CV Writing Tips: A Guide to Crafting a Winning CV
We frequently receive requests for CV-writing advice, and the first thing to keep in mind is that you won’t create a one-size-fits-all document that will please every potential employer. When seeking your next opportunity, your CV is often the first impression an employer will have of you. Be prepared to revisit and tweak it over time.
Below, you’ll find helpful tips and FAQs on CV writing. We also have a separate document detailing CV structure. Keep in mind that this advice is based on years of experience in recruitment and reviewing CVs—it’s a subjective topic with many varying opinions.
The Golden Rule!
Think of your CV as a product or service you’re offering to a customer. Imagine a client gives you a list of specific requirements and asks for a product that meets those needs. The best approach is to offer something that aligns with the customer’s expectations. If you can’t meet all the requirements, aim to offer the closest match, or negotiate the specifications until you can deliver a solution.
Your CV should be no different.
A job listing often includes key skills, knowledge and experience the ideal candidate must possess. When applying, highlight your most relevant skills, knowledge and experience that directly align with these criteria. In short, if the employer can’t see a clear match between your experience and their needs, you haven’t provided a “product that meets the need.”
Who Will Read My CV?
It’s worth noting that the first person to review your CV might not always be the hiring manager. They could be someone with less technical expertise, just following a process. Keep this in mind when writing your CV and avoid using jargon that might not be understood by someone without specialised knowledge.
How Long Should My CV Be?
A frequently asked question! Our golden rule is to keep your CV to 2-3 pages of clear, readable text—nothing that requires a magnifying glass to decipher (11-point font is ideal).
Remember, you may need to tailor your CV for different roles, emphasising certain experiences over others. Also, don’t focus too much on outdated positions (e.g., that job from 1986 probably won’t make or break your application). Focus on your most relevant and recent experiences.
What If I Have Too Much Experience or Too Many Skills for Just 2-3 Pages?
It’s surprising how often people face this challenge. However, remember that CVs longer than 2-3 pages are rare (thankfully!). Consider the person who will read your CV, possibly facing a pile of documents to sift through. Overly long CVs can turn readers off. Be concise, clear and avoid using your CV as a substitute for impressing the hiring manager during the interview. The interview is your chance to showcase your experience, not your CV.
What About a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a great way to show your interest in the role or company but be cautious about using generic, “one-size-fits-all” language. Make it personal and relevant. Rather than just saying you’re “keen” on the job, explain why the role and the company interest you specifically. Keep your letter brief, factual and engaging. It should support your CV and help form the initial impression you want the reader to have.
Don’t Make the Reader Work Hard!
Some people like to get creative with spreadsheets, funky fonts or images in their CV. While creativity may have its place in some industries, in most cases, the reader is busy and the hiring process is just one part of their job. Avoid cluttering your CV with unnecessary distractions.
The CV should be clear, concise, well-organised and easy to read. Avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information—stick to the facts, present a clear timeline of your career and explain gaps or brief employment periods. Choose a simple, readable font like Arial, Calibri or Aptos to make your CV easy on the eyes.
The more effort the reader has to put into extracting the information they need, the less appealing your CV will be. Don’t be the applicant whose CV gets ignored or discarded early. This happens more often than you think!
A Note on Social Media: Your CV may be the first impression a potential employer gets of you but remember that it’s easy for them to find more information about you online. Be mindful of how you present yourself on social media. A quick search can reveal much about you and opinions—both good and bad—can be formed based on what’s publicly visible.
Professional platforms like LinkedIn and Xing are commonly used in recruitment but don’t forget about platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. Think about what you post, comment on or share on these sites as it could influence an employer’s perception of you.
