PDF unless the employer specifically requests another format

Don’t Forget the Basics

Proofread relentlessly. A single typo can undermine an otherwise excellent application, particularly for roles that require attention to detail. Read your CV aloud, then ask someone else to review it with fresh eyes.

Final Tip

Your CV doesn’t need to tell your entire career story — it needs to tell the *relevant* parts of it, clearly and confidently. If you’re between roles or preparing for your next move, a recruiter can help you identify which achievements will resonate most with the employers you’re targeting.