I frequently get asked for CV and resume advice. So, I’ve compiled my personal checklist for creating a CV that gets noticed. These are the principles I follow, and I hope they help you too.

Key Principles for a Winning CV:

• Tailor it: Your CV should be customized for every position you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific job description. Don’t just send a generic CV.

• Focus on achievements: Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Instead of saying “Managed social media,” say “Increased social media engagement by 25% in six months, resulting in a 10% increase in lead generation.” Use action verbs and numbers to showcase your impact.

• Keep it recent: Information older than 10 years is usually less relevant. Focus on your most recent and impactful experiences.

• One-page CV preferred: For most roles, a one-page CV is ideal. Recruiters often have limited time, so brevity is key. If you find yourself needing more space, consider a resume (which can be longer) for roles where more detail is expected.

• Ditch the objective: Objective statements are generally outdated and don’t add much value. Instead, use a concise and compelling professional summary that highlights your key skills and career goals.

• No articles or fluff: Avoid unnecessary words like “a,” “an,” and “the.” Every word should count. Focus on clear, concise language that gets straight to the point.

• Make the recruiter’s job easy: Present information in a clear, well-organized, and easy-to-read format. Use headings, bullet points, and white space to improve readability. The easier it is for a recruiter to find the information they need, the better your chances.

• Be honest: Integrity is paramount. Never exaggerate or lie on your CV or during an interview. It’s better to be upfront about your skills and experience. Interviewers are often skilled at detecting dishonesty.

Helpful Resources

Free CV Reviews

• Telegram Resume Review
• Resume Worded

How-To Guides

• CareerCup Resume Advice
• Resume Checklist (and What NOT to Do)

CV Templates (LaTeX)

• LaTeX Resume Generator
• Overleaf Adaptive CV Template 1
• Overleaf Adaptive CV Template 2 (Duplicate link – consider replacing with a different template)

CV Template (Google Docs)

• Google Docs CV Template

Action Verbs

• Action Verbs List

Example One-Pager CV

• One Pager

Remember, your CV is your first impression. Make it count!