Creating a strong CV or resume is one of the most important steps in a job search. It introduces you to potential employers, highlights your experience, and shows why you’re a good fit for the role. This guide covers all aspects of building a strong CV or resume. You will learn how to structure it, what content to include, and how to tailor it for different jobs.
You may also like:
Understand the Difference Between a CV and a Resume
The terms CV and resume are often used interchangeably but they serve different purposes.
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a detailed summary of your academic background, research, publications, and teaching experience. It is commonly used in academia, medicine, and international job markets outside North America.
A resume is a shorter document focused on work history, skills, and qualifications relevant to the job applied for. Employers in the United States and Canada typically expect a resume for most non-academic roles.
Choose the Right Format
There are three main types of resume formats:
- Chronological: This format lists your work history in reverse order, starting with your current or most recent job. It works well if you have a steady employment record and want to highlight career progression.
- Functional: This format focuses on skills and abilities rather than work history. It suits candidates changing careers, re-entering the workforce, or those with limited job experience.
- Combination: As the name suggests, this format blends both chronological and functional elements. Use it when you want to emphasize specific skills while still showing your employment timeline.
Select the format that best highlights your strengths based on your background and the job you seek.
Check this: Most Popular Resume Templates (30 Best Resumes)
Start with Contact Information
At the top of your CV or resume, include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- LinkedIn profile (optional but helpful)
- Location (city and state or country)
Do not include sensitive personal details like your age, marital status, or photograph unless the job posting requests it.
Write a Strong Summary or Objective
Write a short paragraph summarizing your experience, key skills, and career goals. Keep it between three to five lines.
Use a professional summary if you have several years of experience. For example:
“Marketing professional with seven years of experience managing digital campaigns across multiple industries.”
Use an objective if you are new to the field or changing careers:
“Recent graduate seeking an entry-level role in web development to apply technical knowledge and grow within a creative team.”
Avoid generic phrases like “seeking a challenging opportunity.” Be specific about your value.
Keep this section short—two or three lines.
Check this: 20 Modern CV / Resume Templates and Cover Letter
Highlight Your Work Experience
This is the most important section for most applicants. Include:
- Job title
- Company name and location
- Employment dates (month and year)
- Key responsibilities and achievements
Use bullet points to describe your duties. Start each bullet with an action verb (e.g., managed, led, created, improved). Focus on results where possible. For example:
- Managed a team of 5 to launch a new product line
- Increased website traffic by 30% through SEO strategies
List your most recent job first and work backward.
Include Your Education
List your degrees in reverse order:
- Degree name
- Institution name
- Graduation year
- Honors or GPA (if recent and relevant)
If you have certifications or courses that relate to the job, list them here or in a separate section.
Check this: 50 Best Minimal Resume Templates
Showcase Your Skills
Include a list of skills that match the job description. Use bullet points and keep the list focused. Examples:
- Project management
- Adobe Photoshop
- Data analysis
- Python programming
- Customer service
Be honest. Only list skills you are confident using.
Add Certifications or Training
This section adds value to your CV or resume. Include:
- Certification name
- Issuing organization
- Date received or expiration date if relevant
Relevant training can show your willingness to learn and grow in your field.
Use Keywords from the Job Description
Many employers use software to scan resumes. To improve your chances, use keywords from the job posting. Look at the requirements and duties in the ad. Add matching terms to your experience, skills, and summary sections.
Do not copy the posting word for word. Use similar terms naturally.
Check this: 25 Best Minimalism Resume Templates
Keep the Design Clean and Simple
Use a clear font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Font size should be 10 to 12 points. Use bold for section headings. Leave plenty of white space. Avoid graphics, tables, and colors unless you’re in a creative field.
Save your file as a PDF unless the job posting asks for a different format.
Customize Your Content for Each Job
One-size-fits-all resumes rarely work. Tailor your document to match the job description.
Read the job posting carefully. Identify keywords and required qualifications. Adjust your bullet points and summary to reflect those needs.
For example, if a job emphasizes project management, highlight past roles where you led teams or delivered results on time.
Customization shows employers you understand their needs and align with the role.
Use Action Verbs and Measurable Results
Action verbs create impact. Replace passive language with strong words that demonstrate initiative and achievement.
Instead of writing “Was responsible for handling customer complaints,” say “Resolved 20+ customer inquiries daily, improving satisfaction scores by 30%.”
Quantifiable results make your contributions clear. Whenever possible, use numbers, percentages, or time frames to show outcomes.
Check this: 50+ Best CV Resume Templates
Include Volunteer Work (If Relevant)
If you’ve done unpaid work that builds useful skills, include it. Use the same format as job experience. This is helpful if you have limited work history.
Example:
- Volunteer Tutor, Local Literacy Program (2022–2026)
- Helped adults improve reading and writing skills
Check Grammar and Spelling
Read through your resume carefully. Use tools like spellcheck, but also read it yourself or ask someone else to review it. Typos and grammar mistakes can give a bad impression.
Keep your language simple. Avoid jargon unless it’s common in your field.
Use Action Words
Start bullet points with action verbs to show what you did. Examples:
- Led
- Built
- Designed
- Trained
- Launched
- Solved
- Delivered
These make your resume more direct and easier to read.
Don’t Include Unnecessary Information
Leave out:
- Hobbies (unless relevant)
- References (say “Available on request” if needed)
- Salary expectations
- Full address
Focus only on what helps you get the job.
Consider Design and Readability
While creativity matters in some fields, clarity comes first. Stick to simple layouts with enough white space.
Choose fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in sizes 10–12. Avoid decorative styles or excessive colors.
Use bold and italics sparingly to highlight headings and job titles. Maintain consistency in styling.
Avoid graphics, photos, or icons unless required. Many applicant tracking systems struggle with complex designs.
Check this: 26 Clean and Minimal Resume Templates
Save and Submit Correctly
Save your file in PDF format unless otherwise specified. This preserves formatting across devices.
Name your file clearly. Include your name and the word resume or CV. For example: “JohnDoe_Resume.pdf”
Follow submission instructions exactly. Some employers request specific formats or file types.
Double-check attachments before sending emails or completing online applications.
Update Regularly
Maintain your CV or resume even when not actively looking for jobs. Add new skills, promotions, or training regularly.
Set reminders every few months to review and update your document. Keeping it current ensures you’re ready when opportunities arise.
Sample CV/Resume Layout
Name
Phone | Email | LinkedIn
Professional Summary
One to three sentences summarizing your background.
Work Experience
Job Title – Company, Location – Dates
- Responsibility or achievement
- Responsibility or achievement
Education
Degree – Institution – Year
Skills
Certifications
Certification – Issuer – Year
Volunteer Experience (if any)
Role – Organization – Dates
Check this: New Professional CV / Resume Templates with Cover Letter
Final Thoughts
Creating a professional CV or resume takes effort but pays off in job search success. Focus on clear presentation, relevant details, and tailored content.
Use this guide to build a document that reflects your strengths and matches employer expectations. With practice and regular updates, your resume becomes a powerful tool in your career journey.
Remember, your goal is not just to list experience but to tell a story of your professional growth. Make sure each section supports that narrative clearly and confidently.
(Visited 52 times, 8 visits today)