CV Tips & Best Practices
Expert advice to help your CV stand out and land more interviews. Follow these proven strategies to make a lasting impression.
Tailor Your CV for Each Job
Customize your CV for each application. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific job description. Use keywords from the job posting to pass ATS filters.
Do This
- •Match your skills to job requirements
- •Use industry-specific keywords
- •Highlight relevant achievements
Avoid This
- •Send the same generic CV everywhere
- •Include irrelevant work experience
- •Ignore the job description
Keep It Concise and Scannable
Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning a CV. Make every word count. Use clear headings, bullet points, and white space to improve readability.
Do This
- •Keep it to 1-2 pages maximum
- •Use bullet points for achievements
- •Include clear section headings
Avoid This
- •Write long paragraphs
- •Use tiny fonts to fit more content
- •Clutter the layout with graphics
Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers speak louder than words. Instead of vague descriptions, use specific metrics to demonstrate your impact. This makes your accomplishments concrete and memorable.
Do This
- •"Increased sales by 35% in Q3"
- •"Managed a team of 12 developers"
- •"Reduced costs by $50K annually"
Avoid This
- •"Responsible for sales"
- •"Worked with a team"
- •"Helped reduce costs"
Optimize for ATS Systems
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter CVs before human review. Use standard section headings, avoid tables and graphics, and include relevant keywords.
Do This
- •Use standard headings like "Experience"
- •Save as PDF or DOCX format
- •Include keywords from job posting
Avoid This
- •Use creative section names
- •Embed text in images
- •Use headers/footers for key info
Quick Tips Checklist
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